Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Same-day surgeries at Couva Hospital – SWRHA hiring more nurses

    Same-day surgeries at Couva Hospital – SWRHA hiring more nurses

    The South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) has initiated a strategic recruitment drive to bolster nursing staff at Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility, supporting the recent launch of same-day surgical services. This development marks a significant step in the phased reactivation of the healthcare institution.

    During Tuesday’s public board meeting at SAPA, SWRHA Chairman Anil Gosine confirmed that 40 nurses have already undergone interviews, with additional hires planned throughout the coming months. The initiative received financial backing from the Ministry of Health, which committed funding for the initial cohort of nursing professionals.

    Despite SWRHA’s substantial operational involvement – including commissioning work completed during 2014-2015 – Chairman Gosine clarified that the authority functions in a supportive capacity rather than assuming full management control. “South West has been doing much of the groundwork,” Gosine noted, “but the facility ultimately operates under the Ministry of Health’s direct supervision.”

    The current nursing contingent at Couva Hospital remains modest, with approximately 15 nurses stationed on-site. This expansion comes as same-day surgeries commenced on November 28, representing the initial phase of the hospital’s operational rollout.

    In parallel developments, SWRHA officials revealed they are evaluating the feasibility of integrating a scaled-down burns treatment service into the hospital’s surgical program. Dr. Anand Chattergoon, SWRHA Director of Health, explained the complexities of maintaining specialized burn care capabilities, citing Trinidad and Tobago’s average of just two severe burn cases annually.

    “Severe burns require specially trained doctors and nurses whom we currently lack,” Dr. Chattergoon stated. “Medical professionals with these specialized skills tend to seek opportunities elsewhere due to insufficient case volume to maintain their expertise.”

    The existing burns ward adequately handles superficial cases, while critical third-degree burn patients are transferred via airlift to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. This protocol ensures patients receive optimal care despite local resource constraints.

    The conversation around burn services gained additional urgency due to proximity to petrochemical and heavy-industrial operations in Point Lisas, highlighting the need for comprehensive emergency medical preparedness in the region.

  • High Court judge renews call for in-person trials, open justice

    High Court judge renews call for in-person trials, open justice

    In a landmark judicial declaration, Justice Frank Seepersad has established that Trinidad and Tobago’s judiciary will fully revert to in-person proceedings as the standard operating protocol. This decisive shift comes after the fourth postponement of a civil case originally scheduled for December 3 at the Waterfront Judicial Centre, highlighting systemic concerns with virtual litigation platforms.

    Justice Seepersad articulated profound reservations regarding witness credibility assessment, evidence integrity preservation, and the noticeable deterioration of legal advocacy in digital environments. The jurist emphasized that fact-intensive trials require physical presence for proper evaluation of nuanced testimonial cues—including subtle facial expressions, nervous mannerisms, and evasive behaviors—all of which become compromised through electronic mediation.

    Technical deficiencies present significant obstacles to justice administration, with frozen screens, audio dropouts, and undetected signal failures undermining accurate evidence documentation. These technological shortcomings frequently escape detection by judicial support officers during proceedings. Unlike criminal divisions utilizing court-marshal-supervised virtual access centers, civil divisions operate without equivalent controlled conditions.

    Remote settings introduce additional evidentiary concerns, as the judiciary cannot guarantee witness independence from off-camera prompting or assistance. This loss of procedural control jeopardizes testimony authenticity and creates unauthorized recording risks absent in physical courtrooms.

    The qualitative decline in legal advocacy represents another critical consideration. Lawyers demonstrate reduced dynamism and persuasiveness in virtual formats, where the essential human energy exchanged in physical settings becomes entirely lost. Witness testimony from domestic or professional environments—described as ‘busy spaces’ rarely conducive to legal solemnity—further compromises courtroom formality and focus.

    While Trinidad and Tobago remains among few jurisdictions continuing virtual trials post-pandemic, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh has prioritized reopening court facilities. The Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court exemplifies these challenges, remaining under repair with escalating costs four years after closure.

    Justice Seepersad reaffirmed commitment to open justice principles, noting that physical hearings enable public access without the approval processes that frequently result in denied virtual access. Media access links are systematically provided by judicial direction, contrasting with often-denied permission requests in virtual proceedings.

    The court will maintain virtual capabilities for procedural matters and case-management conferences, but evidentiary hearings and trials will require physical attendance. The adjourned civil matter has been rescheduled for April 2026, allowing transition to the new in-person litigation paradigm.

  • PNM warns Kamla to ‘cool it’ on rhetoric or face legal action

    PNM warns Kamla to ‘cool it’ on rhetoric or face legal action

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political climate has reached a boiling point as the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to cease what they characterize as inflammatory rhetoric. The confrontation emerged following the Prime Minister’s social media statements and subsequent press release alleging PNM connections to narcotics trafficking networks and pedophilia rings.

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, addressing journalists on December 3, denounced the allegations as baseless distractions from government shortcomings. ‘These are exceptionally serious claims that demand substantiation,’ Beckles stated. ‘I am formally exploring all legal avenues, including defamation proceedings, should these accusations persist without evidence.’

    The political leader refuted suggestions of anti-American sentiment within the PNM, highlighting instead the United National Congress’s historical opposition to critical crime legislation. ‘Records show the UNC repeatedly blocked anti-money laundering measures, Proceeds of Crime Act enhancements, mutual legal assistance frameworks, bail reform, and specialized court establishments,’ Beckles noted.

    Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne characterized the Prime Minister’s approach as ‘intellectual laziness’ with dangerous real-world consequences. Browne revealed that following previous criticisms of the administration, he and his family received direct death threats from UNC supporters. A 48-year-old Diego Martin man now faces multiple criminal charges related to these threats.

    ‘We are witnessing the emergence of politics fueled by hatred and division,’ Browne expressed. ‘When leadership employs reckless language without factual foundation, it inevitably influences impressionable supporters toward potentially harmful actions.’

    Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert joined the call for moderated discourse, referencing the Prime Minister’s previous parliamentary threat to ‘cuff him down’ and recent claims by Attorney General John Jeremie regarding opposition firearms. ‘The overwhelming majority of PNM parliamentarians do not possess firearms,’ Imbert countered. ‘Such statements unnecessarily endanger public figures and should be immediately retracted.’

    The opposition collectively urged governmental focus on substantive crime prevention rather than what they deem unsubstantiated character attacks, signaling escalating tensions in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape.

  • Imbert: Expired drugs is a ‘big problem’ in Trinidad and Tobago

    Imbert: Expired drugs is a ‘big problem’ in Trinidad and Tobago

    Opposition Parliament Member Colm Imbert has characterized the proliferation of expired pharmaceuticals within Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system as a substantial national concern. The revelation emerged during the opposition’s weekly media briefing on December 3rd, following Newsday’s report detailing parliamentary committee discoveries of $80 million worth of medicines deteriorating into uselessness over a decade in Ministry of Health storage facilities.

    Imbert, drawing upon his tenure as health minister between 2001-2003, emphasized that this wastage problem demands comprehensive investigation. He identified a structural challenge facing smaller nations: international pharmaceutical suppliers allegedly compel local agents to accept excessively large shipments that exceed practical consumption needs, making expiration inevitable.

    PNM political leader Penelope Beckles corroborated the systemic nature of these challenges after consulting former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh (2015-2025). Beckles noted the issues extend beyond expiration dates to include ongoing global debates about drug quality disparities affecting smaller island nations.

    Imbert further alleged the current administration plans to radically alter pharmaceutical procurement by abandoning local suppliers in favor of importing generic drugs from India through government-selected agents. He claimed, without disclosing sources, that traditional suppliers are being deliberately starved of payments under the pretext of being PNM-aligned, potentially redirecting the nation’s $1 billion pharmaceutical expenditure through new import channels.

  • Denoon explains TPP switch: I chose the people

    Denoon explains TPP switch: I chose the people

    In a dramatic political realignment, former PNM Tobago West constituency chairman Keigon Denoon has publicly explained his decision to join the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) as their candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant. The 29-year-old community leader addressed a packed public meeting in Bon Accord/Crown Point on December 2, revealing the profound personal and philosophical considerations behind his party switch.

    Denoon, who serves as coordinator for the Youth Energised for Success (YES) programme, acknowledged the difficulty of his decision to oppose his former PNM political leader Ancil Dennis in the upcoming January 12 Tobago House of Assembly elections. ‘If anybody had told me years ago that I would have been standing on a TPP platform, I would have looked at them and say they’re crazy,’ Denoon confessed to the audience.

    The turning point came, he revealed, after a leaked voicenote of PNM members questioning his allegiance surfaced. Shortly thereafter, approximately thirty young supporters gathered at his gate, expressing excitement about his potential representation. One youth’s poignant question particularly resonated: ‘What is more important? Is a political party more important than the people that you claim to love and to serve?’

    Denoon described TPP political leader Farley Chavez Augustine as ‘one of the most strategic individuals I’ve met in a very long time,’ praising his combination of political acumen and spiritual grounding. The young candidate emphasized that his decision was ultimately about Tobago’s advancement rather than personal ambition. ‘I am not here for the applause; I am here to serve the people of Tobago,’ he declared.

    Drawing from his extensive background in community service—including his tenure as president of the Buccoo Village Council, Programme Administrator of the YES programme, director at the Lambeau Credit Union, and Caricom Youth Ambassador—Denoon positioned himself as a advocate for Tobago’s youth, particularly those who feel voiceless in the political process.

    With the January 12 elections approaching, Denoon framed the contest as a referendum on Tobago’s future direction, urging voters to support ‘an administration that tries and puts the people of Tobago first.’

  • St Anthony’s dethrone Fatima as Intercol north zone champs

    St Anthony’s dethrone Fatima as Intercol north zone champs

    In a dramatic reversal of fortunes, St Anthony’s College claimed the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Coca-Cola boys’ north zone intercol championship with a breathtaking 4-2 victory over defending champions Fatima College. The electrifying final, staged at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 3, saw both teams reduced to ten men in a match that delivered non-stop excitement from opening whistle to final moment.

    The contest took an immediate shocking turn when Fatima’s star attacker Phillip Nelson received a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident merely two minutes into play. This early dismissal visibly rattled the defending champions, who found themselves trailing 2-0 by the 27th minute. Kanye Glasgow, later named Man of the Match, opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a clever near-post finish after deftly maneuvering past a defender. Kymani Thomas doubled the advantage when goalkeeper Jadon Pollard failed to properly clear Jaeden Bobb’s attempt, allowing Thomas to capitalize from close range.

    Fatima emerged from halftime transformed, staging a remarkable comeback that leveled the score at 2-2 within just four minutes of the second half. Dynamic midfielder Seth Hadeed became the catalyst for the resurgence, scoring his first goal 22 seconds after restart following a fortunate deflection from Necose Moore’s save. Hadeed completed his brace from the penalty spot three minutes later after Malique Marshall’s reckless challenge on substitute Jeremai Nanton earned both a penalty and a straight red card for the St Anthony’s defender.

    The Tigers responded to this adversity with renewed determination, reclaiming the lead in the 66th minute through a beautifully crafted team goal. Adriel Faure initiated the play with a penetrating run down the left flank before delivering a precise switch to captain Mordecai Ford on the opposite side. Rather than shooting, Ford drilled a low cross across the penalty area for Faure to sweep home at the far post.

    Despite several opportunities from Nanton and Hadeed to equalize again—including a spectacular long-range effort that Moore tipped wide in the 74th minute—Fatima couldn’t find another breakthrough. Glasgow sealed the victory in the 87th minute with a exquisite curling finish from the edge of the area after being set up by Ford, completing his brace and cementing the Tigers’ championship claim.

    St Anthony’s now advances to the national intercol semifinals where they will face Tobago champions Signal Hill Secondary, who themselves staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Speyside High School 4-3 in their zonal final despite playing most of their match with ten men.

  • TikToker Alianna Samaroo pleads guilty to threatening PM

    TikToker Alianna Samaroo pleads guilty to threatening PM

    A 30-year-old woman from Arouca has entered a guilty plea for issuing a grave death threat against Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar through a social media platform. Alianna Samaroo, a mother of two from Five Rivers, confessed before Chaguanas Magistrate Marissa Gomez on December 3rd to violating Emergency Powers Regulations 2025. The charges stem from an October 30th TikTok video posted under the username ‘alianna265,’ in which she explicitly urged Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to assassinate Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and members of her Cabinet.

    Following seven days in detention, Samaroo was granted bail at TT$50,000 and is scheduled for sentencing on December 18th. Her legal representation was provided by attorneys Roshni Balkaran and Shiva Boodoo. The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly after the defendant’s mother, Elizabeth Vasquez-Rosales, made a public appeal for forgiveness, expressing hope that her daughter would learn respect for the nation’s leadership and parliamentary institutions.

    This incident occurs amidst heightened vigilance by Trinidad and Tobago authorities against online threats targeting public officials. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has issued stern warnings that social media users attempting to destabilize the country or issue threats will face prosecution. The Cyber and Social Media Unit of the TT Police Service is actively monitoring digital platforms and gathering evidence of illicit activities.

    Commissioner Guevarro’s statements followed similar cases, including threats against Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne through Facebook posts, which resulted in multiple criminal charges. Additionally, on November 12th, authorities arrested a Diego Martin woman under a Preventive Detention Order for allegedly inciting violence against the Prime Minister through separate social media content. Guevarro emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to criminal conduct that threatens national security or public officials’ safety.

  • Soca Sliders slide to silver in Park City

    Soca Sliders slide to silver in Park City

    Trinidad and Tobago’s bobsleigh program achieved a significant milestone on December 1 as the two-man team of Axel Brown and De Aundre John captured silver at the North American Cup’s Park City leg in Utah. The Caribbean athletes demonstrated exceptional consistency across both heats, posting times of 48.89 and 48.99 seconds respectively, culminating in a combined finish of 1:37.88 minutes.

    In a remarkable development for Caribbean bobsleigh, Jamaica’s pairing of Shane Pitter and Joel Fearon claimed gold with a time of 1:37.74, marking the first time two Caribbean nations secured the top two positions in a major international bobsleigh competition. The Canadian team of Jay Dearborn and Shane Ohrt recorded an identical time to Trinidad and Tobago, resulting in an unprecedented tie for second place.

    This silver medal performance represents Trinidad and Tobago’s first podium finish of the current season, building upon their recent fourth and fifth place finishes in the four-man bobsleigh event at Whistler, Canada in late November. Those performances had earned the team extended podium recognition, demonstrating their growing consistency in international competition.

    The Soca Sliders’ four-man squad, featuring Brown, Xaverri Williams, Shakeel John, and Micah Moore, remained in competition preparation at Utah Olympic Park as of December 3, with two additional events scheduled. This continued presence at elite-level competition signals Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging status as a serious contender in international bobsleigh, traditionally dominated by colder climate nations.

  • Windies bowled out for 167 as Kiwis open up healthy lead

    Windies bowled out for 167 as Kiwis open up healthy lead

    New Zealand firmly grasped control of the first Test against the West Indies at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, capitalizing on a dramatic batting collapse by the visitors on Day 2. The Black Caps concluded the day with a commanding 96-run lead, finishing at 32 without loss in their second innings after bowling out the West Indies for a meager 167.

    The day’s play witnessed a flurry of 11 wickets, beginning with the early dismissal of New Zealand’s Zakary Foulkes by West Indies pacer Jayden Seales (2/44), which ended the hosts’ first innings at 231. The Caribbean response began disastrously as opener John Campbell fell for just one run in the second over, followed quickly by Alick Athanaze (4), leaving the visitors reeling at 10/2.

    A semblance of recovery emerged through a 90-run partnership between Shai Hope, who played aggressively for his 56 off 107 balls, and the patient Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who ground out 52 from 169 deliveries. However, the match turned decisively just before tea when Hope was dismissed via review after gloving a Jacob Duffy delivery to wicketkeeper Tom Latham. The collapse accelerated as captain Roston Chase and Justin Greaves both fell for ducks to Matt Henry (3/43) in a single over.

    The post-tea session belonged to Jacob Duffy, who scripted a memorable performance by claiming the final four West Indies wickets—including Tevin Imlach, Jayden Seales, Johann Layne, and Ojay Shields—to complete his maiden five-wicket haul (5/34) in just his second Test match. Chanderpaul’s resilient knock ended with a spectacular one-handed catch by Devon Conway at square leg.

    With a substantial 64-run first-innings lead, New Zealand’s openers Conway (15*) and Latham (14*) navigated the final overs without loss, positioning their team favorably heading into Day 3.

  • Cycling clubs request High Court intervention

    Cycling clubs request High Court intervention

    Two prominent Trinidad and Tobago cycling clubs have initiated urgent legal proceedings against the national cycling federation regarding athlete selection protocols for the upcoming 2026 Pan American Track Cycling Championships. The JLD Cycling Academy and Heatwave Cycling Club, represented by sports attorney Dr. Emir Crowne, filed a comprehensive 198-page legal submission to the High Court on December 1 seeking immediate intervention.

    The core dispute centers on the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation’s (TTCF) decision to conduct mandatory selection trials on January 17, 2026—just four weeks before the February championships in Chile. The clubs contend this scheduling directly violates the federation’s established selection policy, which explicitly requires trials to be held at least twelve weeks prior to international competitions.

    According to the legal filing, the clubs allege multiple procedural violations by the TTCF leadership. The federation executive reportedly ratified the January trial date during an emergency council meeting without following proper governance procedures, which the plaintiffs characterize as an abuse of power. The clubs further argue that the TTCF had been aware since June 2025 of the Pan Am Championships’ rescheduling to February yet failed to adjust the domestic racing calendar accordingly.

    The controversial trial timing poses particular concern for internationally ranked athletes like world number 23 Alexi Costa-Ramirez, who formally expressed concerns to the TTCF that the schedule disruption could jeopardize preparation cycles and competitive performance. Costa-Ramirez and other elite riders advocate for discretionary selection based on objective criteria including world rankings and recent competitive results rather than what they term ‘impromptu trials.’

    The TTCF has mounted a robust defense against these allegations. The federation maintains that the January trial date received unanimous approval during a September 2025 planning meeting attended by all member clubs, including the claimants. This decision was subsequently confirmed during a November emergency meeting where all clubs exercised voting rights. The federation’s legal representative, attorney Zelica Haynes-Soo Hon, emphasizes that trials remain mandatory unless a National Championship has occurred within three months of the international event, with discretionary selection only permissible when no rider qualifies through formal trials.

    With both parties at an impasse, the High Court now faces the task of determining whether the federation violated its own regulations and the legitimate expectations of its member clubs and athletes.