Bahamas Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier has defended the controversial decision to impose a non-custodial sentence on wealthy American businessman James Finkl, who was convicted of firearm-related offenses. Finkl, the former head of global steel giant Finkl Steel, admitted to bringing 14 firearms and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition into The Bahamas aboard his yacht in Bimini last week. Despite public outcry, Frazier emphasized that sentencing is based on individual case merits, not wealth or nationality. She highlighted Finkl’s medical issues as a key factor in the decision, stating that a prison sentence would have been impractical. Frazier also noted that mandatory minimum sentences for firearm offenses have been abolished, and fines have been imposed on Bahamians in similar cases when justified. The ruling has sparked debate, with some senior lawyers labeling it ‘highly irregular.’ Frazier cited a 2022 Court of Appeal case involving a diabetic American man, Ronald Ralph Moorhead Jr, whose prison sentence was reduced due to medical concerns. While the court acknowledged firearm offenses typically warrant jail time, it stressed that Moorhead’s case was exceptional and not a precedent. Frazier reiterated that magistrates retain discretion to impose non-custodial sentences when circumstances warrant, but custodial sentences remain the standard for such crimes.
博客
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Anger over funds for wedding party – but not for others
The Bahamian government’s decision to fund accommodations for a group of citizens stranded in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa has ignited widespread criticism, particularly from a grieving family struggling to repatriate their loved one’s remains from Haiti. The controversy centers on the government’s assistance to approximately 50 Bahamians who attended a wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica, while others in similar situations claim they were left without support. The wedding group, which included relatives of former Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield, received accommodations at the Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa as Hurricane Melissa approached. However, other Bahamians in Jamaica reported receiving no aid, with one traveler expressing frustration online about having to cover her own expenses despite arriving on the same flight. Meanwhile, Sherry Russell of Moore’s Island revealed her family’s three-month struggle to bring home her brother Joey’s body from Haiti, where he was killed in July. The family has spent over $7,000 on related costs but claims their requests for government assistance have gone unanswered. The disparity in aid has fueled anger, with Ms. Russell questioning why the government prioritized the wedding group over her family’s urgent needs. Former Foreign Minister Darren Henfield defended the assistance, stating that Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper helped secure accommodations for those unable to afford extended stays.
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Hundreds flee from the storm
The southern islands of The Bahamas were engulfed in chaos and exhaustion yesterday as hundreds of residents scrambled to escape the impending threat of Hurricane Melissa. Officials labeled this as the largest pre-event evacuation in the nation’s history. However, the process was marred by confusion and logistical failures, leaving evacuees stranded without basic necessities. On Mayaguana and Crooked Island, residents reported being locked out of airport terminals for hours, deprived of food, water, and restroom facilities. Elderly individuals were forced to relieve themselves in nearby bushes while awaiting evacuation flights. Social media platforms were flooded with videos and voice notes depicting distressed islanders pleading for updates on their evacuation status. Utica Laurel Lightbourne, a resident of Mayaguana, recounted how residents were instructed to gather at the new airport terminal built by the I-Group at 7am, only to find the building closed. ‘People were crawling into the bushes to use the bathroom,’ she said, sharing a video of dozens of vehicles parked at the airstrip with residents waiting inside. By midday, rumors of flight cancellations spread, leaving many in limbo. Lightbourne criticized the lack of communication and prioritization, claiming Mayaguana was neglected while other islands received evacuation flights. Similar frustrations were echoed on Crooked Island, where Deputy Chief Councillor Elvie Cunningham reported that 180 registered evacuees had received no clear updates. ‘The administrator is in New Providence and hasn’t been informed of any aircraft arrivals,’ she said, describing worsening weather conditions and growing anxiety among residents. Despite these challenges, DRMA executive chairman Alex Storr acknowledged the complaints but assured that evacuation efforts were underway. He described the operation as a ‘learning experience,’ with over 700 people evacuated by Tuesday morning and plans to evacuate a total of 1,453 individuals. Storr emphasized the logistical difficulties, including balancing regular flights with emergency missions and limitations at smaller airfields. He urged residents still refusing to leave to reconsider, warning of Melissa’s potential to bring devastating rainfall and storm surges. Meanwhile, evacuees from Inagua expressed relief at having escaped. Crystal Brown, a 33-year-old mother, said she ‘made the right choice’ to leave with her daughter and sister, while Tamika Major, 26, noted that nearly all of Matthew Town had evacuated. Beverly Anne Thompson, 64, expressed gratitude for the government-organized evacuation, stating, ‘I’m just glad that in case the storm became a monster, I was safe.’
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No easy task turning around country
In a recent letter to the editor, C Peters reflects on the complexities of governing Trinidad and Tobago (TT), drawing inspiration from former Prime Minister Patrick Manning. The letter emphasizes the challenges of leadership and the often-overlooked potential of the nation. Peters notes that while imperfections are inevitable, the pursuit of progress requires hard work and resilience. The writer highlights the democratic exercise of voting for change on April 28, a decision driven by the belief in a new direction. However, Peters observes a paradox: some citizens expect consistency while desiring different outcomes. The letter underscores that meaningful transformation is a gradual process, fraught with trial and error. Quoting Greek philosopher Heraclitus, Peters reminds readers that change is inherent and inevitable, urging patience and perseverance in the nation’s journey toward progress.
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Some budget concerns
The 2025-2026 budget of Trinidad and Tobago has sparked skepticism among analysts, including economist Trevor Sudama, who questions its ability to deliver sustainable economic improvements. While the budget aims to enhance citizens’ quality of life through diversification and innovation, Sudama highlights several concerns that undermine its credibility. The budget relies on overly optimistic revenue projections, which are unlikely to materialize, potentially widening the fiscal deficit. Increased borrowing may be necessary to cover the shortfall, raising concerns about long-term economic stability. Additionally, the budget lacks clarity on funding for newly announced job creation initiatives, further fueling doubts about its feasibility. A critical issue is the country’s lagging innovation capacity. Despite allocating funds to initiatives like the Research and Development Impact Fund and a national innovation program, the budget fails to outline concrete measures to foster innovation. Trinidad and Tobago ranks poorly in global innovation indices, with only a small percentage of firms engaged in innovative activities. The agricultural sector, identified as a key pillar for diversification, also faces significant challenges. Despite repeated incentives, agricultural output remains minimal, and food imports continue to rise. Sudama raises critical questions about the sector’s lack of scientific input, low youth participation, and underutilized resources. Without addressing these systemic issues, the budget’s proposed measures are unlikely to yield meaningful results. The budget’s ambitious goals, while commendable, appear disconnected from the economic realities and structural weaknesses that hinder sustainable growth.
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Misrepresentation of Privy Council
In a recent letter to the editor, E Galy’s critique of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council’s role in the Jason Jones case demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of constitutional law and the judiciary’s function in a democratic society. Galy’s assertion that the Privy Council overstepped its bounds by altering the Constitution is not only incorrect but also dangerously misleading. This rebuttal seeks to clarify the constitutional principles at play and reaffirm the judiciary’s vital role in safeguarding the rule of law.
First and foremost, the Privy Council, as the highest appellate court for Trinidad and Tobago (TT), is tasked with interpreting and enforcing the Constitution. Section 2 of the Constitution explicitly designates it as the ‘supreme law of the land,’ rendering any inconsistent legislation void. The judiciary, not Parliament, is the ultimate arbiter of constitutional validity. This separation of powers is foundational to preventing elected dictatorship and ensuring democratic governance.
Second, the Jason Jones decision did not ‘change’ the Constitution but rather interpreted it in light of its guarantees of equality, privacy, and personal protection (sections 4 and 5). The court ruled that colonial-era laws criminalizing consensual adult acts in private violated these fundamental rights. This was not judicial activism but the fulfillment of the court’s constitutional duty to strike down laws that contravene the supreme law, as mandated by section 14(1).
Third, Galy’s claim that the court cannot render a law inoperable if it aligns with the Constitution is a fundamental misrepresentation of judicial review. Established in cases like Marbury v Madison (1803) and reaffirmed in Commonwealth jurisprudence, judicial review empowers courts to invalidate statutes inconsistent with the Constitution. This principle ensures that constitutional supremacy is upheld.
Fourth, Galy’s dismissal of ‘changed times’ as irrelevant to constitutional interpretation is misguided. The Constitution is a living document, as affirmed by the Privy Council in cases like Reyes v The Queen (2002) and Matthew v The State (2004). It must be interpreted in a manner that reflects evolving societal standards of dignity and equality.
Galy’s argument, rooted in theocratic posturing rather than constitutional reasoning, conflates religious morality with legal interpretation. This stance is incompatible with the secular rule of law enshrined in TT’s 1976 Constitution. Sovereignty lies with the people and the Constitution, not with religious dogma.
Finally, the assertion that judicial review ‘mutates’ civil and criminal law is legally untenable. When a law is declared unconstitutional, it is void ab initio, ensuring the coherence of the legal system. The judiciary’s role is to preserve constitutional order, not to subvert it.
In conclusion, the Privy Council’s decision in the Jason Jones case was a reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy and judicial duty. Public discourse must rise above misconceptions that equate judicial independence with political interference. The true tragedy lies in the persistence of such uninformed critiques in our public dialogue.
MOHAN RAMCHARAN
Birmingham, UK -
Court of Appeal moves to clarify law
The Bail (Amendment) Act, passed last year with bipartisan support from both the PNM and UNC, introduced significant changes to how individuals accused of serious crimes are treated. This legislation was necessitated by a landmark Privy Council ruling that declared the long-standing ban on bail for murder charges unconstitutional. The amendment allows bail in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and permits those charged with murder to petition for release if the state fails to present evidence within 180 days or if a trial extends beyond a year. However, the law left ambiguity regarding whether the same standards apply in cases of prolonged trials.
On October 27, the Court of Appeal signaled its intention to address this unresolved issue. Justices of Appeal Gillian Lucky, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Carla Brown-Antoine have consolidated several ongoing cases to determine the correct legal test. The court will hear arguments in early 2026, weighing whether the legislative intent was to ease the burden on defendants, as argued by defense attorneys, or to maintain a high threshold even in cases of delay, as contended by the state. Stakeholders, including the Public Defenders’ Department, the Law Association, the Criminal Bar Association, and the Office of the Attorney General, will participate as interested parties.
Justice Lucky emphasized the need for a consistent approach, stating, ‘What is the correct test?’ This judicial intervention highlights deficiencies in the parliamentary process, as the ambiguity was raised during committee discussions when the bill was debated last July.
The urgency for clarity is underscored by recent observations from prison reform advocate Debbie Jacob, who noted that innocent individuals languish in prison for over a decade awaiting trial. A 2023 parliamentary committee survey further revealed that some citizens are reluctant to report crimes due to the ‘terrifyingly delayed process.’ The court’s move to clarify the law is a welcome step, potentially obviating the need for further legislative action.
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Preedy back from Japan, ready for Acoustic Experience
National Freestyle Champion Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance has recently returned from Japan, where he showcased his soca talents during the Soca in Japan festivities. Now, he is gearing up for his highly anticipated Acoustic Experience event, set to take place on November 2 in St Clair, Trinidad. Preedy expressed his pride in seeing soca music transcend borders, noting its ability to inspire and uplift people worldwide. Reflecting on his time in Japan, he described the culture as respectful and deeply appreciative of soca’s vibrant energy, which brings warmth and joy to its listeners. Despite the Japanese emphasis on calmness and control, Preedy observed that soca music serves as the perfect catalyst for moments of uninhibited celebration. His recent single, ‘Jammin,’ released ahead of Miami Carnival, has already garnered over 265,000 views in less than two weeks, signaling its widespread appeal. Preedy also teased an upcoming collaboration, hinting that attendees of the Acoustic Experience might get an exclusive preview. The event promises a unique, intimate connection with his audience, offering a fresh take on his beloved songs. For more details, fans can follow @iland_boy_preedy on Instagram and other social media platforms.
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Calypso History Month: Telling our stories through calypso
In the midst of global challenges, the timeless art of calypso remains a unifying force, celebrated during Calypso History Month in October 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Calypso Unleashed: Boundless Harmonies,’ highlights the genre’s unique ability to educate, entertain, and unite. Declared in 2002, Calypso History Month honors the rich legacy of calypso, a musical tradition deeply rooted in Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organization (TUCO) has played a pivotal role in preserving this art form, which traces its origins to the 1950s with legendary artists like Atilla the Hun, Lord Kitchener, and The Mighty Sparrow. Calypso, often described as ‘the voice of the people,’ has documented pivotal moments in the nation’s history, from political movements to social issues. Its educational value is unparalleled, with calypsonians like David Rudder and Brother Resistance using their lyrics to critique society and inspire change. Over the decades, calypso has addressed themes such as Caribbean unity, taxation, and global events, making it a powerful medium for storytelling. As the world grapples with modern challenges, calypso continues to resonate, offering a unique lens through which to view history and culture. With its enduring relevance, there is a growing call to integrate calypso into educational curricula, ensuring its legacy thrives for generations to come.
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Pan and Powder in Tobago
The streets of Scarborough came alive on October 25 as the annual Pan and Powder event marked a highlight of the Tobago carnival festivities. The celebration featured electrifying performances by renowned steel orchestras, including Hope Pan Groovers, Plymouth Bethesda Steel Sensations, T&TEC New East Side Dimension, Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra, RBC Redemption Sound Setters, Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, Steel Xplosion Steel Orchestra, NLCB Buccooneers Steel Orchestra, and bp Renegades Steel Orchestra. Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore joined the festivities, showcasing her enthusiasm for the vibrant cultural tradition. Newsday photographer Alva Viarruel captured the essence of the event, documenting the energy and joy of pan enthusiasts as they followed the orchestras along Calypso Rose Blvd. The event not only celebrated Tobago’s rich musical heritage but also brought together locals and visitors in a spirited display of unity and creativity.