Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Agostini Ltd’s group controller tenders resignation

    Agostini Ltd’s group controller tenders resignation

    In a significant corporate development, Trinidad and Tobago conglomerate Agostini Limited has announced the departure of Group Controller Trudy N Ramdath, effective January 5. The resignation was formally disclosed through a material change notice published by the TT Stock Exchange on December 30.

    The company’s board of directors confirmed Ramdath’s exit in compliance with Section 64(1)(b) of the Trinidad and Tobago Securities Act, 2021. The announcement, signed by Company Secretary Nadia James-Reyes Tineo and dated December 29, provided no explanation for the senior executive’s decision to step down.

    Ramdath originally assumed the group controller position on May 29, 2023, bringing with her substantial financial expertise gained over 17 years as chief financial officer at a prominent local enterprise. Her professional credentials include membership in both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Governance Institute.

    Agostini Limited operates as a regional conglomerate with extensive interests across three core sectors: pharmaceutical and healthcare, consumer products, and energy and industrial services. The company maintains operations in ten regional markets while exporting to over 20 additional countries, supported by a workforce exceeding 3,500 employees.

    The company’s leadership structure includes Christian Mouttet as chairman, Francois Mouttet as executive director, and Barry A Davis as chief executive officer. The board further comprises non-executive directors Reyaz W Ahamad, Wayne A Frederick, Caroline Toni Sirju-Ramnarine, Nicholas Sinanan, and Jorge Sequeira, alongside independent directors Lisa M Mackenzie, Joanna Banks, and T Nicholas Gomez.

  • Mash brakes on PBR toll hike

    Mash brakes on PBR toll hike

    The Trinidadian government’s sudden decision to double the quarterly toll for maxi-taxis utilizing the Priority Bus Route (PBR) has ignited widespread criticism from both transportation operators and commuters. Effective January 1, the toll surges from $300 to $600—a move implemented without prior consultation or warning via Legal Notice No. 475 on December 22.

    This toll adjustment, unchanged since 1988, arrives amid broader governmental efforts to enhance revenue streams and enforce traffic regulations through increased fines and duties. However, the abrupt nature of the hike has drawn sharp rebuke for its poor timing and lack of stakeholder engagement.

    In response, maxi-taxi drivers are contemplating fare increases, potentially raising short-drop fares from $5 to $8—a shift that has alarmed daily commuters already grappling with inflationary pressures. The move threatens to exacerbate living costs and contradicts governmental claims of sensitivity to public welfare, particularly following October’s reduction of super gasoline prices by $1 per liter.

    Critics argue that the toll hike lacks justification without corresponding improvements in infrastructure. Facilities such as City Gate in Port of Spain—described as outdated, insecure, and plagued by vagrancy and pollution—remain in deplorable condition. The terminal fails to meet basic accessibility standards for older adults and persons with disabilities, undermining any promise of enhanced services.

    Furthermore, questions arise regarding the allocation of the increased toll revenue. If directed to the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), which manages related infrastructure, the hike might be palatable. Yet, no commitments to maintenance or upgrades have been disclosed.

    The decision also echoes past conflicts: fifteen years ago, the Privy Council ruled in favor of maxi-taxi drivers in a dispute over PTSC fees, with millions in damages still owed as of 2024. This historical precedent underscores the risks of imposing changes without dialogue or consensus.

    Unless the UNC-dominated Parliament annuls the legal notice, the toll increase will proceed, potentially igniting further dispute and hardship. The government is urged to reconsider its approach, balancing fiscal objectives with equitable public policy.

  • Missing fire officer found dead

    Missing fire officer found dead

    The Trinidad and Tobago fire service community is mourning the tragic loss of Fire Officer Bruce Lezama, whose body was discovered on December 30 along the Arima Old Road. The 47-year-old ambulance driver had been missing since Christmas Day, December 25, with concerns escalating when he failed to report for duty at the Northern Division headquarters on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, two days later.

    The search for Lezama intensified after concerned relatives visited his Andy Estate residence off Bypass Road in Arima on December 28. They discovered his front gate and main entrance door both unsecured and open, with no indication of his whereabouts. Repeated attempts to contact him via mobile phone proved unsuccessful, adding to growing apprehensions about his safety.

    In a coordinated overnight search operation, fellow fire service personnel located Lezama’s body at the three-mile mark along Arima Old Road in the early hours of December 30. The discovery ended days of uncertainty and dashed hopes for his safe return among family members and colleagues.

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lezama’s disappearance and death. The incident has sent shockwaves through the emergency services community, where Lezama was known as a dedicated ambulance driver serving the Northern Division. Colleagues have expressed profound grief over the loss of their comrade, while police continue to examine evidence to determine the events leading to this tragic outcome.

  • TTPost: No packages through registered mail

    TTPost: No packages through registered mail

    A significant transformation in international mail services will take effect on January 1 as TT Postal Corporation (TTPost) implements sweeping changes to its International Registered Mail service. According to a December 29 announcement, the state mail carrier will exclusively process documents through this service, completely ceasing acceptance of both outbound and inbound goods and merchandise.

    This policy shift stems from a worldwide standardization initiative mandated by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the specialized United Nations agency that coordinates postal policies among member nations. The UPU’s new regulations fundamentally redefine the scope of International Registered Mail, restricting it strictly to documents possessing no commercial value.

    Permissible items under the revised framework include legal documents, various certificates, and official correspondence. The prohibition extends to all merchandise and commercial goods, regardless of size or value.

    TTPost has directed customers seeking to ship commercial items toward their Parcel Post Service, which offers specialized handling mechanisms, comprehensive tracking capabilities, and proof of delivery features specifically engineered for items of commercial worth. The corporation emphasized that utilizing the appropriate service would prevent potential delays or forced returns of prohibited mailings.

    The postal service acknowledged potential disruptions during the transition period, extending apologies for any inconvenience while expressing appreciation for public understanding and cooperation. Customers seeking clarification may contact the Customer Service Department through multiple channels: telephone (774-1065, 773-6098, 773-6104), WhatsApp (774-0715), email (customer.service@ttpost.gov.tt), or the official website at www.ttpost.net.

  • All our eggs in one basket

    All our eggs in one basket

    A prominent Caribbean voice has raised serious concerns about the unsubstantiated nature of U.S. narco-terrorism charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, suggesting they may serve as pretext for resource-driven regime change. In a compelling editorial analysis, the author notes that according to U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency data, 95% of narcotics reaching the United States transit via the Pacific seaboard from Colombia, Ecuador, and Honduras—not Venezuela.

    The timing of Washington’s recent release of convicted Honduran narco-trafficker and former president Juan Hernández—imprisoned for smuggling 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.—further undermines the credibility of charges against Caracas, according to the analysis. These developments coincide with concerning military maneuvers, including the installation of advanced U.S. radar systems in Tobago and the interception of Venezuelan oil tankers.

    The editorial warns that Trinidad and Tobago’s alignment with American foreign policy risks damaging regional relationships throughout Caricom while offering questionable benefits. Should regime change efforts in Venezuela ultimately fail, the nation could find itself diplomatically isolated from neighboring states.

    The analysis further cautions about potential collateral damage from escalating tensions, including the possibility of Venezuelan forces targeting the Tobago radar installation if conflict erupts over intercepted tankers. While Trinidad’s energy sector remains under substantial U.S. influence, the population could nonetheless face unintended consequences from any military confrontation between Caracas and Washington.

    The author concludes that maintaining neutrality would have been the prudent course, acknowledging the considerable pressure facing the Prime Minister from both American officials and domestic political elements who have historically supported regime change in Venezuela.

  • Door open to all immigrants, government expands registration framework

    Door open to all immigrants, government expands registration framework

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced a significant expansion of its Migrant Registration Framework (MRF), extending eligibility to all undocumented migrants regardless of nationality from January 1 to September 30, 2026. This policy shift represents a strategic departure from the previous framework that exclusively accommodated Venezuelan nationals.

    Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander will oversee the issuance of registration cards containing biometric data and personal information, enabling previously undocumented migrants to obtain legal residency and work rights. The government has simultaneously amended immigration regulations to include children of permit holders, ensuring family unity within the legal framework.

    The expansion has generated mixed reactions within migrant communities. Venezuelans, who constitute the largest migrant group with approximately 44,000 individuals, largely welcomed the initiative as protection against deportation. However, concerns persist regarding implementation details and ongoing diplomatic tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

    Notably, the policy includes stringent provisions for deporting migrants with criminal records or deemed security risks. Cabinet has referred coordination of deportations to the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs for diplomatic engagement with relevant embassies.

    Civil society organizations including the La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre have urged migrants to rely exclusively on official information channels while preparing necessary documentation. Meanwhile, community advocate Moises Perez Mcnish emphasized the economic contributions of skilled Venezuelan professionals in fields including medicine, engineering, and sports education.

    The policy revision has also addressed previous criticisms regarding unequal treatment of migrant groups. Dr. David Muhammad of the Black Agenda Project welcomed the inclusive approach, noting that African migrants had previously faced systemic disadvantages compared to Venezuelan counterparts during the 2019 registration process.

  • JMMB TT raises $.5m for Jamaica’s disaster relief

    JMMB TT raises $.5m for Jamaica’s disaster relief

    JMMB Trinidad and Tobago has successfully mobilized substantial financial support for Jamaican communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. The financial institution’s Disaster Relief Fund, branded as “One Love,” has accumulated more than TT$540,000 (approximately US$80,000) through a collaborative effort involving the JMMB Group, employee contributions, and public donations from Trinidad and Tobago citizens.

    The comprehensive fundraising initiative will channel all proceeds to The Joan Duncan Foundation, the philanthropic division of JMMB Group based in Jamaica. These resources will be strategically deployed to address critical recovery needs including residential repairs, reconstruction of community centers, and restoration of essential infrastructure severely compromised by the catastrophic hurricane.

    Chantal Pereira, Country Marketing and Communications Manager at JMMB Trinidad and Tobago, emphasized the organization’s philosophical approach: “At JMMB, we fundamentally believe in community solidarity and collective support during crises. This contribution demonstrates our dual commitment to both financial empowerment and the holistic wellbeing of Caribbean communities we serve.”

    The Joan Duncan Foundation brings established expertise in educational development, community programming, and disaster response coordination. This partnership ensures targeted allocation of resources to areas of greatest need, delivering both practical assistance and renewed hope to numerous affected families throughout Jamaica.

    Hurricane Melissa, recorded as the first Category 5 hurricane to make direct landfall in Jamaica, occurred between October 21 and November 4. The storm ranks among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history, causing widespread devastation across multiple Caribbean nations, with Jamaica and Cuba experiencing particularly severe impacts.

  • Piparo residents flee amid volcano rumblings

    Piparo residents flee amid volcano rumblings

    The Piparo Mud Volcano in Trinidad has entered a dangerous phase of heightened activity, compelling residents to abandon their homes following a comprehensive geological assessment that classified the feature as “very active” with elevated risks to the surrounding community. While surface manifestations have diminished since last week’s seismic event, the underlying threat remains critically high according to researchers from the University of the West Indies (UWI).

    The December 24 volcanic activity triggered substantial ground movement that damaged infrastructure and homes throughout the Piparo region. Kim Seebaran, a 65-year-old resident of Panchoo Trace, described the terror of hearing her roof buckle and watching utility poles tilt during the earth movements. After reviewing the UWI report indicating mud and pressure advancing northwest toward her property, Seebaran made the difficult decision to relinquish 32 years of history and relocate to Chaguanas.

    Fedell Solomon, whose residence at the intersection of Panchoo Trace and Piparo Road suffered severe damage, has arranged for his three young daughters to evacuate following the alarming scientific findings. Solomon emphasized the heartbreaking nature of this decision, noting it marks the first separation from his children but acknowledging that “life is important” when facing geological threats.

    The UWI research team, led by Professor of Geomechanics and Geophysics Oshaine Blake and PhD candidate Kerneese Ramjarrie, analyzed data from monitoring instruments positioned around the volcanic site. Their report confirmed rapid pressure buildup and northwestward mud movement, recommending urgent funding enhancement for improved monitoring capabilities and early warning systems.

    At Robinson Hill, the landslip rendered roads impassable and structurally compromised Sybil Badall’s home, making it appear as though resting on a sliding surface. Her son Vickram Moonesar expressed concerns about relocation needs, particularly with his eldest son preparing for crucial academic examinations.

    Despite police barricades, some motorists attempted to navigate the damaged thoroughfares, exiting vehicles to guide drivers across compromised sections. While residents criticized delayed emergency response times, they acknowledged governmental efforts in restoring utilities and initiating road repairs.

    The community faces complex challenges, with many families having multi-generational ties to the area. Solomon highlighted the insensitivity of social media commentary questioning why residents built near volcanic sites, explaining that many homes predated the volcano’s development and relocation presents significant logistical and financial hurdles.

    The Piparo volcano, Trinidad’s most active among 32 such features, previously erupted violently in February 2017, displacing 300 people and causing substantial property damage. The current activity represents the most significant threat since the 1997 eruption, with additional periods of heightened activity occurring in October 2019 and during the recent Christmas Eve event.

    Government authorities, including Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen and Princes Town MP Dr. Aiyna Ali, have not yet commented on the UWI findings. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management is scheduled to convene emergency responders to discuss implications for existing response plans.

  • Sagicor spreads Christmas cheer

    Sagicor spreads Christmas cheer

    Sagicor Financial Services demonstrated its ongoing dedication to community enrichment and youth empowerment through its seasonal Making A Giant Impact in Children (MAGIC) program during the 2025 holiday period. The initiative formed a crucial component of the corporation’s broader corporate social responsibility framework, which prioritizes meaningful community investment and youth development.

    Company volunteers organized special Christmas celebrations at two key institutions: Wesleyan Children’s Home and St James Police Youth Club. At the children’s home, Sagicor staff hosted an afternoon of festive activities and games, creating joyful interactions and lasting memories for the residents. Each child received individually tailored gifts aligned with their personal interests, alongside seasonal treats and tokens. The home’s management expressed profound gratitude for Sagicor’s sustained partnership and support.

    The outreach continued at the St James Police Youth Club, where Sagicor volunteers arrived with Santa Claus—making a dramatic entrance in a vibrant red pickup truck rather than traditional sleigh. The event generated laughter and genuine connection as team members distributed presents to all children while emphasizing values of positive engagement and personal development.

    Asha Nabbie, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Southern Caribbean, emphasized the strategic importance of these initiatives: “The St James Police Youth Club plays a critical role in nurturing discipline, leadership and social responsibility among young people. Our annual Christmas programs demonstrate Sagicor’s commitment to creating positive change, bringing joy and belonging during this special season.”

    The MAGIC initiative reflects Sagicor’s institutional philosophy that corporate responsibility extends beyond financial services to active community participation and support for future generations.

  • Gonzales tells PM: Apologise for calling TT ‘lawless dump’

    Gonzales tells PM: Apologise for calling TT ‘lawless dump’

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has been shaken by a heated confrontation between government and opposition figures following controversial remarks by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The controversy emerged when the Prime Minister characterized the nation as a “lawless dump” during discussions about newly implemented traffic penalty increases on December 28.

    Opposition Chief Whip and PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales launched a scathing rebuke against the Prime Minister’s comments, demanding an immediate public apology. In a strongly worded Facebook statement on December 29, Gonzales condemned the description as “an appalling betrayal of the office she holds” and labeled the language as “careless and contemptuous.”

    The political firestorm centers around Legal Notice No 471 of 2025, published on December 25, which substantially increased penalties for traffic violations. The revised framework introduces tiered speeding fines ranging from $2,000 for minor violations to $6,000 for severe infractions, while driving without insurance now carries a staggering $10,000 penalty—a tenfold increase from previous rates.

    Gonzales emphasized that while Trinidad and Tobago faces challenges similar to other nations, the country remains “blessed and fortunate in ways far better than others.” He asserted that national leadership should demonstrate “humility, morality and integrity” rather than engaging in public degradation of the nation.

    The Opposition has scheduled a news conference for December 30 at the Opposition Leader’s office to address this controversy among other national issues. This development marks another chapter in the ongoing political tension between the ruling UNC party and opposition PNM, recalling Persad-Bissessar’s pre-election promise in April 2024 to reduce traffic fines and implement driver education programs when she served as opposition leader.

    The Prime Minister has defended the policy shift as necessary to combat persistent dangerous driving, arguing that previous measures including the demerit points system failed to adequately deter repeat offenders. The government has consequently scrapped most of the demerit system in favor of significantly higher fixed penalties.