Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Chambers call for fair forex distribution as Eximbank CEO axed

    Chambers call for fair forex distribution as Eximbank CEO axed

    In the wake of Navin Dookeran’s abrupt termination as CEO of Eximbank, Trinidad and Tobago’s business chambers are urgently calling for fundamental reforms in foreign exchange allocation policies. The newly appointed board, chaired by Edwin Chariah with Suresh Maharaj as deputy chairman, now faces mounting pressure to establish more equitable distribution mechanisms that serve a broader spectrum of the business community.

    Vivek Charran, President of the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers, emphasized the critical nature of this transition: ‘Our primary concern is ensuring this new administration develops a fair and balanced approach to forex distribution for our most vulnerable enterprises. We’re discussing generational family businesses and retail SMEs that are fundamentally fighting for survival.’

    The business community’s consensus reveals deep-seated frustrations with the previous system’s limitations. Ramon Gregorio of the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce noted the essential balancing act required: ‘This is about reconciling the needs of large manufacturers with enabling SMEs to develop into larger organizations. Achieving proper equity and balance remains our central advocacy point.’

    Baldath Maharaj of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce stressed the institutional requirements for effective reform: ‘Our chamber consistently emphasizes fairness, predictability, and transparency in allocation processes. Whatever strategic direction emerges, businesses must have confidence in an equitable and accessible system—this stability is indispensable for investment, growth, and national development.’

    The chambers collectively expressed hope that the new directorship would expand forex allocation policies beyond the manufacturing sector to include goods and services industries frequently excluded from the equation. Gregorio added, ‘We urgently need a holistic approach that addresses the distinct challenges all sectors face in securing foreign exchange.’

    Despite understanding the underlying forex shortages and national challenges, business leaders highlighted the practical realities: many retailers and manufacturers depend on Eximbank’s window to maintain operations, meet payroll obligations, and settle long-pending foreign supplier invoices. Charran revealed that during previous meetings with bank officials and former Finance Minister Colm Imbert, chambers were explicitly told no forex was available despite the operating window—with indications that stricter controls might be implemented.

    Regarding leadership transition, chambers expressed confidence in the board’s diligence in selecting a replacement CEO while emphasizing the need for continuity. Maharaj noted, ‘History demonstrates that leadership transitions involve adjustment periods. We need a CEO with substantial expertise in export development and manufacturing who can maintain operational continuity while addressing the immediate needs of the business community.’

    Dookeran, when contacted for comment, referred to a previous article expressing pride in his accomplishments since his 2019 appointment but declined further statement. The business community’s unified message remains clear: systemic reform, not personnel changes, represents the true path toward resolving Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign exchange distribution challenges.

  • A Time to Love spreads the festive spirit

    A Time to Love spreads the festive spirit

    The Sundar Popo Auditorium at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) radiated with holiday cheer on November 23 as musician Joel John presented his spectacular Christmas concert, “A Time to Love.” The event showcased a remarkable fusion of musical genres, transforming traditional Christmas celebrations into a multicultural musical experience.

    Featuring an eclectic ensemble of performers, the concert delivered diverse interpretations of seasonal favorites through soca, soca parang, classic rock, R&B, and country arrangements. The live rock band provided vibrant accompaniment to locally crafted songs that reimagined Christmas music through Trinidadian cultural lenses.

    Among the standout performances, The Trebles of T&T children’s choir, directed by Marilyn Lalla, delivered enchanting renditions including “Trini Christmas Is the Best,” captivating the audience with their youthful exuberance. Guest artist Meagan Leigh offered a memorable performance of Wham’s “Last Christmas,” while guitarist Veer Briggs, Michelle Xavier, Stephan Furlonge, and Zoe Webster each contributed their unique artistic interpretations.

    Soca Parang Queen Marcia Miranda electrified the venue with an immersive performance that included stepping into the audience during her delivery of “Three Little Birds,” “Letter to Mama,” and the playful “Bring Out De Ham.” The concert’s repertoire spanned classic favorites such as “What a Wonderful World,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Islands in the Stream,” creating a nostalgic yet fresh holiday experience.

    John, whose musical career spans 33 years and who recently established the Rhythm n Brews coffee shop at Gulf City Mall, expressed profound gratitude to attendees: “This production was our most ambitious show to date. Your overwhelming presence and the love we felt on stage reaffirm that this artistic journey is truly worthwhile.”

  • SFBA welcomes refinery restart as government reviews reactivation plan

    SFBA welcomes refinery restart as government reviews reactivation plan

    The San Fernando Business Association (SFBA) has enthusiastically endorsed the Trinidadian government’s decision to recommission the Pointe-a-Pierre petroleum refinery, characterizing the move as a crucial economic stimulus for southern Trinidad and a transformative development for national prosperity.

    SFBA President Daphne Bartlett, in an official December 7 statement, expressed the association’s profound satisfaction with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration for honoring its campaign commitment to restart refinery operations. Bartlett emphasized that the facility’s 2018 closure severely disrupted foreign exchange revenues, paralyzed ancillary industries, and exacerbated resource allocation challenges.

    “During its operational peak, the refinery generated substantial profitability through aviation fuel exports and international sales, earning critical foreign currency,” Bartlett explained. “Domestically, we utilized Trinidad and Tobago dollars for fuel purchases while bitumen by-products maintained our road infrastructure. Since the shutdown, we’ve been forced to import these commodities with limited foreign reserves, directly contributing to our deteriorating road conditions.”

    Bartlett further highlighted the reactivation’s potential to revitalize adjacent communities historically dependent on Petrotrin and its supply chain for employment. “Economic activity generates commercial vitality. Enterprises throughout the San Fernando region will experience renewed growth, and secondary operations will reactivate. This initiative represents a comprehensive national advantage,” she affirmed.

    Addressing feedstock concerns, Bartlett noted the refinery’s historical reliance on imported crude to supplement domestic production. With emerging oil producers like Guyana and Suriname, plus potential Venezuelan supply partnerships, she expressed confidence in sustainable operational continuity. “The reopening illuminates a prosperous future. We appreciate the Prime Minister’s exemplary seasonal offering,” Bartlett concluded.

    The business endorsement coincides with governmental advances in the reactivation process. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar convened with the refinery recommissioning committee—chaired by former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine—at the Diplomatic Centre on December 5 to evaluate progress. She reiterated commitments to procedural transparency and assured citizens that national interests would remain paramount.

    Photographs from the December 4 meeting depicted Persad-Bissessar, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal, and committee members examining interim strategic recommendations. Moonilal previously indicated that technical feasibility evaluations would conclude in early December, informing decisions regarding implementation schedules, financial investments, and capital needs.

    Preliminary estimates suggest partial production could restart within 12-18 months, with complete operational restoration anticipated within three years. “We expect the assessment to deliver thorough analysis and a definitive strategic roadmap,” Moonilal stated, emphasizing that fiscal allocations and capital investments remain pivotal factors.

    The refinery, formerly a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, ceased operations in November 2018 during Petrotrin’s restructuring into Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd. Its restoration constitutes one of the current administration’s most significant industrial projects, drawing intense scrutiny from energy sector participants, labor organizations, and regional allies.

    As committee deliberations continue, the Prime Minister has guaranteed ongoing public updates—a commitment aligning with SFBA’s advocacy for economic confidence and regional rejuvenation in southern Trinidad.

  • Bodoe: Ministry supports access to affordable medicine

    Bodoe: Ministry supports access to affordable medicine

    Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system is confronting significant structural challenges as allegations of pharmaceutical market monopolization surface alongside regulatory limitations. Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has clarified that while drug price regulation doesn’t fall under his ministry’s purview, the government remains committed to enhancing market competition to improve medication affordability and accessibility.

    The controversy emerged during a December 1 Public Administration and Appropriations Committee hearing, where Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association president Glenwayne Suchit revealed startling market concentration figures. According to testimony, a single pharmaceutical distribution company controls 74% of the private pharmaceutical market, while three dominant distributors collectively command 70% of wholesale pharmaceutical operations.

    Parallel to these monopoly concerns, the committee learned that approximately $80 million worth of medications expired in storage over the past decade, highlighting systemic inefficiencies in the nation’s drug management system.

    The Pharmacy Board of Trinidad and Tobago (PBTT) has initiated a comprehensive nationwide assessment of pharmaceutical standards across both public and private sectors. PBTT President Ricardo Mohammed emphasized the urgent need for consistent national standards and legislative reforms that would expand the board’s regulatory authority.

    Mohammed identified several critical issues plaguing the pharmaceutical ecosystem:

    1. The Chemistry, Food, and Drugs Division’s prolonged approval process, taking up to 180 days for responses, allegedly favors certain companies
    2. Distributor-owned retail chains engaging in predatory pricing practices
    3. Significant price inflation from dominant distributors despite stable production costs
    4. The closure of dozens of independent pharmacies in 2024 due to unfair competition

    Market concentration has reached levels that trigger monopoly concerns under the Fair Trading Act, which considers 40% market share as monopoly power. Investigations reveal one company maintains approximately 68% control overall in retail trade.

    The situation has created a vicious cycle where independent pharmacies struggle against distributor-owned chains that allegedly sell medications below wholesale prices. With pharmacy profit margins capped at 35% (typically operating at 25%), compared to 35-100% markups in other retail sectors, many independent operations cannot compete.

    This market distortion ultimately transfers costs to consumers, with Mohammed noting that many citizens can no longer afford medications and must rely on the public sector, where procurement processes remain flawed and lack competitive pricing mechanisms.

    The Pharmacy Board is preparing to present its findings and recommendations to the Health Minister, seeking legislative changes that would empower greater regulatory oversight and address these systemic challenges in the nation’s pharmaceutical distribution system.

  • Couple snatched from Monos Island home:US$2.5m ransom demand

    Couple snatched from Monos Island home:US$2.5m ransom demand

    A distressing kidnapping case has shaken the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago as former powerboat racing champion Derek “Stones” Tardieu, 70, and his wife Clarabelle, 47, remain captive after being abducted from their Monos Island residence on December 6th. The kidnappers have demanded a substantial ransom of US$2.5 million for their safe release, according to official reports.

    The ordeal began when a harrowing voice message reached a family member’s phone from an unknown number at approximately 9:44 PM on December 6th. In the recording, Tardieu could be heard stating, “They have meh and want US$2.5 million for meh release.” This prompted his son to immediately visit the couple’s Blanchette Bay home, where he discovered the residence thoroughly ransacked and both occupants missing.

    Subsequently, a disturbing video surfaced on social media platforms showing the couple under duress, with firearms pointed at their heads and an individual holding a grenade. While the captors’ faces remained concealed, Tardieu was audibly distressed, pleading with his brother Robert: “Robert, please, my life… oh God, oh God.”

    The situation is particularly grave due to Tardieu’s critical health condition. The former racing legend suffers from severe cardiac issues and a brain tumor requiring consistent medication, raising urgent concerns about his wellbeing in captivity.

    Family members and the local community have expressed profound shock and devastation. Jonathan Tardieu, former president of the TT Powerboat Association and nephew of the victim, described the incident as completely unexpected. “His whole life he’s been on Monos, more than 20 years. Everybody wants him back safe,” he told reporters.

    The kidnapping has escalated to involve national security considerations, with Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales calling for governmental transparency regarding collaboration with Venezuelan authorities. “Venezuela is our closest neighbour. We have to collaborate with our neighbors and allies,” Gonzales emphasized, highlighting the potential cross-border dimensions of the case.

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has designated the investigation as top priority, stating that specialized units are actively pursuing all leads. “Kidnapping for ransom will be met with decisive action and police remain fully committed to protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice,” Guevarro affirmed in an official communication.

    Authorities continue to urge public assistance while maintaining tight operational security around the investigation. The family and community await any breakthrough with hopeful apprehension, praying for the safe return of the beloved local figure and his wife.

  • Two freed of Tobago double murder as State fails to give evidence

    Two freed of Tobago double murder as State fails to give evidence

    In a dramatic courtroom development, two men accused of a 2019 double homicide in Tobago were unconditionally discharged by the High Court after prosecutors unexpectedly declined to present any evidence against them. Nicholas Davis and Antonio McEachnie, who had faced murder charges for nearly three years, walked free following the procedural collapse of the State’s case during a sufficiency hearing on December 8.

    The case concerned the tragic deaths of John Mills, 69, and Eulyn John, 61, a Tobago couple whose bodies were discovered at their Buccoo residence on May 2, 2019. After three years of investigation, authorities arrested Davis and McEachnie in 2022, setting in motion a legal process that would encounter multiple procedural hurdles.

    Prosecutors had previously obtained several extensions to compile their evidence, eventually submitting over 50 witness statements. In a unusual maneuver, they also sought permission to call a witness for oral testimony after she refused to swear to her written statement.

    During the hearing before Master Margaret Sookraj-Goswami, defense attorneys raised vigorous objections to documents served after court-ordered deadlines, arguing that the late filing—mere days before the crucial hearing—prevented proper review of the materials. The defense team, comprising prominent legal counsel including Senior Counsel Israel Khan, opposed any further extensions given the State’s history of delays.

    Master Sookraj-Goswami ruled that the hearing would proceed with most documents admitted, though two statements filed out of time were excluded. In a stunning turn, when invited to present evidence, prosecutors Kernester Mohammed and Mark Peters declined to tender any of their compiled statements. With no evidence before the court to substantiate the murder charges, the judicial officer had no alternative but to discharge both defendants.

    The outcome highlights systemic challenges in criminal prosecutions and raises questions about evidence gathering procedures in serious felony cases.

  • Windies’ Greaves takes page from New Zealand duo’s book

    Windies’ Greaves takes page from New Zealand duo’s book

    In a stunning display of resilience, West Indies cricketer Justin Greaves has revealed the strategic inspiration behind his match-saving performance that secured a dramatic draw against New Zealand in the first Test at Christchurch. The remarkable comeback, achieved while chasing an unprecedented 531 runs, has been hailed as one of Test cricket’s most memorable escapes.

    Greaves, whose unbeaten 202 formed the cornerstone of West Indies’ improbable recovery, credited his meticulous observation of New Zealand batsmen Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra for providing the tactical template. “I studied how both Tom Latham and Rachin applied themselves on the pitch,” Greaves explained. “I took a page from each batter’s book – Tom’s exceptional patience combined with Rachin’s shot execution capability.”

    The Caribbean team’s prospects appeared bleak on day four when they stumbled to 72/4, facing what would have been the highest successful run chase in Test history. However, Greaves forged critical partnerships with captain Shai Hope (140) and tailender Kemar Roach, who contributed a maiden Test half-century of 58 not out. The collective effort propelled West Indies to 457/6 by the conclusion, denying New Zealand victory.

    Reflecting on the tense final sessions, Greaves acknowledged the calculated shift in strategy after losing Hope and Tevin Imlach in quick succession. “We initially aimed for victory with Shai, but after those wickets, our focus shifted to taking the game as deep as possible,” he stated. “We didn’t want to leave the outcome dependent on our bowlers, so securing the draw became a significant achievement.”

    The 29-year-old all-rounder, who made his Test debut just eleven months ago, emphasized the substantial leap from regional first-class cricket to the international arena. “Test cricket is considerably more demanding both physically and mentally,” Greaves noted. “I’ve had to completely transform my training approach regarding strength, conditioning, and technical skills.”

    Greaves also identified former world-ranked all-rounder Jason Holder as an influential mentor as he continues developing his dual batting and medium-pace bowling capabilities. Looking ahead to the second Test commencing December 9 in Wellington, Greaves anticipates similar pitch conditions and emphasizes maintaining disciplined processes that served the team effectively in Christchurch.

  • Amplia boosts El Dorado Secondary’s digital transformation

    Amplia boosts El Dorado Secondary’s digital transformation

    A technical-vocational classroom at El Dorado East Secondary School has undergone a remarkable transformation into a fully-equipped digital learning center through a collaborative initiative led by Amplia Communications Ltd. The August refurbishment project, which evolved from a simple request for internet connectivity into a comprehensive multi-stakeholder effort, now provides students with unprecedented access to digital resources and modern learning infrastructure.

    The revitalized space features repainted walls, a new air-conditioning unit, branded interior enhancements, and significantly improved high-speed internet service. A donated smart television supports digital instruction, creating an environment that fosters collaboration, hands-on learning, and access to online educational resources. Notably, the new AC unit was installed by a graduate of the very same technical program, demonstrating the circular impact of vocational education when properly supported.

    Amplia Communications General Manager Shawn Clarke emphasized that the company’s role extends beyond providing telecommunications services. “It’s about enabling opportunity,” Clarke stated. “When we understood the challenges facing students—many of whom had no access to digital tools at home—we saw the need to go further than Wi-Fi. Technology must be a bridge, not a barrier.”

    The project brought together Amplia staff volunteers, Jus Hurtz Ltd (which contributed painting services and materials pro bono), and educators from the school. Technical-vocational teacher Winston Ammon noted that for the first time in his decade at the institution, he can conduct entire classes where every student simultaneously works on a computer.

    Beyond serving students, the refurbished room will function as the first dedicated staff workspace for the technical-vocational department, enhancing teacher collaboration and program planning. The school now advances toward its ambition of becoming the premier center for technical and vocational education in the East-West corridor.

    This initiative represents part of Amplia’s broader corporate social responsibility framework focused on digital access, infrastructure equity, and community-based technology enablement. The company continues supporting educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and rural communities through connectivity solutions, technology donations, and skills development programs.

  • Justin Bridgemohan 24th on debut at World Sailing Inclusion Champs

    Justin Bridgemohan 24th on debut at World Sailing Inclusion Champs

    In a landmark moment for Trinidad and Tobago sailing, Justin Bridgemohan concluded his inaugural appearance at the 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships with a 24th-place finish in the inclusive one-person championship division. The historic event, held at the Mussanah Sailing School in Oman on December 8, marked the Caribbean nation’s first-ever representation in para-sailing at this elite international level.

    Competing under the banner of the Andrew Lewis Sailing Foundation, Bridgemohan demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout nine challenging rounds, ultimately accumulating a net score of 59. His campaign began with an unfortunate disqualification in the opening race after his vessel made contact with a marker. Undeterred by this setback, the debutant sailor mounted an impressive comeback, achieving consistently strong placements of eighth, ninth, 11th, fifth, 11th, sixth, second, and seventh in subsequent races.

    Notably, without the initial disqualification, statistical analysis indicates Bridgemohan would have secured a position within the championship’s top 20 competitors. This performance becomes even more extraordinary considering the athlete has only been sailing for three months through the Andrew Lewis Sailing Academy’s local training program.

    Bridgemohan’s journey to international competition began through the mentorship of coach Kristoff Stuven, a former national sailor, who recognized his potential despite the athlete’s recent introduction to the sport. In a post-competition interview from Oman, Bridgemohan appealed for public support to sustain his developing career, identifying the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics as his ultimate objective.

    The pioneering sailor extended gratitude to multiple supporters including TT Paralympics Committee president Sudhir Ramesar, coach Stuven for expedition coordination, mentor Andrew Lewis, trainer Yannick Along, his family, and the Trinidad and Tobago Yachting Association for advancing para-sailing initiatives.

  • Attorney for Carapo man questions SoE detention orders

    Attorney for Carapo man questions SoE detention orders

    A significant legal development has emerged as Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked a preventative detention order (PDO) against Christian Joshua, a detainee held under the state of emergency provisions who faces charges of motor vehicle larceny. This reversal now enables Joshua to pursue bail proceedings, reigniting debates about the appropriate application of PDOs within Trinidad and Tobago’s justice system.

    Joshua’s legal representative, Attorney Keron Ramkalwhan, raised serious concerns regarding the ministerial order’s justification, suggesting that PDOs may be employed for statistical optics rather than legitimate security purposes. Ramkalwhan emphasized the peculiar circumstances: Joshua was already in custody after being denied bail on September 2, yet received a PDO dated September 6 that wasn’t formally served until September 30.

    The initial PDO alleged Joshua’s involvement in an organized vehicle theft network that purportedly used stolen cars to support gang-related violence. However, Ramkalwhan challenged its validity, stating, ‘The issuance of a preventative detention order against someone already lawfully detained raises fundamental questions about its purpose. Either the minister acted without current information, or these orders serve symbolic rather than practical security functions.’

    With the order’s revocation on December 5, Joshua will now seek bail through renewed applications while preparing to withdraw existing proceedings before the state of emergency review tribunal. The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about transparency and proper procedure in national security measures.