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  • Consultancy payments: Duke, Jack, Dass deals revealed

    Consultancy payments: Duke, Jack, Dass deals revealed

    A series of lucrative consultancy agreements within Trinidad and Tobago’s state energy sector have drawn attention following revelations of substantial payments to individuals with political connections. Documents obtained by media outlets reveal three high-profile contracts totaling millions in public funds.

    Watson Duke, former Public Services Association head turned politician, secured a $40,000 monthly consultancy with The National Gas Company (NGC) commencing December 2025. The one-year contract tasks Duke with streamlining workforce rationalization, organizational restructuring, and providing strategic human resources guidance. His qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations from The University of the West Indies.

    Simultaneously, former Tobago House of Assembly finance secretary Joel Jack was engaged by Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL) as a Consultant Specialist Adviser at $70,000 monthly from November 2024. Jack’s comprehensive mandate includes reviewing TPHL’s operational framework, evaluating asset monetization opportunities, and overseeing the winding up of former state oil company Petrotrin. His appointment came shortly before President Christine Kangaloo named him to the Central Bank board in September 2024.

    Most notably, former news anchor and senior political adviser Shelly Dass—spouse of former PNM minister Brian Manning—received multiple contract extensions from the National Energy Corporation totaling TT$1.7 million. Initially hired in December 2021 at US$125 hourly with guaranteed minimum monthly hours, her consultancy was repeatedly extended through May 2025. Her role expanded significantly to include diplomatic engagement with government officials in Trinidad and Suriname, with guaranteed monthly hours increasing from 40 to 58 during the contract period.

    When contacted for comment, Dass confirmed her consultancy underwent “an intense independent vetting process” and referenced her “background in international work.” Neither Duke nor Jack responded to requests for comment regarding their appointments.

    The contracts reveal pattern of substantial expenditures on external consultants within the state energy sector, raising questions about procurement processes and the allocation of public resources to individuals with political affiliations.

  • Burkie’s son, 2 others shot dead

    Burkie’s son, 2 others shot dead

    A pre-dawn shooting in Penal has left three young men dead, including the 17-year-old son of deceased Port of Spain businessman Cedric “Burkie” Burke. The victims—Jordan Cudjoe Burke, Ishmael Matthews (22), and Roberto Samuel Carlos (21)—were discovered in a blood-soaked bedroom of a ground-floor apartment on the Burke family property around 2:56 a.m. Tuesday.

    According to police reports, the scene revealed a brutal execution-style killing with ten spent nine-millimeter shells and twelve live rounds recovered near the bodies. Burke was found leaning against a bed base, Matthews lay on his back on the floor, and Carlos was positioned beneath the bed.

    The tragedy has left families grappling for answers. A relative of Burke, who requested anonymity, recounted receiving a frantic call from Burke’s girlfriend screaming “Come fast, they shooting up the place.” She dismissed speculation that Burke was targeted because of his father’s notorious reputation, noting that other children from the family live normal lives without incident.

    Burke, a Form Five student at St. Benedict’s College preparing for CSEC examinations, had recently faced legal troubles involving counterfeit money charges. His mother has been incarcerated since November on firearm possession allegations, leaving the teenager to reside with his grandmother.

    At Matthews’ home, aunt Marinda Yearwood described the three victims as “the three Musketeers—always together.” She revealed Matthews was an academically gifted student who had earned nine subjects with distinction at Shiva Boys’ College but struggled to find steady employment despite numerous applications.

    Yearwood expressed frustration about rampant youth unemployment and lack of opportunities, stating “The Government is not giving enough opportunities for youths coming off the block.” She acknowledged hearing rumors about the victims “doing mischief by some people” but emphasized that nothing warranted execution.

    Homicide Bureau detectives from Region Three are actively investigating and have appealed for information through emergency hotlines and Crime Stoppers. The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and socioeconomic challenges in Trinidadian communities.

  • Kamla ‘unbothered’

    Kamla ‘unbothered’

    In a striking display of political composure, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly declared her indifference toward derogatory comments made by opposition leader Keith Rowley. The former prime minister had repeatedly used the term “jamette”—a historically derogatory term referring to women of low social standing—during a March 17 press conference to dismiss Persad-Bissessar’s allegations about drug money financing the opposition party’s headquarters.

    Speaking to TV6 News, Persad-Bissessar stated: “While it might appear superficially that I remain unbothered when Rowley and PNM affiliates direct such vulgar remarks toward me, the profound truth remains that internally, I am profoundly, thoroughly unbothered.” She confirmed she would not pursue legal action against Rowley or media outlets that broadcast his comments.

    The incident has triggered significant institutional response, with the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) formally notifying Guardian Media Ltd about potential regulatory violations. In a March 20 correspondence, TATT referenced Section D9 of broadcasting licenses, which prohibits content that “degrades or portrays in a negative manner any person or group by reason of race, origin, class, religion or sex.”

    Rowley has intensified his stance despite mounting criticism, questioning TATT’s intervention as potentially infringing upon media freedom. He asserted his intention to continue publicly responding to parliamentary attacks, framing the regulatory scrutiny as a threat to democratic discourse. The confrontation highlights deepening political divisions and evolving debates about acceptable speech, gender politics, and regulatory oversight in Trinidad and Tobago’s media landscape.

  • P/Town sisters missing

    P/Town sisters missing

    A concerned relative of two missing teenage sisters from Princes Town is urging the government to implement stringent restrictions on minors’ access to social media platforms, citing grave dangers posed by unsupervised online activity. The appeal follows the disappearance of Celina Balliram, 15, and her sister Alena Baksh, 12, from their grandmother’s home in St. Croix last Friday.

    The girls were last observed around 8:45 a.m. departing to purchase doubles from a local vendor. After their failure to return nearly two hours later, family members alerted authorities. Police descriptions detail Celina as 4’5″ with brown complexion, medium build, long black hair, brown eyes, and last seen in a blue short dress with black netting. Alena is described as 5′ tall with light brown complexion, slim build, long black hair, grey eyes, and was wearing a white crop top with a black short skirt.

    In an anonymous telephone interview, the relative expressed conviction that the sisters were deliberately targeted by older males through their active Instagram profiles. ‘The Government should impose a complete ban on social media for children,’ she asserted. ‘They are exposed to predatory individuals who conceal their identities behind false profiles. These platforms enable adults to systematically target vulnerable youth.’

    The relative revealed this marks the third disappearance incident for Celina, each spanning approximately two months, though notably the first for Alena. Despite attempted communication via WhatsApp, the sisters reportedly responded with hostility before blocking family contacts. Their father’s recent imprisonment for robbery and their mother’s inability to provide care have compounded familial challenges, leaving the grandmother to manage the household while simultaneously caring for her bedridden daughter and the sisters’ younger siblings, aged five and eight.

    Neither sister has attended school since Carnival period. Celina was enrolled in Form Two at Princes Town West Secondary School, while Alena attended Standard Four at St. Stephen’s Anglican Primary School. The relative emphasized the grandmother’s overwhelmed circumstances and appealed directly for the sisters’ safe return.

  • US TROOPS LEAVE

    US TROOPS LEAVE

    A contingent of 108 United States military personnel formally concluded their four-month security deployment in Tobago yesterday morning, departing from ANR Robinson International Airport aboard an Atlas Air aircraft. The departure marks the end of a controversial security cooperation initiative between the US and Trinidad and Tobago governments that began in November last year.

    The exit follows last week’s dismantling of the advanced Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system that had been operational since late November. Military personnel departed in full uniform, with some offering farewell gestures as they boarded the aircraft.

    Defence Minister Wayne Sturge expressed gratitude for the cooperation, stating, “We are thankful for their assistance and support and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

    However, the presence of foreign troops sparked significant political opposition in Tobago. Ancil Dennis, political leader of the Tobago Council of the People’s National Movement, accused the government of misleading citizens about the mission’s true nature and potentially exposing the nation to security risks. “The fact that it has been removed already shows us clearly that we were lied to and misled and our lives were placed at risk,” Dennis asserted.

    Dennis further contextualized the deployment within regional geopolitics, noting Trinidad and Tobago’s fortunate avoidance of potential conflict spillover from neighboring Venezuela. He emphasized the nation’s narrow escape from becoming entangled in international military tensions similar to current Middle East conflicts.

    Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus of the Innovative Democratic Alliance welcomed the departure as “a great relief” and closure to a concerning chapter in Tobago’s history. While acknowledging some minimal economic benefits through troop spending at local businesses, she emphasized the importance of stabilizing Tobago’s tourism industry, which continues to face challenges due to ongoing travel advisories from the US Embassy.

    The logistical withdrawal process commenced last Tuesday when US military aircraft GROG71 arrived to transport the dismantled radar system off the island, setting the stage for yesterday’s final troop departure.

  • ABHTA Wraps Up Conflict Management Course for Tourism Professionals

    ABHTA Wraps Up Conflict Management Course for Tourism Professionals

    The hospitality sector in Antigua & Barbuda has taken a significant step toward enhancing professional standards with the successful completion of an intensive conflict management program. Orchestrated by the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), the four-week curriculum was meticulously designed to arm tourism professionals with advanced tools for effective workplace dispute resolution.

    Under the expert guidance of facilitator Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, the program blended dynamic online learning with practical application. Participants engaged in a series of interactive digital sessions featuring collaborative group assignments, in-depth discussions, and scenario-based exercises aimed at simulating real-world challenges.

    The educational journey reached its pinnacle during a concluding in-person symposium held at the Trade Winds Hotel Conference Centre. Here, attendees delivered innovative presentations that creatively articulated practical methodologies for de-escalating tensions and fostering harmonious work environments.

    In a formal ceremony, the ABHTA conferred certificates upon all graduates, formally acknowledging their dedication to leadership excellence, collaborative teamwork, and continual professional advancement. Attendees universally praised the course as a career-transformative experience, reporting substantial gains in communicative clarity, emotional intelligence, and analytical problem-solving capabilities—all immediately applicable skills set to elevate service quality.

    This initiative underscores the ABHTA’s ongoing commitment to investing in human capital development. Through such targeted training programs, the association aims to fortify the nation’s tourism workforce, ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest experiences and reinforcing the industry’s foundational role in the national economy.

  • The Guild of Students at UWI Five Islands: Championing Our Green Spaces

    The Guild of Students at UWI Five Islands: Championing Our Green Spaces

    The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has embarked on an ambitious environmental stewardship program spearheaded by its Guild of Students. This initiative, centered around strategic tree planting, represents a profound commitment to ecological preservation and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean region.

    Under the leadership of Guild President Kerron McKenzie, the project transcends mere environmental symbolism, serving as a tangible demonstration of youth-led climate action. McKenzie emphasized the initiative’s deeper significance, stating that preserving green spaces constitutes both an environmental responsibility and an intergenerational duty. The program directly aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15, addressing climate action and terrestrial ecosystem conservation.

    The operational success of the endeavor was orchestrated by Project Manager Tanisha Phillips, who articulated the project’s multifaceted benefits. “Our tree planting initiative contributes to improved air quality, enhanced biodiversity, and the creation of more sustainable communal spaces,” Phillips noted. “This represents more than environmental activism—it embodies our commitment to long-term ecological responsibility.”

    Complementing these efforts, Policy Officer Joshua Blenman provided strategic direction, ensuring alignment between student-led activities and broader regional environmental priorities. This collaborative approach has established a framework for future sustainability projects that integrate academic excellence with practical environmental leadership.

    The initiative underscores the critical importance of localized environmental actions in small island developing states, where climate change impacts remain particularly acute. By combining immediate action with long-term vision, the UWI Five Islands campus demonstrates how educational institutions can serve as catalysts for sustainable development and environmental resilience throughout the Caribbean community.

  • ABCAS Performing Arts Students Merge Creativity And Entrepreneurship In “Roots & Rhythm” Showcase

    ABCAS Performing Arts Students Merge Creativity And Entrepreneurship In “Roots & Rhythm” Showcase

    Students from the ABCAS (Academy for Business and Creative Arts Studies) Performing Arts program are redefining the modern artist’s journey with their groundbreaking showcase, ‘Roots & Rhythm.’ This innovative production transcends a traditional performance, serving as a dynamic fusion of creative expression and entrepreneurial strategy. The event demonstrates a forward-thinking curriculum that equips artists with the necessary tools to thrive in a competitive creative economy.

    The showcase is a carefully curated tapestry of dance, music, and theatrical pieces, each act rooted in cultural heritage while pulsating with contemporary rhythm. Beyond the footlights, the students have been instrumental in every facet of the production’s lifecycle. Their involvement extends to strategic marketing, brand development, audience engagement analytics, and financial management, transforming the stage into a real-world business incubator.

    This pedagogical approach addresses a critical gap in arts education, moving beyond pure technique to instill vital skills in self-promotion, project funding, and sustainable career building. Faculty mentors report that ‘Roots & Rhythm’ acts as a capstone experience, challenging performers to view their art as both a cultural product and a viable enterprise. The initiative has garnered significant attention from local arts advocates and business leaders, who see it as a model for nurturing the next generation of artist-entrepreneurs.

  • Yellow Fever detected in monkey in Trinidad and Tobago, health officials on alert

    Yellow Fever detected in monkey in Trinidad and Tobago, health officials on alert

    Health authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have initiated comprehensive monitoring protocols across multiple regions following the laboratory-confirmed detection of Yellow Fever in a deceased Red Howler monkey. The Ministry of Health issued an official statement confirming the diagnosis while emphasizing that no human cases have been identified within the nation’s borders.

    The discovery has triggered intensified surveillance operations and vector control measures in affected zones, with officials implementing precautionary monitoring systems. This development aligns with broader hemispheric concerns, as health agencies throughout the Caribbean and Americas have reported Yellow Fever cases in several Southern Hemisphere countries over the past year.

    In response to the potential threat, Trinidad and Tobago has implemented enhanced travel regulations requiring visitors arriving from specified destinations to provide valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificates. The viral disease, transmitted primarily through infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, finds non-human primates like the Red Howler monkey serving as critical environmental indicators for viral presence.

    Health officials note that while the primate infection doesn’t indicate immediate human transmission risk, it signals the necessity for heightened public health awareness. The ministry has issued guidelines for residents to implement protective measures against mosquito bites and eliminate potential breeding sites in residential areas. Early symptoms of Yellow Fever typically manifest within three to six days post-infection, including sudden fever onset, chills, severe headache, back pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.

  • Energie, water, obligaties: Wat zijn de doelen van Iran als Trump elektriciteitscentrales aanvalt?

    Energie, water, obligaties: Wat zijn de doelen van Iran als Trump elektriciteitscentrales aanvalt?

    In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a five-day pause in planned attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, according to his statements on Monday. This development follows Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum issued Sunday demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transit route—or face targeted strikes on Iranian power facilities.

    Trump claimed on Truth Social that Washington and Tehran had engaged in “very good and productive talks” regarding a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” adding that “this time Iran is serious; they want to settle. They want peace.” These assertions were immediately contradicted by Iranian officials, with the Tasnim news agency reporting no negotiations were occurring and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissing the claims as “fake news” designed to manipulate financial markets.

    The confrontation stems from Iran’s March 2nd announcement closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and gas passes, contributing to oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel. Trump’s Saturday threat specified that if Iran didn’t fully reopen the strait within 48 hours, the U.S. would “ATTACK AND DESTROY their various ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE LARGEST.” Potential targets include Iran’s Damavand plant near Tehran (2,900 MW capacity), Kerman plant (1,910 MW), and Ramin plant (1,890 MW).

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with counter-threats, vowing to target Israeli power plants and facilities supporting U.S. military bases in the region. The IRGC stated the strait would remain closed “until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt,” while Iranian officials clarified the passage remains open to all except “ships belonging to our enemies.”

    The situation has triggered regional energy disruptions, with QatarEnergy halting LNG production after attacks on Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities, and Saudi Arabia suspending operations at its Ras Tanura refinery following fires allegedly caused by intercepted Iranian drones. Iranian officials denied involvement in these incidents.

    Iran has expanded its potential retaliation targets to include financial entities supporting U.S. military activities, specifically mentioning U.S. Treasury bond holders. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway ($360 billion in holdings), Tether ($100 billion), and Circle—all with regional investments—could potentially be affected. The IRGC-linked Tasnim agency also listed technology firms including Google, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle as “new targets for Iran” due to their Israeli connections and military applications.

    Critical water desalination infrastructure has already been impacted, with both Iran and Bahrain reporting attacks on facilities. This is particularly significant for Gulf states which rely on desalination for 50-100% of their water needs due to extreme water scarcity.