分类： society

Tobago has witnessed its sixth homicide of the year 2025, marking a grim milestone for the island. The victim, identified as Ronald Butcher, was tragically shot multiple times near the Calder Hall playing field on the evening of October 28. Emergency services rushed Butcher to the Scarborough General Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Local law enforcement has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, though no suspects or motives have been disclosed at this time. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Tobago faces in addressing violent crime, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike.

The recent arrest of 19 workers at an illegal quarrying site in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, has sent shockwaves through Trinidad and Tobago’s aggregate industry. Nigel Tenia, President of the TT Aggregate Producers Alliance, expressed deep concern over the incident, warning that it could disrupt the production of essential materials for construction and road repairs. The quarry owner, Danny Guerra, was charged for operating without a license, a situation Tenia claims is widespread due to an inefficient licensing process under the Mineral Act, 2000. Tenia has urgently requested a meeting with Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal to address the issue, proposing a two- to three-year moratorium to decriminalize unlicensed operations. He emphasized the critical role of the aggregate industry in supporting construction and absorbing former Cepep and URP workers. Despite applications for processing licenses by 24 companies in March 2023, none have been issued, leaving the entire sector in legal limbo. Tenia and Ramdeo ‘Dan’ Persad, President of the Quarry Association, have called for immediate government action to reform the licensing process and ensure the industry can operate legally. The arrests have strained operators’ relationships with financiers and suppliers, while media portrayals have unfairly labeled quarry operators as criminals. Both leaders stressed the need for collaborative solutions to resolve the crisis and sustain the industry’s vital contributions to the nation’s economy.

In a significant legal development, two men from Princes Town, Eric Phillip and Paul Phillip, have successfully appealed their 14-day jail sentences for disorderly behavior and using obscene language. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justices Charmaine Pemberton and Carla Browne-Antoine, ruled on October 28 that the sentences imposed by Magistrate Lisa Singh-Phillip were excessive. The incident, which occurred on November 27, 2024, on Tarouba Link Road in San Fernando, involved a verbal altercation with police officers at the scene of a family member’s vehicle accident. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges, while their relative, who also faced charges, pleaded not guilty, with his case still pending. During the initial hearing, the men’s attorneys emphasized their clients’ good character and remorse, pleading for leniency. However, the magistrate sentenced each man to 14 days’ simple imprisonment for each offense, to be served concurrently. The men’s legal team, comprising Aaron Mahabir, Yves Jacques Nicholson, and Mathias Sylvester, argued on appeal that the custodial sentences were unduly harsh and disproportionate. The Court of Appeal agreed, stating that while the conduct was improper, it did not warrant imprisonment. The court invoked Section 149(2)(a) of the Summary Courts Act, which allows for the substitution of a more appropriate sentence. Consequently, the prison sentences were quashed, and fines of $200 were imposed for each charge, with a default term of seven days’ simple imprisonment. The attorneys also highlighted the outdated nature of laws on obscene language, describing them as relics of colonial history that suppress local cultural norms and expressions. They argued that such laws are inconsistent with modern principles of free expression and personal autonomy. The State was represented by Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal.

In a recent ruling, Justice Frank Seepersad dismissed a false imprisonment lawsuit filed by two men who claimed they were wrongfully detained by police during a 2021 robbery investigation in Maloney, Trinidad. Kenya Pitman of San Juan and Michael Joseph of Barataria argued that their four-to-five-hour detention was unjustified. However, the court found the police’s actions reasonable given the circumstances of the investigation. Justice Seepersad emphasized that the officers acted with commendable speed and diligence based on the information available at the time. While acknowledging the discomfort endured by the claimants, the judge highlighted the broader societal context of crime and the public’s expectations of law enforcement. The court ruled that the officers had “reasonable and probable cause” to detain the men and deemed the lawsuit “devoid of merit.” However, neither party was ordered to pay the other’s legal costs. The case was represented by Tricia Ramlogan for the State and Christophe Rodriguez and Randy Tikah for the claimants.