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  • Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Senior parliamentary figures from both government and opposition have dismissed concerns about simultaneous legislative sessions scheduled for December 5th, characterizing the arrangement as routine procedure rather than extraordinary circumstance.

    Government Business Leader Barry Padarath and Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales separately affirmed that both chambers of Trinidad and Tobago’s parliament will convene concurrently within the Red House’s northern and southern chambers. This coordinated scheduling enables parallel consideration of two significant legislative measures requiring urgent attention.

    The Senate will resume deliberations on the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, continuing debates initiated December 2nd. Attorney General John Jeremie, who inaugurated the discussions, will deliver concluding arguments before the legislation advances to committee review and ultimate voting. The proposed law demands a three-fifths supermajority for passage, necessitating 19 affirmative votes in the 31-member Senate. With the government controlling 15 seats, securing four additional votes from opposition and independent senators becomes crucial for enactment.

    Simultaneously, the House of Representatives will examine the Finance Bill, 2025—legislative machinery designed to implement budgetary policies recently approved by lawmakers.

    Padarath emphasized the architectural intentionality behind the Red House’s dual chambers, noting via WhatsApp message that ‘one of the main reasons there are two chambers is for occurrences like this.’ The Public Utilities Minister further asserted the government’s commitment to fulfilling legislative promises while taking a political jab at the opposition PNM party, accusing them of being ‘legislatively lazy.’

    Gonzales corroborated this perspective, referencing historical precedent for such parallel proceedings and stating simply: ‘Nothing unusual to me.’

  • Business community pleased as cruise ships return to MoBay

    Business community pleased as cruise ships return to MoBay

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Jamaica’s economic revival following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa has received a significant boost with the resumption of cruise tourism operations in St. James Parish. The Carnival Liberty made its inaugural post-hurricane docking at Montego Bay’s port Wednesday, delivering hundreds of visitors to the island’s premier tourism destination.

    The arrival marks a critical milestone in Jamaica’s recovery narrative, with tourism officials and business leaders hailing the development as transformative for local commerce. Jason Russell, President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the strategic importance of tourism resumption for national economic stabilization.

    “This reactivation directly benefits commercial operators throughout the parish,” Russell stated to local media. “Our comprehensive recovery fundamentally depends on restoring tourist inflows and revitalizing foreign exchange circulation.”

    The Category Five hurricane had previously dealt a severe blow to Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure, making the return of maritime visitors particularly symbolic. Industry executives note that cruise tourism uniquely supports grassroots economic participants including transportation providers, artisan vendors, retail establishments, and recreational attractions.

    Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations—the Ministry of Tourism’s cruise travel division—explained the strategic prioritization of maritime tourism during reconstruction. “Recognizing hotel capacity limitations, we focused on ensuring cruise continuity since this sector directly sustains small-scale entrepreneurs and service providers,” Roberts elaborated.

    Montego Bay’s economic ecosystem remains profoundly interconnected with tourism, which accounts for over 50% of local employment and economic activity. Industry assessments indicate that cruise companies have maintained confidence in Jamaica’s operational standards despite hurricane-related challenges.

    Russell characterized the rapid resumption as potentially “record-breaking” in post-disaster tourism recovery. “A cruise ship’s arrival isn’t discretionary—it reflects rigorous assessment of port infrastructure and destination readiness. Their presence confirms our operational compliance,” he emphasized.

    Officials specifically acknowledged the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, chaired by John Byles, for expediting the return of visitor confidence. Additional cruise arrivals are scheduled throughout the coming weeks as Jamaica progresses toward full restoration of pre-hurricane maritime tourism schedules.

    Roberts concluded that the successful return demonstrates both Jamaica’s resilience and visitors’ enduring attraction to the destination, with early ship arrivals already generating substantial pedestrian activity in tourism districts.

  • Temporary lay-off for Junior Sammy workers as contracts dry up

    Temporary lay-off for Junior Sammy workers as contracts dry up

    In an unprecedented move reflecting severe industry-wide challenges, Junior Sammy Contractors Ltd—one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest contracting firms—has issued temporary layoff notices to all permanent staff. The Claxton Bay-based company will suspend operations without pay from December 16, 2024, until January 31, 2026, marking the first such action in its four-decade history.

    The decision stems from a critical combination of factors: the completion of existing contracts without new project acquisitions for the upcoming quarter, substantial delays in government payments for past infrastructure projects, and a drastic slowdown in major infrastructural initiatives. A company spokesperson, speaking anonymously, emphasized this was an industry-wide crisis, noting they were among the last major contractors to implement such measures despite months of efforts to avoid this outcome.

    Employees will receive compensation through December 15 and retain their employment status during the hiatus. Management plans to reassess the situation in January 2026 to determine resumption dates. The company acknowledged the severe impact on workers but stated the move was necessary for long-term viability.

    This development occurs against a backdrop of mounting pressure on the government to address billions in outstanding debts to contractors. Economist Indera Sagewan recently highlighted this urgent need at the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association awards dinner. Meanwhile, the government’s newly launched Revitalisation Blueprint promises 129 major projects—including highway construction, port expansions, and housing developments—projected to generate 50,000 jobs. However, contractors continue grappling with pandemic-era setbacks, soaring material costs, and shipping expenses that have crippled operations across the sector.

  • Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has vehemently rejected allegations from former finance minister Colm Imbert regarding impending tax implementations. The controversy emerged as Parliament prepared to review the Finance Bill 2025 during its December 5 House session scheduled for 1:30 PM.

    Minister Tancoo characterized Imbert’s assertions as political theatrics, stating the bill’s circulation timeline complies entirely with parliamentary procedures that have been standard practice for over a decade. Through WhatsApp communications on December 3, Tancoo emphasized that finance bills routinely follow budget approvals to implement previously outlined policies.

    The minister accused the opposition of neglecting their parliamentary duties while he works extensively to address financial and administrative challenges inherited from the previous administration. Tancoo stressed the nation requires serious governance rather than complaints about legislative processes.

    Opposition MP Imbert had taken to social media platform X on December 5, claiming the government circulated a 44-page bill containing numerous new taxes including landlord taxes, electricity surcharges, a 20% National Insurance System rate increase, and enhanced fines alongside previously announced alcohol tax hikes.

    The 2025/2026 budget presented on October 13 projects $59.232 billion in expenditure against $55.367 billion revenue, creating a $3.865 billion deficit. This contrasts with the previous PNM government’s budget that showed a $5.517 billion deficit. Tancoo’s budget calculations assume oil at US$73.25/barrel and natural gas at US$4.25/mmbtu, slightly adjusted from last year’s energy price projections.

  • Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    The Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association (TTPA) has publicly denounced the government’s sudden prohibition on utilizing state-owned venues for Carnival 2026 festivities, characterizing the move as discriminatory and operationally disruptive. During a December 3 media briefing at One Woodbrook Place in Port of Spain, industry representatives revealed approximately 16 major events now face potential cancellation or relocation due to the policy shift.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar initially justified the restrictions last month citing noise pollution concerns near venues including Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) and Hasely Crawford Stadium. The annual Out in South fete, traditionally hosted at BLCA, has already been confirmed as a casualty of the new regulations.

    TTPA Vice President Asha Green emphasized the association seeks constructive consultation rather than legal confrontation, despite having received no response to their December 1 letter requesting policy reversal. Green outlined comprehensive noise-mitigation strategies proposed by promoters, including certified acoustic oversight, real-time sound monitoring, and strategic speaker placement—measures she noted often exceed state recommendations.

    The financial implications are substantial, with promoters anticipating multimillion-dollar losses. Event producer Adrian Chandler described an atmosphere of uncertainty, noting that even when venues became available, increased costs made them economically unfeasible for many stakeholders.

    Damian Baboolal, director at Spirit Mas and secretary of Naparima College’s Past Students Association, highlighted the disproportionate impact on southern Trinidad communities. He revealed the ban has effectively dismantled vital fundraising mechanisms for educational institutions, depriving schools of resources for underprivileged students and infrastructure improvements. Baboolal further alleged an unofficial government mandate prohibiting state agencies from sponsoring Carnival events, exacerbating the financial strain on cultural organizers.

    The association maintains that collaborative governance—exemplified by the successful relocation of Scorch’s First Jam event through cooperation with the National Carnival Commission—represents a more effective solution than outright bans for addressing community concerns while preserving Trinidad’s cultural heritage.

  • Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has firmly opposed Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s proposal to join Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Council (NSC), citing constitutional and procedural constraints. The controversy emerged following Augustine’s call for Tobago representation during a Tobago People’s Party rally on December 1st, specifically referencing the recent installation of a US military radar at Arthur NR International Airport.

    Griffith, who served as both national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first administration, explained that Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary system strictly follows the British model regarding NSC composition. “The NSC is a cabinet committee,” Griffith emphasized. “To be a member, you must first be a member of cabinet, which requires being both a parliamentarian in the lower house and a government minister simultaneously.”

    The former police commissioner detailed that even junior ministers designated as “minister in the ministry of” cannot join cabinet meetings, making them ineligible for NSC participation. He noted that only select cabinet members typically join the security council, with the prime minister serving as permanent chair alongside automatic members like the attorney general and national security minister.

    Griffith addressed concerns about the radar installation by suggesting alternative participation methods: “If there’s a specific agenda item pertaining to Tobago’s security, the chief secretary could be invited as a guest for that particular discussion.” He warned that granting Augustine’s request would set a problematic precedent where every minister could demand NSC access based on portfolio-related security concerns.

    The political context remains complex, as no formal coalition exists between the ruling UNC and Augustine’s TPP, though two TPP MPs occupy government-aligned seats in parliament without holding ministerial positions.

  • One Love Jamaica Rebuild concert to be held this Saturday

    One Love Jamaica Rebuild concert to be held this Saturday

    South Florida’s Jamaican community and supporters are mobilizing for a major humanitarian effort this weekend as prominent gospel artists prepare for the ‘One Love Jamaica Rebuild’ benefit concert. Scheduled for Saturday at The Faith Centre in Sunrise, the event aims to generate crucial funding for recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the Caribbean nation.

    The concert represents a collaborative initiative between humanitarian organization Dare to Care and the Consul General of Jamaica, orchestrated to address the estimated $7 billion in damages inflicted by the late October storm. Among the featured performers are gospel luminaries including Papa San, Carlene Davis, Marion Hall, Kevin Downswell, and Sharon Wiles.

    Tyrone Thompson, professionally known as Papa San, expressed profound commitment to the cause, stating: “Our hearts are in a place where we are just ready and willing to help Jamaica. I am so glad to participate and be a part of that.” The artist emphasized the transparent allocation of funds, noting that every cent raised would be directed toward relief efforts rather than performer compensation.

    Organizers have established an ambitious target of $250,000 through various fundraising mechanisms including merchandise sales, voluntary donations, and offerings. Additionally, the event will serve as a collection point for essential relief supplies, with detailed item requirements available on the official registration portal at Onelovejamaicarebuild.org.

    Despite offering free admission, the event requires advance registration to manage attendance. Consul General of Jamaica to the Southern United States Oliver Mair and Lauderhill Mayor Denise Grant are among the key figures supporting the initiative.

    Papa San appealed to collective responsibility, invoking the Jamaican proverb “one one coco full basket” to illustrate how individual contributions accumulate into meaningful support. The artist confirmed that beyond financial donations, organizers are coordinating container shipments of food and necessary supplies to ensure comprehensive assistance reaches affected communities.

  • Multi-agency partnership launched to strengthen Jamaica’s Hurricane recovery

    Multi-agency partnership launched to strengthen Jamaica’s Hurricane recovery

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A powerful consortium of international and local organizations has united to spearhead Jamaica’s comprehensive rehabilitation in the aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact. The coalition comprises BridgePoint Foundation, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Operation Blessing, Ruka Storm Foundation, World Vision USA, and WhyNot International, all formally collaborating to reconstruct devastated communities and assist families in rebuilding their lives.

    This strategic alliance combines decades of cumulative expertise in disaster response, humanitarian aid, logistical operations, and sustainable community development. In a unified declaration, the partners emphasized their collective dedication: “Together, we are building back hope one home, one family, one community at a time.”

    BridgePoint Foundation serves as the coordinating body for this national recovery endeavor, directing objective-setting, field coordination, and maintaining constant communication among partners and community stakeholders. The foundation’s methodical, grassroots strategy is engineered to optimize each organization’s unique capabilities to provide enduring, outcome-oriented support across the island.

    Initial relief operations have already delivered nourishment, potable water, and critical supplies to over 300 affected families in Black River. Ongoing logistical coordination with NGOs and the JDF prioritizes reaching vulnerable communities including Black River, Accompong, Belmont, Montego Bay, and remote surrounding regions.

    The coalition has implemented extensive relief measures featuring shelter assistance, housing construction, and support for local enterprises. Operation Blessing emerged as a leading contributor, distributing substantial aid across multiple parishes: 90,000 hot meals, protective tarping for seven homes, structural stabilization for one school roof, 10,391 gallons of purified water, 2,000 solar lamps, 2,400 care packages, over 40,000 water bottles, and five church-based water filtration systems each producing up to 1,000 gallons daily.

    Laura Butler, Director of Operations and Strategic Relationships at BridgePoint Foundation, commended the collaborative efforts of partners, JDF, and nationwide volunteers: “It’s impossible to overstate the level of destruction our country has endured. It will take all of us—every effort, every partner, every hand—to rebuild our beautiful Jamaica. I have the privilege of working alongside these groups on the ground, and it is truly an honor to be part of this extended team that is doing wonders daily for our people.”

    Butler highlighted the inspirational resilience of Jamaican citizens, noting, “It’s also beautiful to see the Jamaicans working overtime to help those affected by the hurricane. True solidarity when it’s needed the most.”

    The United Cajun Navy has significantly contributed by shipping 200,000 ready-to-eat meals and 50,000 liters of water to the island. The organization pre-deployed search and rescue teams before Melissa’s landfall and established an incident management team, medical resources, and a primary distribution hub in St Elizabeth.

    Their continuing support includes: coordinated roof repairs for educational institutions, medical clinics, churches, and residences; creation of logistical staging areas and resource distribution points; agricultural land rehabilitation in St Elizabeth; sustenance distribution in mountainous communities near Negril and Westmoreland; assistance to Maggoty church in clearing damaged library materials and restoring shelter space; generator provisions for schools and clinics; Starlink units for emergency responders; consistent delivery of hot meals and water to isolated households; and specialized expertise in freshwater procurement.

    Collectively, these organizations have extended aid to hundreds of families across Jamaica, concentrating on severely affected and inaccessible communities. Their synchronized initiatives additionally bolster local vendors, enhance community-driven recovery programs, and expand shelter and housing construction projects.

  • 24/7 service at St Joseph Health Centre

    24/7 service at St Joseph Health Centre

    In a transformative move for Trinidad’s healthcare landscape, the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has implemented round-the-clock general practice services at the St Joseph Enhanced Health Centre effective December 1st. This strategic expansion represents a significant advancement in making primary healthcare accessible beyond conventional operating hours.

    The initiative, unveiled through an official December 3rd announcement, aims to substantially alleviate patient overload at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC). Health authorities emphasize that this 24/7 operational model will particularly benefit working families and caregivers who previously struggled to access medical services during standard business hours.

    According to the NCRHA, patients can anticipate enhanced convenience, minimized treatment delays, and considerably reduced waiting times. The round-the-clock availability is projected to create systemic improvements across the healthcare network by redirecting non-emergency cases from the Accident and Emergency Department at Mt Hope to the St Joseph facility for prompt attention.

    This development occurs under the guidance of Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe and newly appointed NCRHA chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, who stated: “By extending our hours, we aim to make high-quality healthcare more accessible to every citizen. This service reflects our commitment to strengthening primary care while ensuring people receive appropriate medical attention when they need it most.”

    The St Joseph Enhanced Health Centre will maintain its walk-in general practice services for diverse medical conditions, aligning with the NCRHA’s comprehensive strategy to modernize and expand primary healthcare infrastructure throughout the region.

  • Juici Patties announces four new store openings across US

    Juici Patties announces four new store openings across US

    Jamaican fast-food franchise Juici Patties is embarking on an aggressive expansion strategy across the United States, with four new restaurant openings scheduled within the next month. The establishment of these new outlets marks a significant milestone in the brand’s strategic growth plan following the successful launch of its flagship US store in March 2024.

    The expansion will introduce Juici Patties’ Caribbean culinary offerings to strategic locations including Pompano Beach, Florida; West Orlando’s Hiawassee area, Florida; and two separate Brooklyn, New York locations on Church Avenue and Flatbush Avenue. This multi-state deployment demonstrates the company’s systematic approach to capturing the American market.

    Stuart Levy, Managing Director of Juici Patties USA, revealed the company has achieved an impressive operational capacity enabling sustainable growth at an accelerated pace. “Our strategic systems and disciplined approach developed over the past two years have positioned us to open new locations approximately every eight days,” Levy stated. “This expansion rhythm isn’t limited to the current month but represents our ongoing growth trajectory for the foreseeable future.”

    The company’s ambitious growth strategy extends beyond these immediate openings, with development already underway for additional locations scheduled to launch in 2026. The next phase will see Juici Patties entering markets across Georgia, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, establishing the brand as one of the fastest-growing Caribbean food enterprises in the American market.

    The specific addresses for the four new locations are: 3502 N Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069; 2842 N Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL 32818; 3005 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226; and 19 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217.