标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a landmark ruling concluding one of Trinidad and Tobago’s longest-running familial legal disputes, the High Court has mandated the disbursement of over $5 million from court-held trust funds to settle decades-old costs between warring brothers. Justice Robin Mohammed delivered the decisive judgment that will see Joseph and Robert Elias receive payment from their brother Emile Elias’s share of their mother’s estate.

The protracted legal conflict originated in 1985 with probate litigation concerning the estate of their father, Nagib Elias. The recent proceedings centered on enforcing costs orders from litigation in both 1985 and 1995. The judgment creditors, Joseph and Robert Elias, acting as executors of their father’s estate, sought recovery of $4.9 million in outstanding costs that they claimed Emile had persistently refused to pay.

Justice Mohammed’s ruling established crucial legal precedents regarding limitation periods, determining that the Limitation of Personal Actions Ordinance—not the Limitation of Certain Actions Act—governed the dispute. This finding enabled the recovery of both principal amounts and accrued interest dating back to the original proceedings.

The court quantified the debt at a principal sum of $1,578,482.27 as of 2012. Following a partial payment of $400,000 in 2016, the outstanding principal stood at $1,178,482.26. The court calculated accrued interest at $3,892,677.74 as of December 9, with daily interest continuing to accumulate at $161.43.

The enforcement mechanism targeted Emile Elias’s entitlement to a one-fourth share (US$983,505.50) of a trust established under the will of Linda Elias, which had been paid into court earlier this year pending resolution of these proceedings.

Justice Mohammed rejected Emile’s limitation defense, noting that acknowledgments and partial payments had effectively restarted any limitation period. Both parties agreed that appointing a receiver was unnecessary since the funds were already under court control.

The court awarded costs to the judgment creditors at a discounted rate of 75 percent, citing missed settlement opportunities and the unfortunate familial nature of the dispute. Justice Mohammed expressed hope that this ruling would finally conclude the four-decade legal battle between the brothers.

Legal representation included Deborah Peake, SC, Ravi Heffes-Doon and Samuel Harrison for Joseph and Robert Elias, while Douglas Mendes, SC, Jason Mootoo, SC and Adrian Byrne represented Emile Elias.

In a landmark ruling addressing correctional facility misconduct, Trinidad’s High Court has condemned prison officers for employing disproportionate violence against an inmate during a 2015 incident at Golden Grove Prison. Justice Carol Gobin delivered a scathing assessment of the officers’ conduct, finding the State liable for assault, battery, and negligence despite acknowledging the inmate’s initial provocation.

The case centered on events occurring July 4, 2015, during institutional lockdown procedures. Inmate Kurt Christopher Bridgelal, then on remand status, initiated conflict by discarding waste contents from his cell after being denied permission to bathe. When portions struck a prison officer, the situation escalated dramatically as the officer retaliated by hurling three successive pails containing human excrement and urine into Bridgelal’s cell.

Justice Gobin’s judgment emphasized that while Bridgelal’s actions constituted assault, the officers’ response represented “excessive and unreasonable force” that violated professional standards. The situation further deteriorated when officers extracted Bridgelal from his cell, employing physical restraint tactics that resulted in severe leg fractures requiring extensive medical intervention.

The State’s defense, claiming injuries resulted from Bridgelal’s attempted escape and subsequent fall, was expressly dismissed as inconsistent with evidence. Medical documentation confirmed fractures to both tibia and fibula bones, necessitating hospital treatment and prolonged immobilization.

Financial compensation totaling $150,000 TT was awarded, comprising $115,000 in general damages and $35,000 in exemplary damages—the latter specifically addressing the court’s condemnation of the officers’ conduct. Additional interest accrues from the incident date through December 18, 2024.

Legal representation for Bridgelal was provided by attorneys Amit Mahabir, Bernadette Arneaud, and Joseph Sookoo, who successfully established institutional accountability for correctional staff actions. The ruling reinforces judicial scrutiny over prison conditions and use-of-force protocols within Trinidad’s penal system.

The Union Claxton Bay Multipurpose Hall witnessed a remarkable celebration of youth and talent on December 13 as seven-year-old Jerusha Osborne claimed the coveted Little Miss Claxton Bay title. The event, hosted by First Impression Brash and Sassy, marked the triumphant return of the competition after an eight-year hiatus caused by pandemic restrictions and economic challenges.

Jerusha’s captivating performance throughout multiple segments secured her victory. Her interpretation of Martha from biblical scriptures, a futuristic paper-made ensemble in the special fashion segment, and her heartfelt delivery of ‘The Hat I Got for Christmas is Too Big’ demonstrated exceptional versatility. Her final parade in an elegant green and red evening gown cemented her status as the winner.

The competition, operating under the theme ‘Jesus Is King, Women of the Bible,’ required participants to embody notable biblical figures including Mary of Nazareth, Pharaoh’s daughter, Esther, Hannah, and Martha. According to coordinator Norma Bramble-Joseph, this criterion was designed to foster spiritual guidance and humility among the young competitors.

Heaven Rouse emerged as another standout performer, earning multiple accolades including best delegate, best evening gown, and best hairstyle. Her mother, La Donna Rouse, received recognition as the best designer.

The event featured substantial rewards for participants, with over $6,000 in prizes, Christmas hampers, crowns, sashes, and sponsored goodies across various categories. Zaharah Williams received best talent honors for her sterling rendition of ‘O’ Holy Night,’ while Zendaya Pierre was named Miss Photogenic, most improved, and people’s choice delegate.

Jerusha, a standard one pupil at San Fernando Girls’ Anglican School, represented the vibrant future of community events in Claxton Bay, signaling a successful revival of cultural traditions after years of interruption.

In an extraordinary display of versatility and determination, 11-year-old Suri Gosine from Princes Town is redefining what young scholars can achieve. The TML Libertville Primary School student embodies Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s philosophy that “Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind” through her remarkable balance of academic rigor, athletic prowess, artistic expression, and community engagement.

Gosine maintains an impressive portfolio of activities that would overwhelm most adults, yet she approaches her commitments with strategic prioritization and genuine enjoyment. Her weekly schedule includes gymnastics, swimming, steelpan performance, and participation in seven distinct clubs spanning from 4H and Cub Scouts to Red Cross, scrabble, choir, environmental, and literature organizations. Remarkably, she is simultaneously undertaking aviation classes at Professional Airline Training Solutions.

Her trophy case reflects this diverse involvement, with national first-place victories in WASA’s River Speak programme, Schools’ Oratory Spoken Word competitions, and the TTUTA Look-Alike Competition. She has accumulated additional medals and trophies in poetry, storytelling, athletics, and environmental writing.

Despite these extracurricular accomplishments, Gosine maintains sharp focus on her academic goals, particularly her upcoming Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination. “I feel confident and excited about my preparations for SEA exams as I believe my teachers would have given me a solid foundation,” she stated.

The young scholar demonstrates particular aptitude in Mathematics while acknowledging creative writing as her most challenging subject. She overcomes this hurdle through imaginative expansion and vocabulary development, noting that reading extensively helps build creativity.

Her passion for performance arts emerged through her school’s environmental club. “I enjoy both poetry and spoken word because I become someone other than Suri,” Gosine explained. “I take on a different personality and can add my own touch to bring life to my role.” She particularly admires storyteller Paul Keens-Douglas for his humorous depictions of West Indian life.

Gosine’s swimming journey began at age three as therapy to overcome aquaphobia, which subsequently enhanced her physical strength for gymnastics. She acknowledges frog kicks remain her most challenging technique.

The prodigy credits her success to a robust support system including entrepreneur parents who serve as “biggest cheerleaders and fans,” along with teachers and family members who encourage balanced rest periods. She cherishes the wisdom of her late grandfather, former schoolteacher Freddie Sukur Ali: “Sacrifice is only for a time.”

When mental fatigue sets in, Gosine rejuvenates by watching inspirational Dhar Mann videos. Looking toward her future, she aspires to become a neurologist, fascinated by the brain’s disproportionate control over the human body.

She draws inspiration from cousin Vishesh Ramoutar, a 21-year-old US Navy Seal whose dedication demonstrates what passion and commitment can achieve. For 2026, her primary objectives include SEA success and confident pursuit of new opportunities, including preparation for a national 4H competition.

Gosine’s advice to peers emphasizes pursuing genuine interests with fair play and camaraderie. “It helps stimulate the brain, forges friendships, builds great discipline and creates a space where you can thrive,” she affirmed. For those facing exam anxiety, she counsels: “Your only competition is yourself. Work towards being better than you were yesterday.” Her ultimate wisdom reflects her lived experience: “The only limit is what you set for yourself.”

In an extraordinary demonstration of lifelong dedication and resilience, 72-year-old Clifford Mendez from Chaguanas has triumphantly returned to martial arts after a five-decade hiatus, recently achieving his brown belt in karate with aspirations toward black belt mastery.

The Shotokan Karate do International Federation (SKIF TT) formally presented Mendez with his brown belt and certification during a December 20 ceremony at La Joya Complex in St Joseph. This prestigious Japanese-affiliated organization recognized Mendez’s remarkable journey that originated in his teenage years, paused abruptly at age 22, and found its courageous resurgence exactly fifty years later.

“This achievement represents half a century of contemplation,” Mendez revealed. “Not a single year passed without me considering a return to practice. With advancing age often comes regret for unrealized ambitions – this was mine, and I’m actualizing it now.”

Mendez’s recommitment to karate began just over four months ago following an extensive search for suitable training accommodations. After encountering logistical challenges with other organizations, he persistently sought instructors willing to conduct home sessions that would restore his technical proficiency. His pursuit culminated with Sensei Ian Sammy, chief instructor and president of SKIF TT, who arranged specialized home training to rebuild Mendez’s capabilities.

The initial training proved profoundly challenging. “I contemplated immediate withdrawal,” Mendez admitted. “The intensity exceeded expectations, and the trainer maintained rigorous standards. I specifically requested no age-related concessions – I desired genuine achievement, not ceremonial recognition.”

Following four months of intensive home preparation, Mendez transitioned to the La Joya dojo, where he discovered both technical competence and communal belonging. “I experienced immediate comfort and acceptance within the dojo community,” he noted. “I recognized that my skills matched established standards and that I belonged among practicing members.”

His rapid progression qualified him for December 17’s brown belt examination, which he successfully passed, subsequently joining training sessions alongside black belt practitioners.

Beyond the dojo, Mendez’s life reflects consistent service and intellectual pursuit. A father of ten children, he studied print technology at Canada’s George Brown College, served on the John Donaldson College advisory board (precursor to the University of Trinidad and Tobago), and formerly acted as Public Relations Officer for the Caribbean Students Association.

Martial arts tradition permeates his family lineage, with his sister Claudia Mendez having earned recognition as a brown belt “kata queen” through another karate organization. While pandemic considerations temporarily delayed Mendez’s return to training, his 2024 commitment manifested through three to four weekly sessions persevering through physical discomfort.

“Sensei Sammy consistently advises measured progression at my own pace,” Mendez explained. “His philosophical guidance provides essential motivation. With institutional support and SKIF’s familial environment, black belt achievement becomes an attainable reality.”

Training alongside significantly younger practitioners presents psychological challenges, but Mendez emphasizes mental fortitude: “One must transcend psychological barriers through direct engagement. Simply act.” He further stresses karate’s non-aggressive philosophy, recalling how his youthful training enabled conflict avoidance rather than confrontation.

SKIF TT’s inclusive programming accommodates practitioners from ages 4 to 94, with Sammy identifying Mendez among their most senior members. A 62-year-old student currently prepares for black belt testing next year, challenging misconceptions about age limitations in martial arts.

“Mendez’s determination is exceptional for his age cohort,” Sammy observed. “While karate historically developed for adults, contemporary programming adapts training methodologies across ages and capabilities.”

The organization emphasizes self-protection, discipline, and respect alongside physical conditioning. Regarding Mendez’s ambitions, Sammy confirmed: “His black belt goal is achievable. We accommodate age-related limitations through progressive training. Two additional brown belt levels precede black belt qualification, potentially attainable within one year.”

Advanced rank progression requires sustained commitment, with first-degree black belts necessitating two additional years’ training for second-degree examination. Mendez’s presence inspires fellow students as a mentoring figure demonstrating that lifelong passions remain achievable regardless of temporal interruption.