分类： society

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) has formally requested the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to provide clarity on the implementation of a negotiated five per cent wage increase for teachers, covering the period from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2023. In a statement released on November 25 and signed by newly appointed president Crystal Ashe, TTUTA revealed that the Ministry of Education is awaiting formal instructions from the Ministry of Finance to proceed. Ashe emphasized that the association was assured processing would commence immediately upon receiving the directive. Consequently, TTUTA has also written to the Minister of Finance, demanding a clear timeline for the payments. Ashe stressed the importance of transparency and timely information for educators, vowing to advocate vigorously on their behalf. The statement referenced Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s October 13 budget presentation, where he announced the ratification of Collective Agreements signed in April 2025, which include wage increases for the Teaching Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and the Port of Spain and San Fernando City Corporations. The minister estimated the annual cost of implementing these agreements at $214 million, with arrears amounting to $730 million by December 2025. Meanwhile, conflicting reports have emerged regarding a ten per cent wage increase offer to the Public Services Association (PSA). While PSA President Felisha Thomas claimed the association received a formal offer, an unnamed source from the Chief Personnel Officer’s office stated that the letter only promised an offer subject to negotiations. Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert refrained from commenting on the situation but noted that the 2026 budget did not allocate funds for the salary increases or backpay, suggesting that a second budget for 2026 would be necessary if the payments are to be made.

The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that had dismissed disciplinary findings and lifted the suspension of Dr. Dion Koonoolal, a dentist accused of violating the Dental Council’s advertising regulations. The case has been remitted to a newly constituted appeal tribunal for a full rehearing. Justices Charmaine Pemberton, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Carla Brown-Antoine ruled that Justice Carol Gobin, acting as the appeal tribunal, failed to conduct the case as a true rehearing, as mandated by Section 37 of the Dental Profession Act and Part 60.8 of the Civil Proceedings Rules (CPR).

Justice Pemberton, who authored the unanimous judgment, stated that this procedural lapse prevented the proper examination of evidence, including cross-examination, rendering the earlier decision “plainly wrong.” She emphasized that the appeal judge did not ensure all necessary evidence was presented, relying instead on statements from counsel and personal opinions. This approach, the court found, led to factual errors and an incorrect dismissal of the Dental Council’s statutory role as the profession’s primary regulator.

The Court of Appeal underscored the importance of appellate courts respecting the expertise of professional disciplinary bodies, particularly in specialized fields. It concluded that the High Court had undermined the role Parliament intended for the Dental Council in maintaining professional standards. While Dr. Koonoolal had challenged the fairness of the disciplinary process, the court declined to rule on these issues, noting they were not properly examined during the initial appeal.

The court also clarified that the regulatory framework explicitly prohibits unauthorized advertising by dentists, subject to specific exceptions. It rejected any interpretation suggesting ambiguity in the law, stating that the policy documents complement rather than contradict the legislative provisions. The court emphasized that debates about modernizing professional codes should not interfere with judicial obligations to base decisions on evidence and legal frameworks.

The appeal was allowed, the High Court’s decision was set aside, and the case was ordered to be reheard by a different tribunal. Dr. Koonoolal was also directed to pay the Dental Council’s legal costs. The Dental Council was represented by Ian Benjamin, SC, Anil Maraj, and Nicole de Verteuil-Milne, while Dr. Koonoolal was represented by Anand Ramlogal, SC, and Jared Jagroo.

In response to a recent surge in robberies targeting public transport vehicles along the Priority Bus Route (PBR), Route Two maxi taxi drivers are optimistic about newly proposed security measures. These initiatives were developed following discussions between the Route Two Maxi Taxi Association and law enforcement officials, including the head of the transit police. The collaboration aims to address the safety concerns of both drivers and passengers. On November 19, a distressing incident occurred when five men, one armed with a knife, boarded a maxi taxi near Bon Air West. They robbed the driver of $300 and stole personal belongings from terrified passengers before escaping. Brenton Knight, president of the Route Two Maxi Taxi Association, revealed that the association is preparing to implement undisclosed security measures, emphasizing the need for careful planning. He also supported the police’s recommendation for drivers to install dash cams, which could provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Rishi Singh highlighted the potential of such footage to aid in solving crimes. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledged the challenges faced by the transit police, which he claimed had been neglected over the past nine years. Despite these issues, Alexander noted a significant reduction in robberies along the PBR, with only one reported this year compared to ten in the previous year.