Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Visiting UAE delegation tours key gov’t projects

    Visiting UAE delegation tours key gov’t projects

    In a significant diplomatic and economic development, Trinidad and Tobago hosted a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates on January 24th to advance foreign investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations. The UAE delegation, led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, engaged in substantive discussions with Trinidad’s ministerial team headed by Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John.

    The engagement represented a continuation of Trinidad’s global economic development strategy, particularly building upon recent ministerial outreach to Middle Eastern nations. During the meetings, Minister John presented the government’s comprehensive Revitalisation Blueprint—an ambitious infrastructure program encompassing over 129 projects designed to drive economic diversification and enhance national resilience in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

    Minister John emphasized Trinidad’s openness for business, highlighting the nation’s strategic geographic positioning, competitive advantages, and ongoing regulatory improvements designed to facilitate foreign investment. The discussions focused on identifying mutually beneficial partnership opportunities aligned with Trinidad’s national development priorities.

    The UAE delegation conducted firsthand inspections of several major national projects, including the Invaders Bay Development Project in Port of Spain, the Port of Point Lisas, and the Couva Children’s Hospital. These site visits provided concrete examples of development areas with significant investment potential.

    Foreign Minister Sean Sobers contextualized the visit within Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s broader vision of expanding Trinidad’s global relationships. He noted that the UAE’s outreach followed the Prime Minister’s “clarion call” for enhanced international engagement, with initial contacts established around mid-2024. Sobers highlighted the UAE’s significant economic stature as one of the world’s top ten oil producers and its substantial sovereign wealth funds managing approximately US$1.5 trillion in assets.

    The meeting built upon previous discussions held in the Middle East on November 24, 2025, where both nations explored establishing a Trinidad and Tobago diplomatic mission in the UAE and identified specific investment opportunities within the Revitalisation Blueprint Initiative. The visit concluded with the delegation experiencing local culture through sampling doubles, a popular Trinidadian street food.

  • PNM to honour stalwarts at 70th anniversary celebration

    PNM to honour stalwarts at 70th anniversary celebration

    The People’s National Movement (PNM), Trinidad and Tobago’s pioneering political party, is set to commemorate its 70th anniversary with a prestigious gala event at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain on January 26. The celebration will honor several party stalwarts who have contributed to the organization’s enduring legacy since its official founding by the nation’s first prime minister, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, on January 24, 1956.

    Current PNM Political Leader Pennelope Beckles, who also serves as Opposition Leader and Arima MP, will deliver the feature address at the anniversary program. In a recent Facebook post, Beckles reflected on the party’s historical significance, noting that the PNM emerged as “TT’s first major political party with a continuous organization and a clear national program” committed to building “a stronger, fairer and more united nation.”

    The event promises to blend historical reflection with cultural entertainment, described in party communications as “fantastic presentations and top local entertainment” that will punctuate the historically significant program.

    Beckles, who made history herself by becoming the PNM’s fifth political leader and first woman to hold the position on June 22, 2025, acknowledged the leadership legacy she inherited. She specifically recognized the four leaders who preceded her: founding leader Dr. Eric Williams; George Chambers, who assumed leadership following Williams’ death in 1981; Patrick Manning, who led from 1987 and shaped “a defining era of leadership and national development”; and Dr. Keith Rowley, who served as political leader until April 30, 2025.

    The Opposition Leader emphasized her commitment to steering the party forward with “humility, resolve, and unwavering commitment,” stating she remains “fully committed to the PNM and ready to chart a strong, united and purposeful way forward” for the movement that has significantly shaped the nation’s political landscape for seven decades.

  • Activist encourages illegal migrants to register, exercise not a trap

    Activist encourages illegal migrants to register, exercise not a trap

    Trinidad and Tobago’s abrupt acceleration of its migrant registration initiative has generated waves of apprehension within immigrant communities, prompting urgent clarifications from human rights advocates. Venezuelan activist Yesenia Gonzalez has stepped forward to reframe the narrative, characterizing the program not as a governmental trap but as a crucial temporary regularization opportunity.

    The Ministry of Homeland Security’s January 23 announcement advanced the registration timeline by four days, with proceedings now commencing January 26 at four major sporting venues: Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, and Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago. The expedited timeline triggered widespread confusion regarding eligibility criteria, nationality considerations, financial obligations, and potential legal consequences for irregular entry.

    Gonzalez of the Themis Foundation of the Americas provided critical legal interpretation, explaining that while the measure avoids the formal terminology of ‘amnesty,’ it functionally operates as a temporary regularization program. The initiative temporarily suspends immigration penalties, allowing undocumented migrants to obtain official documentation and work legally until December 31 upon payment of a $700 registration fee. Crucially, she emphasized that eligibility extends beyond Venezuelans to include all foreign nationals without valid immigration status, provided they lack serious criminal convictions and don’t pose public safety risks.

    Andreina Ventura-Brown of La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre reinforced this perspective, characterizing the registration as a transformative legal pathway that enables migrants to transition from precarious legal situations into protected status. The program represents an unprecedented opportunity for meaningful inclusion in Trinidad and Tobago’s social and economic fabric, allowing registered migrants to access services, education, and employment without fear of deportation.

  • CSO on the ground to get data for census

    CSO on the ground to get data for census

    The Central Statistical Office (CSO) under Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs, and Development has initiated a comprehensive nationwide Geospatial Data Update Exercise (GDUE) starting January 26. This ambitious digital mapping project represents a fundamental modernization of the country’s census preparation methodology, transitioning from traditional paper-based systems to fully digitized data collection protocols.

    Trained field personnel equipped with digital technology are deploying across targeted communities in Trinidad, including Champs Fleurs, Manzanilla, and Kelly Village, to gather precise geo-located information on all structures, households, commercial establishments, institutions, and agricultural holdings. Tobago will commence fieldwork operations at a subsequent scheduled date.

    This technological advancement serves as the foundational pillar for the CSO’s innovative bimodal digital census strategy. The initial phase will enable Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) capabilities, permitting citizens to complete census questionnaires online via personal devices at their convenience. Subsequently, the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) methodology will deploy field enumerators to assist those requiring in-person support, with all data securely captured through tablet devices.

    Approximately 120 rigorously trained enumerators and supervisors, identifiable through official CSO-issued identification badges and branded high-visibility vests, will conduct the exercise with strict adherence to ethical data collection standards. The ministry emphasizes that safeguarding public trust and security remains paramount throughout the process.

    Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh endorsed the initiative, highlighting its critical role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development. The CSO has encouraged full public cooperation in selected communities, noting that the collected data will directly inform the upcoming Population and Housing Census and shape future developmental planning. Verification channels including telephone (226-0180) and WhatsApp (252-9899) have been established for citizen inquiries.

  • Outrage over police killing – CCTV shows victim with hands in air

    Outrage over police killing – CCTV shows victim with hands in air

    Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with mounting public outrage following the release of CCTV footage that directly contradicts official police accounts of a fatal shooting incident in St. Augustine on January 20. The video evidence shows 31-year-old Joshua Samaroo attempting to surrender with hands visibly raised from his crashed vehicle before officers opened fire, killing him and critically wounding his common-law wife Kaia Sealy.

    The disturbing footage captures the immediate aftermath of a police pursuit that ended when Samaroo’s car crashed into a drain on Bassie Street Extension. Within seconds, three officers emerged from their SUV and discharged approximately 17 rounds into the vehicle despite clear surrender gestures. The recording shows Samaroo lowering his window and extending both hands skyward before being struck multiple times and slumping in his seat.

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro initially stated that occupants “chose to challenge my officers” and that the response complied with use-of-force protocols. However, the visual evidence has prompted the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) to launch an independent investigation into what many are calling an excessive use of force.

    Deputy Commissioner Suzette Martin acknowledged public concerns while emphasizing the TTPS’s commitment to transparency: “Any loss of life during a police operation is a matter we treat with the utmost seriousness.” The service has pledged full cooperation with the PCA investigation.

    This incident marks the fourth police-involved fatality in 2026, continuing a troubling three-year trend that saw fatal police shootings jump 150% from 45 in 2023 to 68 in 2025. The spike coincides with extended states of emergency that granted expanded police powers throughout most of last year.

    The PCA has reiterated its call for mandatory body-worn cameras, stating such technology “would help elucidate the true nature of what transpired in circumstances like these.” Meanwhile, legislative efforts to establish Zones of Special Operations continue progressing through Parliament, raising concerns among opposition members about potential power abuses.

    As investigations proceed, the incident has sparked intense public debate about police accountability, with social media users expressing both outrage at the apparent surrender violation and some support for police facing dangerous situations.

  • PNM to open nominations for local government elections

    PNM to open nominations for local government elections

    The People’s National Movement (PNM) has formally commenced its electoral preparations by opening candidate nominations for impending local government elections. This strategic move was unveiled by PNM Political Leader Pennelope Beckles during the party’s monthly general council gathering at Balisier House in Port of Spain on January 24.

    The nomination process will prioritize constituencies currently not under PNM control, with official submissions opening February 23 at 8:00 AM. Prospective candidates must obtain nomination packages and adhere to the party’s established procedures through official channels including party groups, youth leagues, and women’s leagues.

    Beckles emphasized the party’s unwavering commitment to national development, stating the PNM remains dedicated to serving Trinidad and Tobago while encouraging qualified individuals to participate in the democratic process.

    The announcement follows the closely contested 2023 local elections where both PNM and United National Congress (UNC) secured seven borough corporations each. Notably, UNC achieved a higher popular vote with 173,961 ballots compared to PNM’s 130,868, despite a notably low voter turnout of merely 30.3% participation across the electorate.

  • Final salute to Newsday

    Final salute to Newsday

    The media landscape in Trinidad and Tobago has lost a pioneering voice with the closure of Newsday newspaper after 32 years of operation. Founded in 1993 by groundbreaking editor Therese Mills, who shattered glass ceilings as the first female editor-in-chief of a national daily, Newsday established itself as a fearless publication that challenged conventional wisdom.

    Under Mills’ leadership alongside news editor John Babb, Newsday assembled a team of distinguished journalists who defied expectations that the paper would not survive its first year. The publication quickly evolved into the market leader within five years, earning the nickname ‘The People’s Paper’ for its daring coverage of crime, politics, and international affairs while maintaining deep connections within local communities.

    Newsday’s success was built on the dedication of both visible and unsung heroes—from journalists and photographers to press-room operators, advertising clerks, distributors, and support staff who worked tirelessly through natural disasters, states of emergency, and the recent pandemic. The newspaper notably defended press freedom in 2012 when police searched its Port of Spain newsroom and a journalist’s home following a report on the Integrity Commission.

    Unlike its competitors, Newsday maintained complete editorial independence without the financial safety net of regional media conglomerates. This autonomy ultimately proved challenging in the digital era, where changing reader habits and declining advertising revenue created insurmountable financial pressures. Despite adapting its operations, the newspaper could not overcome these market forces.

    The closure represents a heartbreaking conclusion for staff members, particularly those who dedicated all 32 years to the publication. The final edition serves as both a tribute to the pioneers who built Newsday and a heartfelt thank you to the readers who welcomed the paper into their homes for over three decades.

  • UNC celebrates 16 years of Kamla’s leadership

    UNC celebrates 16 years of Kamla’s leadership

    The United National Congress (UNC) has officially commemorated Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s sixteen-year tenure as party leader, marking the occasion with an official statement issued on parliamentary letterhead by Minister of People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit on January 25.

    The release highlighted Persad-Bissessar’s groundbreaking 2008 ascension to leadership as a historic milestone for both the party and Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape. The statement emphasized that her leadership style—characterized by visionary yet pragmatic governance—has fundamentally redefined political leadership in the nation.

    According to the document, Persad-Bissessar’s approach combines decisive action with profound compassion, demonstrating that effective governance requires both strength and empathy. Her administration has prioritized social protection programs, educational accessibility, democratic institutional integrity, and people-centered policy-making throughout her tenure.

    The statement particularly noted the gender-specific challenges Persad-Bissessar has navigated as a female political leader, describing how she transformed gendered expectations into purposeful leadership. Rather than conforming to traditional political paradigms, she has established a model of governance that balances resoluteness with compassion, creating expanded opportunities for women in political leadership.

    Minister Mohit, reflecting on Persad-Bissessar’s legacy, acknowledged the significant pathway the Prime Minister has carved for female parliamentarians. The release concluded that Persad-Bissessar’s commitment to consultation, institutional respect, social justice, and protection of vulnerable populations represents the core philosophy that continues to guide the current government’s approach to governance.

  • Grenadian singer Muddy pays courtesy calls on local ministers

    Grenadian singer Muddy pays courtesy calls on local ministers

    In a significant cultural exchange between neighboring Caribbean nations, Grenada’s reigning Soca Monarch Alex “Muddy” Cuffie conducted diplomatic courtesy visits to senior Trinidadian officials this week. The acclaimed artist, who also holds the People’s Choice Award title, met with Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain.

    The ceremonial meeting featured an exchange of cultural gifts symbolizing the strengthening bonds between the two islands. Cuffie presented Minister Moonilal with an elaborate gift package curated by the Grenadian Prime Minister’s Office, containing authentic Grenadian spices, a heritage photography book, traditional guava jelly and nutmeg jam preserves, alongside a personalized backpack bearing the artist’s signature branding.

    Minister Moonilal reciprocated the diplomatic warmth by expressing his personal admiration for Grenadian culture and revealing his close friendship with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. The energy official extended his best wishes for Cuffie’s upcoming performances during Trinidad’s 2026 Carnival season.

    In a separate cultural diplomacy engagement, the Grenadian soca ambassador also met with representatives from Trinidad’s Ministry of Culture, presenting Communications Specialist Jerome Lewis with additional heritage gift packages for Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin.

    Cuffie, who has been in Trinidad since early January, expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming reception of his hit single ‘Payroll’ among Trinidadian audiences. The artist emphasized the historical interconnectedness between the two nations, noting: ‘TT and Grenada have always had good relations with many families relocating between our islands over time—we are essentially extended family.’

    The cultural ambassador is scheduled to headline A Team Events’ A Class VIP Cooler Experience on January 25th at Cipriani Labour College Grounds, joining other top soca performers backed by the renowned A Team Band.

  • More than a headcount

    More than a headcount

    The Trinidadian government’s recent announcement of a renewed registration process for Venezuelan migrants has raised questions about its broader integration strategy beyond mere documentation. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revealed on January 22 that migrants would be required to pay a $700 fee to register under the program, which aims to regularize undocumented individuals through the Migrant Registration Framework from January 1 to September 30, 2026.

    While the initiative promises legal residency and work rights, concerns have emerged regarding its narrow focus on Venezuelan nationals and its apparent prioritization of security concerns over integration planning. The registration process will utilize sports venues across Trinidad alongside online platforms, followed by in-person interviews. Notably absent were details regarding non-Venezuelan immigrants within the country.

    Minister Alexander emphasized the security dimensions of the exercise, stating it would help authorities identify individuals “involved in crime and other types of activities” and facilitate investigations. This security-focused approach appears connected to longstanding concerns about drug trafficking from South America, even prior to recent US-Venezuelan tensions.

    The policy carries significant implications for migrants, with deportation threatened for those failing to register. This threat exists despite current difficulties in executing deportations due to diplomatic tensions between Trinidad and Venezuela. These strains have been exacerbated by opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support for US narco-trafficking rhetoric and subsequent diplomatic exchanges between Caracas and Port of Spain.

    Critical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term vision for migrant integration. Concerns include educational access for migrant children, formalization of employment opportunities, and potential pathways to residency. Particularly noteworthy is the situation of skilled professionals like engineers and medical practitioners currently working in factories whose potential contributions remain underutilized.

    When questioned about tax obligations for registered migrants, Minister Alexander deferred, stating the immediate focus remains on registration. The government has yet to clarify whether this initiative might evolve toward residency status consideration or address complex issues involving children born to Trinidadian nationals or binational marriages.

    The absence of a comprehensive integration framework leaves uncertainty about how migrants will contribute to Trinidad’s workforce, economy, and social fabric beyond the registration period.