标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a significant stride toward judicial modernization, Trinidad and Tobago’s Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj conducted an inspection of the newly established Virtual Access Court Centres (VACC) at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain on December 22. The visit served as a critical assessment of the nation’s progress in expanding public accessibility to court services through technological innovation.

Minister Maharaj was accompanied by key ministry officials including Acting Permanent Secretary Trudy Lewis, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Fran Chaitoo-Jacob, Senior Project Manager Nicholas Suban, and Dr. Louis Percival Anthony Nurse. The delegation received a comprehensive briefing from Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Court Executive Administrator Jamie Philbert, and Acting High Court Registrar Kimberly Prescott.

This collaborative initiative represents an inter-agency approach to addressing operational challenges within the judicial system. The newly constructed centers are specifically designed to provide a secure and accessible alternative to police stations for conducting virtual court proceedings, thereby alleviating the previous strain on law enforcement resources.

The development of these specialized centers emerged from concerns raised in May 2025 regarding the impracticality of hosting virtual hearings within police facilities. In response, Minister Maharaj established a working group in July 2025 to comprehensively review virtual hearing procedures. The judiciary subsequently created this dedicated facility at the Hall of Justice as a direct outcome of those deliberations.

Operational demonstrations during the visit showcased the technology’s capability to enable judicial officers to maintain complete control over proceedings, manage participant engagement, ensure proper conduct, and preserve the integrity of judicial processes in a virtual environment.

As part of the ministry’s broader digital transformation agenda, these centers will free up critical space at the Besson Street Police Station, allowing the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to reinvigorate essential crime-fighting operations, including identification parades. The initiative represents a strategic fusion of technology and justice aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness across the entire judicial system.

In a solemn operation marking the first anniversary of a devastating offshore accident, specialized divers have now accessed the waters beneath the partially collapsed Well Services Ltd Rig 110 to search for the remains of Pete Phillip. The tragic incident occurred on December 22, 2024, in the East Soldado Field, leaving Phillip unaccounted for among the 75 crew members present during the partial structural failure.

Phillip’s wife, Candacy, received official notification from the company on December 23, just one day after the anniversary. “I just wish that I get another call saying that something (remains) come up,” she emotionally told Newsday. “It’s a whole year and the family and I not seeing nothing. We can’t recover up to now. We just want a little closure.”

The recovery operation faced significant delays due to safety concerns regarding the rig’s structural instability, requiring specialized equipment to be sourced internationally. After obtaining all necessary approvals, a U.S.-based salvage company initiated a two-phase operation in November: first stabilizing the structure and removing hazardous materials, followed by the recovery of Phillip’s remains and eventual removal of the rig itself.

Company officials indicate that if initial dives prove unsuccessful, the search will continue once the entire structure is lifted from the water. Meanwhile, Phillip’s immediate family held a memorial service at their La Romaine home on the accident’s anniversary, seeking emotional closure despite the absence of physical remains.

Phillip’s sister Patricia explained the family’s perspective: “We decide we ain’t get to do the funeral and we have to do the one year, at least we can still put him at rest until we could get the last of the remains of the body… of the bones or whatever.” The emotional toll has been particularly heavy on Phillip’s five children, who continue to await resolution one year after their father’s disappearance.

The Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPost) has issued an official security alert warning citizens about an elaborate fraud scheme targeting individuals awaiting US visas. The national postal service confirmed receiving multiple reports concerning fraudulent communications where scammers impersonate TTPost representatives to demand unauthorized payments for passport collection services.

In a formal December 23rd Facebook announcement, TTPost emphasized that these sophisticated phishing attempts—conducted through phone calls and digital messages—are completely illegitimate and have no affiliation with the government-operated postal service. The corporation explicitly stated that it never solicits or collects payments for US visa-containing passport retrieval, nor does it charge for standard courier deliveries or Track Pak services unless previously arranged through proper authorized channels.

According to the official advisory, passports containing US visas can typically be collected without charge at designated TTPost facilities, provided recipients appear in person. The only exception applies when applicants specifically requested and pre-paid for alternative delivery options during their visa application process.

TTPost is implementing enhanced security protocols to combat these fraudulent activities and has urged the public to exercise extreme caution. Customers receiving suspicious communications should immediately verify authenticity through TTPost’s official contact points. The organization further encouraged reporting any suspected fraud attempts to both TTPost and relevant law enforcement authorities.

For verification and assistance, TTPost provided its authentic contact details: Customer Service Department at 774-1065, 773-6098, or 773-6104; WhatsApp communications at (868) 774-0715; email at customer.service@ttpost.gov.tt; and official website www.ttpost.net. Authorized collection centers include the Woodbrook location at 177 Tragarete Road, Port of Spain, and the Caroline Building at 36 Wilson Road in Scarborough, Tobago.

The Dr Sister Phyllis Wharfe Auditorium radiated with festive energy on December 11 as St Joseph’s Convent in San Fernando presented its annual Christmas Song and Dance Interhouse Competition. This year’s theme, ‘The Star of Bethlehem,’ provided the backdrop for an extraordinary display of student talent and creativity that transcended mere competition.

Five houses—St Joseph, St Xavier, Notre Dame, St Theresa, and Blessed Ann Marie—engaged in a spirited contest spanning three performance categories: choral music, dance, and traditional parang. After an evening of exceptional presentations, Blessed Ann Marie House achieved a remarkable sweep, claiming victory across all categories and securing both the championship trophy and well-earned accolades.

The event represented far more than artistic rivalry; it demonstrated the profound discipline and dedication cultivated through the school’s performing arts program. Students balanced intensive rehearsals with academic responsibilities during the crucial end-of-term examination period, resulting in performances that showcased both technical proficiency and genuine emotional expression.

A particularly impressive aspect emerged during the dance segment, where students overcame the absence of formal dance training facilities. Master of ceremonies Michelle Dowrich, a retired teacher from the institution, noted the exceptional quality of choreography and execution despite the lack of specialized flooring or instruction.

In the classical music category, houses presented carefully curated selections including ‘We Three Kings,’ ‘The First Noel,’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ with Faith Phillip of St Xavier House earning recognition as Best Conductress. Judges praised the choirs for their dynamic engagement, articulate delivery, and balanced vocal arrangements.

The dance performances emphasized storytelling through movement, with adjudicators evaluating clarity of expression, technical execution, and synchronization with musical changes. Each house developed distinctive thematic approaches, blending traditional Christmas melodies with contemporary Caribbean influences including soca, calypso, and musical theater elements.

The parang category received particularly enthusiastic response from judge Dr. Francesca Allard of Los Dinamicos Parang Group, who declared the tradition ‘in good hands.’ She highlighted significant advancements in vocal quality, lead performances, and overall presentation, while noting the authentic joy visible in every performer’s expression.

As the final notes faded, the event stood as testament to the institution’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through artistic expression, community engagement, and cultural preservation—truly making the Star of Bethlehem shine brightly through youthful talent and creative passion.