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The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has unveiled an ambitious ‘Revitalisation Blueprint’ aimed at transforming the nation’s historic prison facilities into vibrant cultural, economic, and residential spaces. The plan, launched on November 6, was presented to private sector representatives and diplomats at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, signaling a call for both local and foreign investment.

Central to the initiative is the consolidation of all prisoners and select justice facilities into a state-of-the-art 500-acre Tamana Prison Campus, designed to house 6,000 inmates. This move is projected to save the State $60 million annually. The campus will feature a youth/juvenile detention center, agricultural facilities, training programs, and maximum-security units, all focused on education, reform, and reintegration. According to the TT Global Hub website, the project reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a fairer, more compassionate society.

Under the plan, the historic Carrera Prison Island will be redeveloped into a 75-room luxury resort, while the Port of Spain Prison will be transformed into an exhibition and event hall named ‘Dem Boyz Jail,’ inspired by the lyrics of the Mighty Shadow. The facility will include classrooms for artist education and workshops. The land currently occupied by the Golden Grove Prison will be repurposed for housing developments, featuring single-family homes, high-rise apartments, and townhouses.

In addition to these transformations, the government proposed the creation of a National Security Complex in Mt Hope to centralize national security operations. A South West Security Hub in Cedros will house the Coast Guard, Customs, and Immigration teams, with upgrades planned for the Coast Guard’s Staubles Bay and Teteron Barracks. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described the initiative as a ‘bold modernization agenda’ essential for national security and economic growth. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander also emphasized efforts to strengthen the TT Police Service by filling vacancies to combat crime effectively.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, a beacon of hope emerges from Trinidad. Under the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family,’ a major fundraising concert is set to take place on November 8 at the Divali Nagar outdoor auditorium in Chaguanas. This event, a collaborative effort between five organizations from Trinidad and Jamaica, aims to support relief and rebuilding efforts in the hurricane-ravaged nation. The concert will showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s top East Indian performers, all volunteering their talents for an evening dedicated to unity, love, and humanitarianism. The driving force behind this initiative is Ravi Rambarran, a Trinidad-born, Jamaica-based philanthropist and retired CEO of Sagicor Southern Caribbean, who has called Jamaica home for the past 29 years. Rambarran, deeply moved by the devastation caused by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, quickly rallied support from partners in both countries. The event marks a historic first, with five organizations uniting across borders for a single humanitarian cause. The concert will feature performances by renowned artists and dance troupes, supported by digital innovations like WiPay, a Trinidadian-built platform enabling global donations. Rambarran and Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, emphasize the importance of Caribbean solidarity, urging citizens to contribute to this noble cause. Tickets are available online, and the concert will be streamed live, offering a global audience the chance to participate in this act of compassion and unity.

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is embroiled in a legal controversy after its legal department admitted to misrepresentations in court regarding the existence of key policy documents. The case stems from a dispute with Dr. Fayard Mohammed, who challenged T&TEC’s installation of high-tension power lines on his private property without disclosing the governing policy. T&TEC’s legal officer, Candace Price, filed an affidavit on October 30, acknowledging that previous statements to the court about the non-existence of these documents were inaccurate. Price emphasized that the commission deeply regretted the misstatement and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The disclosure of the policy was made on October 24, following a court order by Justice Frank Seepersad, who ruled that T&TEC had breached its statutory obligations under the FOIA by failing to respond to Mohammed’s September 26, 2024, request. Seepersad expressed concern over the implications of the misrepresentation and the delay in providing the policy, questioning why it was not available during earlier hearings. Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, now leading T&TEC’s legal team, admitted to a “changing of the guards” within the commission’s legal department and pledged to uncover the truth. Seepersad dismissed T&TEC’s arguments that its refusal was justified under the sub judice rule or to prevent a “fishing expedition,” calling them “devoid of merit.” He ruled that T&TEC’s delay violated multiple sections of the FOIA and undermined public trust. The judge awarded costs to Mohammed and stressed that FOIA applications are essential for citizens to access public information, not mere litigation tactics. The case has been adjourned to November 24 for further proceedings.

As the fifth anniversary of Daiyke “Meera” Mongroo’s tragic murder approaches on November 11, her family continues to seek justice and closure. The 75-year-old grandmother was found brutally murdered in her home at Papourie Road, Diamond Village, San Fernando, on November 11, 2020. Her husband, Ramjewan Mongroo, discovered her lifeless body upon returning from errands. An autopsy revealed she had been beaten, bound, and strangled. Relatives remember her as a caring, loving, and humorous woman who was full of life. Despite ongoing investigations by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, no arrests have been made. The family remains hopeful for justice, but the wait has been agonizing. Adding to their grief, the widower’s brother and sister-in-law passed away earlier this year within a month of each other due to natural causes. The family continues to support one another, clinging to hope and prayers for a resolution.