Carib Scope

博客

  • High Court Finds Hubert Elrington Breached Fiduciary Duties

    High Court Finds Hubert Elrington Breached Fiduciary Duties

    In a landmark ruling that underscores the legal profession’s accountability standards, Belize’s High Court has delivered a scathing judgment against prominent attorney Hubert E. Elrington for severe breaches of fiduciary responsibilities. Justice M. Javed Mansoor presided over the case involving the estate of the late James Lightburn, where Elrington served as executor.

    The court determined that Elrington committed grave violations in managing the estate’s affairs, particularly concerning a 562.7-acre property at Ben Lemond Cornhouse, Creek Works Area. This property was sold on June 13, 2017, for US$450,000, with the estate entitled to half of this amount (US$225,000 or BZ$450,000). Evidence presented revealed that these substantial proceeds were never properly accounted for nor deposited into the designated Scotia Bank account as explicitly required by the deceased’s will.

    The litigation was initiated by Jasmin Lightburn, the primary beneficiary designated to receive three-quarters of the estate, with the remaining quarter allocated to her late brother’s children. Despite reaching the age of majority in November 2023, Jasmin received no distribution from the estate, prompting legal action.

    Justice Mansoor’s judgment highlighted multiple failures: non-compliance with the will’s provisions, complete absence of distributions to rightful beneficiaries, and failure to file mandatory estate accounts as required by the Administration of Estates Act. The court characterized these breaches as particularly serious given Elrington’s professional standing as an attorney.

    In consequential rulings, the court ordered Elrington to: distribute all estate funds within 30 days; pay 5% annual interest on the withheld amounts dating back to June 13, 2017; submit full and accurate accounting for all relevant years; and pay $10,000 in legal costs. Significantly, the Registrar was instructed to forward the judgment to both the General Legal Council and the Bar Association for potential disciplinary proceedings.

    This case follows Elrington’s recent six-month suspension by the General Legal Council in November 2025 for grave professional misconduct in an unrelated matter, where he failed to file a client’s claim and maintain proper communication, resulting in a $6,000 restitution order.

  • UN denounces attack on Palestinian Refugees Agency

    UN denounces attack on Palestinian Refugees Agency

    Israeli military forces surrounded and subsequently demolished a United Nations facility in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, an act the head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency has condemned as an unprecedented violation of international law. According to reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the operation began with troops cordoning off the area before bulldozers moved in to dismantle the structure.

    Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), stated via social media platform X that Israeli soldiers raised their national flag within the UN compound during the operation. He characterized the demolition as a deliberate breach of international obligations that protect UN facilities from such actions.

    Lazzarini emphasized that Israel, like all UN member states, is legally bound to respect the inviolability of UN operations and property. This incident represents the latest escalation in measures taken against UNRWA, following recent Israeli decisions to shutter a health center operated by the agency and cut essential utilities including water and electricity to its facilities.

    The UN official contextualized these actions within what he described as a broader campaign of attacks and disinformation against UNRWA. He noted these measures directly contradict the International Court of Justice’s October ruling, which affirmed Israel’s obligation under international law to facilitate rather than obstruct the agency’s humanitarian operations. The court specifically reiterated that Israel holds no jurisdictional authority over East Jerusalem.

    Lazzarini issued a stark warning that today’s targeting of UNRWA establishes a dangerous precedent that could tomorrow affect any international organization or diplomatic mission, whether in occupied Palestinian territories or elsewhere globally. He called the demolition a wake-up call for the international community regarding the protection of multilateral institutions.

  • What the Trinidad and Tobago economy looked like in 2025

    What the Trinidad and Tobago economy looked like in 2025

    The year 2025 marked a period of significant economic recalibration for Trinidad and Tobago as the nation confronted multiple structural challenges within an increasingly volatile global landscape. Trade policy fluctuations and geopolitical tensions created headwinds for the Caribbean economy, exposing its continued reliance on the energy sector while highlighting urgent needs for diversification and reform.

    Global economic conditions deteriorated throughout 2025, particularly following April tariff actions by the United States that targeted several trading partners including China and Canada. Although subsequent negotiations resulted in partial rollbacks and delayed implementation timelines, persistent uncertainty undermined international trade stability.

    Domestically, the Trinidad and Tobago economy contracted by 2.1% during the first quarter of 2025, with both energy (-4.8%) and non-energy (-1.0%) sectors contributing to this decline. The economic downturn reflected deeper structural issues, including declining natural gas production and a severely constrained foreign exchange market that affected businesses across virtually all sectors.

    Geopolitical tensions with Venezuela emerged as a critical concern, with Caracas suspending key energy cooperation agreements including the strategically important Dragon gas project. This suspension jeopardized Trinidad’s access to Venezuela’s substantial offshore gas reserves, potentially undermining future gas supply security for the nation’s LNG and energy industries while damaging investor confidence in the sector.

    The foreign exchange shortage persisted throughout 2025, creating operational challenges for businesses through unpredictable currency access, delayed supplier payments, rising input costs, and production disruptions. The administratively managed system continued to reduce competitiveness and discourage new investment, demonstrating that rationed rather than market-responsive forex access inhibits efficient economic growth.

    Business confidence metrics revealed a complex picture. The TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s Business Outlook Index for Q4 2025 indicated that 54% of executives reported worsened financial performance over the previous six months. However, a majority anticipated improved organizational financial outlook within twelve months, suggesting business leaders viewed current challenges as cyclical rather than permanent. Notably, the Accommodation and Food Services sector demonstrated particular sensitivity to fiscal policy changes, with hiring intentions dropping sharply following excise duty increases on alcohol and tobacco in the 2026 Budget.

    International ratings agencies expressed growing concern about the nation’s economic trajectory. S&P Global Ratings revised Trinidad and Tobago’s outlook to negative on September 25, 2025, citing gradual erosion of fiscal and external buffers alongside subdued long-term economic growth. Moody’s maintained the government’s Ba2 rating but similarly revised the outlook to negative on December 12, 2025, highlighting near-term risks including declining foreign exchange reserves.

    Operational challenges persisted across the business environment, with issues in trade facilitation, port operations, and administrative processing affecting transaction costs and delivery timelines. Tax administration delays, particularly regarding VAT refunds, created cash flow management difficulties for exporters and VAT-intensive businesses.

    The labor market reflected both resilience and structural problems, with job demand continuing to outpace available opportunities—particularly for youth and first-time labor force entrants. A National Recruitment Drive in October 2025 attracted approximately 11,000 online applications on its first day, demonstrating substantial unmet employment demand. Simultaneously, employers reported persistent skills mismatches and difficulties sourcing appropriately trained labor for specialized roles.

    The potential prolonged shutdown of Nutrien’s nitrogen operations at Point Lisas Industrial Estate exemplified the economic consequences of structural challenges. The fertilizer producer cited port access restrictions and unreliable, uneconomic natural gas supply as primary reasons for the closure, which threatens significant foreign exchange earnings from ammonia and urea exports, risks hundreds of jobs, affects related industries, and could undermine investor confidence in the petrochemical sector.

    These developments throughout 2025 underscored the urgent need for decisive economic reform in Trinidad and Tobago. The convergence of global uncertainty, energy sector vulnerabilities, foreign exchange constraints, and business confidence challenges revealed the limitations of the current economic model and emphasized the risks of continued energy sector reliance. The path forward requires prioritizing private sector-led expansion, productivity enhancement, and long-term competitiveness to achieve inclusive and durable economic progress.

  • Darion Whiteman edges Carifta stars in 400m Golden League showdown

    Darion Whiteman edges Carifta stars in 400m Golden League showdown

    The 2026 Keshorn Walcott Golden League Athletics series witnessed spectacular performances at its second leg in Shaw Park, Tobago, on January 18, with emerging talents showcasing exceptional athletic prowess across multiple disciplines.

    RSS Phoenix’s Darion Whiteman delivered a breathtaking performance in the boys’ under-20 400-meter event, securing victory in a nail-biting finish against formidable competitors. Whiteman demonstrated remarkable resilience in heat three, outpacing 2025 Carifta gold medalists Brion Scott and Christopher Sammy with a winning time of 50.54 seconds—the fastest across all heats. Scott followed closely at 50.56 seconds, while Sammy finished third in the heat at 53.97 seconds. The overall standings saw Khordae Lewis (50.88s) and Keiel Samuel (52.26s) claiming third and fourth positions respectively.

    Whiteman continued his dominance by capturing the boys’ under-20 200-meter title, triumphing in a competitive field of 13 athletes with a time of 22.93 seconds. The rivalry between Whiteman and Scott extended to the 800-meter event, where Scott emerged victorious with a time of 2:00.35 minutes, followed by Whiteman (2:01.60) and Samuel (2:03.15).

    Christopher Sammy redeemed himself in the 1,600-meter race, displaying extraordinary endurance to win by a significant margin. His time of 4:49.54 minutes placed him nearly thirty seconds ahead of runner-up Malique Young (5:16.94) from Zenith.

    Shian Lewis demonstrated remarkable versatility by achieving a double victory in the girls’ under-20 category. She claimed the 200-meter title with 26.47 seconds, ahead of Alisha Sampson (26.90s), and secured the 400-meter win in 1:00.86, outperforming Kaori Robley (1:01.40).

    Several other athletes delivered standout performances: Young Azzirion Williams dominated the boys’ under-13 category with wins in 60m, 200m, and 400m events. Multiple winners included Ace Beckles (boys’ under-9 60m and 150m), Keanna Cummings (girls’ under-15 60m and 200m), J’Quan Douglas (boys’ under-17 60m and 200m), Kelcey Roach (girls’ under-13 60m and 400m), and Cai Williams (boys’ under-15 200m and 400m).

    Field events featured notable achievements, including Lebron James winning the men’s discus and shot put competitions, while Eli’jah Titus secured a double victory in the boys’ under-15 discus and shot put events.

    The athletic series continues with its third meet scheduled for January 31 at Toco Secondary School grounds, promising more exceptional performances from Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging track and field talents.

  • West Indies lose T20 series to Afghans

    West Indies lose T20 series to Afghans

    In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan secured a decisive 2-0 series victory against the West Indies with a commanding 39-run triumph in Dubai on January 21. This defeat marks another concerning setback for the Caribbean team, occurring merely weeks before the highly anticipated T20 World Cup.

    Afghanistan’s innings showcased remarkable resilience after an early stumble. Despite losing both openers within the powerplay period—Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1) and Ibrahim Zadran (22)—to the bowling of Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde respectively, the middle order mounted an extraordinary recovery. The partnership between Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal proved particularly devastating, amassing 115 runs for the third wicket with aggressive strokeplay that included 13 boundaries between them.

    Atal eventually fell to Forde after scoring 53 from 42 deliveries, while Rasooli’s explosive innings of 68 from just 39 balls was terminated by Ramon Simmonds. A final flourish came from Azmatullah Omarzai, whose unbeaten 26 from 13 balls propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 189/4 from their allotted 20 overs.

    The West Indies’ response began disastrously, losing three key wickets—Alick Athanaze (8), Evin Lewis (13), and Johnson Charles (0)—within the first eight overs while managing only 38 runs. Shimron Hetmyer provided temporary hope with a blistering 46 from merely 17 deliveries, including six maximums, but his dismissal in the 14th over effectively ended the contest. Captain Brandon King offered resistance with a patient 50 from 41 balls, but the team ultimately collapsed to 150 all out in 18.5 overs.

    Afghanistan’s bowling attack demonstrated clinical efficiency, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman claiming impressive figures of 4/21 from his four overs. The teams are scheduled to conclude the series with a final match on January 22.

  • Pan American Life: Putting humanity into digitisation

    Pan American Life: Putting humanity into digitisation

    In an era of rapid technological transformation, Pan American Life Insurance Group is making strategic investments to enhance digital capabilities while maintaining the essential human element that defines the insurance industry. During a media conference at Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain on January 20, company executives outlined their vision for balancing technological innovation with personalized customer relationships.

    The insurance giant, operating across 22 countries with over 2,200 employees, announced plans to invest approximately $4 million in two new digital tools scheduled for release in 2026. The first tool targets corporate clients by streamlining claims processing, while the second implements ‘straight through processing’ technology that automates end-to-end workflows including underwriting and data entry.

    Executive Vice President of International Markets Daniel Costello emphasized that these advancements would position the company competitively. ‘These tools are critical to move forward,’ Costello stated. ‘We’re not just keeping pace with competitors—we’re setting new standards for customer satisfaction.’

    Despite the digital push, executives stressed that insurance fundamentally remains about human connections. President of Global Benefits Robert DiCianni noted that while technology has evolved, customer needs haven’t changed since the company’s founding in 1911. ‘People need protection—that’s been our cornerstone since 1958. Technology simply enables us to reach customers more effectively through our agents.’

    The company acknowledges varying technological adoption rates across generations. President of Global Life Bruce Parker explained their phased approach: ‘Younger generations adopt technology much quicker, while older clients have established interaction patterns we won’t abandon. We’re managing digitalization at a pace that brings all customers along.’

    Caribbean CEO Winston Williams highlighted technology’s role as an enabler rather than replacement for human interaction. ‘The face-to-face encounter is still better when discussing dreams—technology doesn’t convert dreams into plans. What technology allows is meaningful connection when physical meetings aren’t possible.’

    Regarding regional operations, executives identified Trinidad and Tobago and the broader Caribbean as crucial growth markets. DiCianni confirmed, ‘We can’t reach our corporate goals without achieving our growth objectives in the Caribbean. We see significant opportunities here.’

    The company is monitoring proposed financial regulation changes, including increased asset levies for financial institutions and pension tax removals. Williams indicated these changes might benefit customers directly, potentially putting ’25 percent more in their pockets’ once implemented.

  • Attzs warns: Some communities in zones could be stigmatised

    Attzs warns: Some communities in zones could be stigmatised

    Independent Senator Dr. Marlene Attzs has raised significant concerns about potential stigmatization effects of Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed anti-crime legislation during parliamentary debates on January 21. The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026 aims to establish special security zones in high-crime communities under joint police-military command with social transformation councils.

    Dr. Attzs, an economist and university lecturer, articulated that well-intentioned crime prevention measures could inadvertently brand entire communities as criminal hotspots. She emphasized the risk of collateral damage to law-abiding citizens, including hard-working parents, ambitious students, and elderly residents who have endured decades of hardship.

    The senator specifically highlighted concerns regarding Clause 24, which grants security forces authority to require personal information disclosure within designated zones. While operationally understandable, she warned that indiscriminate use of such powers could create perceptions of permanent suspicion against entire neighborhoods.

    Citing international research, Dr. Attzs demonstrated that community stigmatization often persists long after special operations conclude. This labeling effect manifests through employer hesitation, banking discrimination, educational biases, and internalized psychological impacts on children who begin believing their origins determine their future potential.

    Her arguments referenced a 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Criminal Dynamics study by criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad, which identified over 180 active gangs involving approximately 1,700 individuals. The research indicated that nearly 40% of murders are gang-related and emphasized that enforcement alone cannot dismantle criminal networks without sustained social intervention, youth engagement, and economic inclusion.

    While acknowledging the real fear of crime affecting citizens’ daily lives—including business closures, community retreats behind gates, and normalization of violence among youth—Dr. Attzs cautioned against short-term thinking. She stressed that urgency in addressing crime must not override constitutional duties and reasoned policymaking, emphasizing that the fundamental question is whether these zones can suppress violence lawfully while producing lasting stability rather than temporary calm.

  • Trinidad and Tobago to slide at 2026 Winter Olympics

    Trinidad and Tobago to slide at 2026 Winter Olympics

    In a remarkable athletic achievement, Trinidad and Tobago’s national bobsleigh team has officially qualified for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The prestigious event, scheduled from February 6-22, 2026, will feature the Caribbean nation competing against the world’s top bobsleigh programs.

    The Trinidadian contingent, currently ranked among the global top 17 bobsleigh nations, will contest both the two-man and four-man bobsleigh events. The team roster includes athletes Axel Brown, Shakeel John, De Aundre John, Xaverri Williams, and Micah Moore, under the guidance of coach Lee Johnston.

    This Olympic qualification follows months of impressive international performances that demonstrated the team’s competitive capabilities. Particularly noteworthy was their strong showing at the Park City Leg of the North American Cup during November-December 2023, where the team consistently finished multiple races within the top ten positions.

    The Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago officially confirmed the achievement through their social media channels, stating: “Congratulations to team Trinidad and Tobago on qualifying for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games!”

    Notably, Jamaica’s bobsleigh program has also secured qualification in both men’s and women’s categories, marking a significant moment for Caribbean representation at winter sports’ premier international competition.

  • Inmate recaptured in Port of Spain

    Inmate recaptured in Port of Spain

    A dramatic prison escape attempt at Port of Spain Prison ended in failure on January 21 when inmate Travis Curtis was apprehended just minutes after his bold dash for freedom. According to an official statement released by the Prison Service at 3:20 PM, the incident unfolded at approximately 10:00 AM when Curtis scaled the western perimeter wall along Pembroke Street.

    The escape proved short-lived as coordinated efforts between Port of Spain Prison officers and the specialized Emergency Response Unit resulted in Curtis’s recapture at approximately 10:18 AM near Abercromby Street in the capital. The rapid response demonstrated exceptional operational coordination between prison authorities and security forces.

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the escape incident, examining whether additional charges will be filed against Curtis for escaping lawful custody. The Prison Service publicly commended the responding officers for their vigilance and professional conduct during the operation, while also acknowledging the cooperation received from members of the public.

    The Prison Service indicated that further updates regarding the incident would be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.

  • A day in the Trinidad wild

    A day in the Trinidad wild

    In a landmark achievement for environmental journalism, the Wild Tobago column has reached its 500th installment with a special expedition to Trinidad’s Icacos wetlands. This ongoing series, initiated in July 2016 by coral reef ecologist Dr. Anjani Ganase during her PhD studies in Australia, has evolved into a platform for scientific communication and environmental advocacy across Trinidad and Tobago.

    The commemorative feature brought together Dr. Ganase and acclaimed birder Faraaz Abdool for a pre-dawn journey to the southwestern tip of Trinidad. Their mission: to document the spectacular biodiversity of the Icacos wetlands at sunrise. The team witnessed an extraordinary natural performance as the sky transformed through shades of yellow, salmon, pink, and blue, while the wetland came alive with avian activity.

    Abdool described the sensory experience: ‘As the first light touched the horizon, the dawn chorus began. Carib Grackles jostled for position in swamp ferns, yellow-hooded blackbirds gathered in smaller groups, and yellow-chinned spinetails created a rattling soundtrack.’ The experience turned dramatic when a large spectacled caiman emerged with deep bellows and rhythmic grunts, performing mating displays accompanied by ‘dancing water’ phenomena known as Faraday waves.

    The team observed over 50 scarlet ibis whirling overhead, ospreys patiently waiting for prey, wattled jacanas foraging at water’s edge, and common gallinules taking clumsy flight. Despite signage declaring the area protected, the birds’ furtive behavior suggested ongoing human disturbance.

    The expedition continued to Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust, where conservation efforts have successfully reintroduced Muscovy ducks hunted to extinction on the islands. The trust represents a beacon of conservation education, complemented by the Freebird Restaurant offering world-class meals with local ingredients.

    Dr. Ganase reflected on the column’s advocacy role, particularly in challenging government plans to develop the country’s only marine protected area for resort construction. She expressed concern about current threats to Mt Irvine Reef from hotel and housing development, noting that marine ecosystems already face climate change impacts while basic management measures remain unimplemented.

    The feature concludes with an invitation to all citizens to undertake their own Wild Tobago journeys, emphasizing that appreciation and respect for natural spaces can foster greater community consciousness and care for both environment and fellow inhabitants.