分类： society

In a renewed push for justice, prominent attorney Prakash Ramadhar has issued a firm demand for financial compensation from both Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd and LMCS Ltd to the families of four divers who tragically perished in a 2022 underwater pipeline incident. During a press briefing in Curepe on January 24th, flanked by associates Saira Lakhan, Ved Trebouhansingh, and Shane Sinanan, Ramadhar emphasized that legal action would be imminent if the companies continued to deny liability.

This development follows closely after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed $1 million ex-gratia payments to Christopher Boodram, the sole survivor of the catastrophe, and to the families of two deceased divers, Rishi Nagessar and Fyzal Kurban. The tragic event occurred on February 25, 2022, when the five LMCS-employed divers were performing maintenance on a 30-inch pipeline at Berth 6 in Pointe-a-Pierre. They were catastrophically sucked into the line by a powerful differential pressure event, known as Delta P.

A recent Commission of Enquiry report, tabled in Parliament on January 19, 2024, recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions consider corporate manslaughter charges against Paria. The report also cited evidence to prosecute Paria manager Colin Piper and LMCS head Kazim Ali Snr—father of one of the victims—for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

While expressing gratitude for the government’s compensatory gesture, Ramadhar asserted it was insufficient and that the primary responsibility rests with the involved corporations. He revealed that pre-action letters had been repeatedly sent to both companies, whose legal representatives have consistently denied liability, even post-enquiry. To avoid a protracted legal battle that could span years through appeals, Ramadhar has proposed an out-of-court settlement of $5 million for each affected family. He contextualized this figure by comparing it to the multi-million dollar legal fees generated by the enquiry itself.

Highlighting the profound ongoing hardships faced by the families, Ramadhar detailed the case of the Kurban family. The victim’s daughter is accruing significant debt for her education in Canada, while her brothers in Trinidad struggle to find work due to community associations with the disaster. Similarly, distribution of the government’s payment to the family of Yusuf Henry is delayed due to unresolved beneficiary issues among his children from different relationships.

Concluding his appeal, Ramadhar stated his team would dispatch further correspondence to Paria and LMCS, urging a swift and fair settlement to alleviate the families’ burdens without relying solely on state resources, noting that Paria, as a state enterprise, possesses substantial assets exceeding US$1 billion.

The Central Statistical Office (CSO) under Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs, and Development has initiated a comprehensive nationwide Geospatial Data Update Exercise (GDUE) starting January 26. This ambitious digital mapping project represents a fundamental modernization of the country’s census preparation methodology, transitioning from traditional paper-based systems to fully digitized data collection protocols.

Trained field personnel equipped with digital technology are deploying across targeted communities in Trinidad, including Champs Fleurs, Manzanilla, and Kelly Village, to gather precise geo-located information on all structures, households, commercial establishments, institutions, and agricultural holdings. Tobago will commence fieldwork operations at a subsequent scheduled date.

This technological advancement serves as the foundational pillar for the CSO’s innovative bimodal digital census strategy. The initial phase will enable Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) capabilities, permitting citizens to complete census questionnaires online via personal devices at their convenience. Subsequently, the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) methodology will deploy field enumerators to assist those requiring in-person support, with all data securely captured through tablet devices.

Approximately 120 rigorously trained enumerators and supervisors, identifiable through official CSO-issued identification badges and branded high-visibility vests, will conduct the exercise with strict adherence to ethical data collection standards. The ministry emphasizes that safeguarding public trust and security remains paramount throughout the process.

Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh endorsed the initiative, highlighting its critical role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development. The CSO has encouraged full public cooperation in selected communities, noting that the collected data will directly inform the upcoming Population and Housing Census and shape future developmental planning. Verification channels including telephone (226-0180) and WhatsApp (252-9899) have been established for citizen inquiries.

In a powerful embodiment of Michelle Obama’s assertion that “women and girls can do whatever they want,” Trinidadian visionary Wendy Lewis has crafted a multidimensional career that defies conventional categorization. At 54, this San Fernando native has merged three decades of expertise across media, entertainment, and social advocacy into a transformative force for Caribbean women.

Lewis’s professional tapestry spans remarkable breadth: an internationally recognized keynote speaker, broadcast professional, and leadership strategist who simultaneously operates as CEO of Khalabash Productions, founder of TT Corporate Training Academy (the Caribbean’s first protocol school), certified counselor, ordained minister, and published author. Her broadcast legacy includes hosting acclaimed programs like “D Khalabash Corner,” “Straight Talk with Wendy,” and “A Woman’s Worth.”

Her groundbreaking achievements include a historic 2001 victory as the first woman to claim the UK Calypso Monarch title—a triumph she successfully defended the following year. This musical prowess complements her status as the region’s longest-serving female artist manager, currently guiding careers of soca artist Roger George and Bollywood vocalist Anuradha Hansraj.

Beyond entertainment, Lewis wields significant influence as Chair and Regional President of Caribbean Women Honors & Empowerment’s Trinidad chapter. Since 2019, she has spearheaded initiatives combating gender-based violence while creating safe spaces for men’s mental health through the “Men We Are Here For You” program. Her 2024 islandwide period poverty campaign addressed menstrual health and youth empowerment through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

Lewis attributes her multifaceted success to spiritual grounding, intentional relationship-building, and refined discernment. “My inner circle became more refined, my purpose grew clearer, bringing greater peace, alignment and fulfillment,” she reflects regarding her ability to balance numerous roles.

Future endeavors include executing “A Woman’s Worth – The Conference,” multiple book releases, and undisclosed projects. Her advice to women navigating multiple roles emphasizes self-prioritization: “Put God first, then yourself, and then anyone or anything else. Give yourself permission to pace your life in seasons and redefine success on your own terms.”