Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    In a landmark ruling with significant implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s financial sector, the High Court has mandated over $40 million in damages, interest, and costs be paid to Ansa Bank Ltd following a sophisticated fraudulent loan scheme. Justice Frank Seepersad delivered the decisive judgment on December 15, culminating a complex case that exposed critical vulnerabilities in banking oversight.

    The court found former business development officer Dwayne Rojas at the heart of an elaborate conspiracy that defrauded the institution of approximately $30 million over two and a half years. Evidence revealed Rojas systematically processed fraudulent vehicle loan applications supported by fabricated employment letters and falsified documentation. The scheme involved collusion with multiple auto dealerships that presented non-existent luxury vehicles as collateral, including purported Lexus, Range Rover, BMW, and Jeep models that were actually lower-end vehicles or commercial trucks.

    Justice Seepersad ordered Rojas to pay $16.5 million in damages, while five corporate defendants faced substantial judgments: Ceylon Marketing Ltd ($6.3 million), Joalex Auto Ltd ($11.8 million), Miva Import Export Consultancy Ltd ($4.1 million), Diamond Conceptions Company Ltd ($389,923), and It’s A Deal Ltd ($837,313). Each entity additionally faces prescribed costs ranging from $27,221 to $131,934.

    In scathing commentary, Justice Seepersad criticized Ansa Bank’s internal controls as “woefully wanting” and condemned the institution’s approach to litigation against junior employees. The judge dismissed claims against several former staff members—Zaria Sankar, Reyvaan Rampersad, and Kerry Ramsaroop—finding no evidence of wrongdoing. The court awarded these wrongfully sued defendants over $896,000 in costs, noting that the bank had engaged in an “ill-advised” and “bullying stance” that unfairly impacted innocent individuals.

    The ruling highlighted that senior officers who approved the questionable loans were neither sued nor called as witnesses, raising questions about accountability structures within the institution. Justice Seepersad revealed the fraud was only uncovered after a whistleblower contacted a former bank director in June 2023.

    In a significant development, the judgment has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and Commissioner of Police for potential criminal proceedings against Rojas, former employee Randy Gottsleben, and the implicated dealers. Additionally, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism will review whether the involved dealerships should retain their operating licenses.

    The case exposed numerous red flags ignored by the bank, including loan applications where driver’s permits were issued to 14-year-olds and employment letters containing glaring inconsistencies. Justice Seepersad characterized Rojas’s conduct as pursuing a “facinorous and opportunistic agenda,” noting evidence of regular socialization with dealership representatives that supported collusion findings.

  • Arima Mayor on attending UNC dinner: Let’s stop the hate politics

    Arima Mayor on attending UNC dinner: Let’s stop the hate politics

    Arima Mayor Balliram Maharaj has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his appearance at a United National Congress (UNC) fundraising dinner on December 13th, stating his presence was motivated by personal rather than political reasons. The prominent businessman, who was sworn into office in September 2023 as a member of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), found himself at the center of social media speculation after photographs emerged showing him alongside Phillip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing.

    In an exclusive interview, Mayor Maharaj revealed that his attendance stemmed from profound personal loneliness following the passing of his wife nearly five years ago. He attended as a guest of his nephew, who has been his primary companion and support system since becoming widowed. “I reside alone in a large house,” Maharaj explained. “He’s the only one who regularly takes me out. He treats me like a son and looks after my wellbeing.”

    The Mayor acknowledged that he only became aware of the event’s political nature upon arrival but expressed admiration for the organization and execution of the function. Between approximately 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM, he observed attendees questioning his presence given his PNM affiliation. Rather than apologizing, Maharaj used the opportunity to call for an end to divisive partisan politics in Trinidad and Tobago.

    “I believe it is time we move beyond this culture of political hostility,” Maharaj stated. “Political allegiance should not create divisions among our people. After sixty-three years of independence, it is imperative that we focus on building a unified nation where every creed and race occupies an equal place.” He articulated his vision for Trinidad as “one nation, one people, one love” where citizens can collectively enjoy the country’s cultural, religious, and recreational wealth.

    Regarding the controversial photograph with Minister Alexander, Maharaj clarified that the initiative came from the Minister himself. “I am not particularly familiar with him, but we exchanged greetings. He subsequently approached me suggesting we take a picture together, which I agreed to.”

    In a significant revelation, Mayor Maharaj disclosed he is contemplating resignation from his mayoral position to dedicate more time to family. He had initially committed to a two-year term when persuaded by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to contest the 2023 local government elections. Having served twenty-eight months, Maharaj indicated he would evaluate key developmental projects for Arima within the next six months before making a final decision.

    His completion criteria include the establishment of a new Town Hall building, operational Social Welfare and Inland Revenue offices, new facilities for the Election and Boundaries Commission, an administration building, and progress on an indoor sporting complex on O’Meara Road. He emphasized the economic efficiency of consolidating multiple services within existing infrastructure.

    Despite the political controversy, Maharaj continued his official duties by hosting approximately 2,000 children at the Arima Velodrome on December 14th for the Borough Corporation’s annual Christmas celebration. The event featured gift distributions, recreational activities, costume characters, complimentary barber services, and an educational police interaction booth.

  • Family of Lisa Morris-Julian calls for fire report to be made public

    Family of Lisa Morris-Julian calls for fire report to be made public

    The grieving family of former D’Abadie/O’Meara MP Lisa Morris-Julian is calling for full public disclosure of the official investigation report into the devastating December 2024 fire that claimed her life along with her two children. This demand emerges just before the first anniversary of the tragedy that shocked the nation.

    Despite Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s assertion that the report exonerates responding fire officers and rules out foul play, the family confirms they have neither received the document nor been consulted about its findings. A family representative expressed profound frustration, stating, “The entire country needs to know what happened that morning,” while highlighting concerning discrepancies in the official narrative.

    The comprehensive report, completed by a special three-member committee on January 10, examined both the circumstances of the blaze and the emergency response effectiveness. The autopsy confirmed Morris-Julian, her 25-year-old daughter Xianne Julian, and six-year-old son Jesiah Julian all succumbed to smoke inhalation at their Farfan Street residence in Arima—notably located within walking distance of the local fire station.

    Family members raise serious questions about response times and resource allocation, particularly given reports that neighbors personally alerted the nearby fire station yet witnessed delayed emergency deployment. “I was there from the moment I found out her house was on fire, and there was nobody from the fire station there when I got there,” the relative recounted, challenging the official clearance of fire service procedures.

    The family maintains that public transparency would not only provide them with closure but could potentially prevent future tragedies through improved safety protocols. They find the government’s reluctance to release the document perplexing, noting: “If everything is well, then just release it. If you are able to publicly eliminate foul play, why not share what happened publicly? This concerns the public.”

    As the family prepares to endure their first Christmas without their loved ones, they remember Lisa as an exceptional mother and public servant, Xianne as a promising young woman with a bright future, and Jesiah as a child who touched everyone he met. Their profound loss is compounded by what they describe as insensitive public commentary and the politicization of their tragedy.

  • Venezuela claims TT complicit in piracy, cancels gas deals

    Venezuela claims TT complicit in piracy, cancels gas deals

    Venezuela has abruptly severed all energy cooperation agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, escalating regional tensions following a disputed oil tanker interception by US forces. The decision was formally announced on December 15 through an official statement shared by Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez.

    The diplomatic rupture stems from Venezuela’s allegation that Trinidadian authorities had prior knowledge of the US military’s December 10 interception of the crude oil tanker ‘Skipper’ off the Venezuelan coast. The vessel, reportedly transporting Venezuelan oil to Cuba, was seized in what Caracas characterizes as ‘an act of piracy violating international law and principles of free navigation.’

    Venezuelan authorities explicitly condemned what they termed Trinidad’s transformation into ‘a US aircraft carrier to attack Venezuela,’ referencing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s alleged ‘hostile agenda’ since her United National Congress party’s April election victory. The statement further referenced the October 27 termination of the Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation between the nations.

    Trinidadian leadership has vigorously rejected these allegations. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar dismissed Venezuela’s claims as ‘false propaganda,’ asserting that complaints should be directed toward the Trump administration rather than Trinidad. She emphasized the nation’s energy self-sufficiency, stating: ‘We have never depended on Venezuela for natural gas supplies. We have adequate reserves within our territory.’

    Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal echoed these sentiments, characterizing Venezuela’s statement as ‘hypocritical’ given Venezuela’s ongoing engagements with US energy giant Chevron. Both officials identified bureaucratic inefficiencies rather than international relations as the primary constraint on Trinidad’s energy development.

    Opposition leader Stuart Young expressed profound concern regarding the termination’s potential impact on critical cross-border energy projects, particularly the Loran-Manatee field unitization agreement and Shell’s development of the Manatee field scheduled for 2027 production. Young warned this development compounds existing challenges including Nutrien’s closure and the National Gas Company’s failure to negotiate new contracts.

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of Venezuela’s October declaration of Persad-Bissessar as persona non grata following her support for US military deployment in the Caribbean—a move she defends as necessary for combating drug trafficking, while Venezuela maintains US intentions center on regime change.

  • La Romain man killed in car crash

    La Romain man killed in car crash

    A devastating single-vehicle accident on the Solomon Hochoy Highway has resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man from La Romain. The victim, identified as Dennis Ramesh Nehorah of Hibiscus Drive, lost his life when his car veered off the southbound lane near Gasparillo and subsequently caught fire.

    Preliminary reports indicate the incident occurred recently, with emergency services responding to the scene where the vehicle had already become fully engulfed in flames. The exact circumstances leading to the vehicle leaving the roadway remain under investigation by authorities.

    The tragic incident has prompted renewed discussions about road safety measures along this major transportation corridor. The Solomon Hochoy Highway serves as a critical artery for transportation in the region, making safety concerns particularly significant for regular commuters and transportation officials alike.

    Nehorah’s passing marks another somber addition to Trinidad and Tobago’s road traffic fatality statistics, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in preventing such tragedies. Community members from La Romain have expressed shock and sadness upon learning of the incident, remembering Nehorah as a longtime resident of their community.

  • Stephon Gabriel: From sound engineering to soca

    Stephon Gabriel: From sound engineering to soca

    Couva-based music producer Stephon Gabriel has successfully transitioned from behind-the-scenes sound engineering to center stage as a recording artist, marking a significant career evolution with his debut single release. The accomplished sound technician unveiled his original composition “Soft Touch” on November 17th, representing a personal and professional milestone in his fifteen-year music industry journey.

    Gabriel’s musical transformation began unexpectedly earlier this year when his reimagined cover of Kes’ “Cocoa Tea” garnered substantial online engagement. The innovative rendition, featuring completely reworked instrumentation, demonstrated his creative vision and convinced him to pursue original music production more seriously.

    The Trinidadian creative’s path to music professionalism took a decisive turn after winning the World Bank’s Voices4Climate competition in 2013. This achievement prompted him to leave his position at Microsoft TT—despite holding a computer science degree from the University of Southern Caribbean—to fully commit to his musical aspirations. That same year, he established Gabriel Creative Studios, solidifying his dedication to audio production.

    Reflecting on his origins, Gabriel recalled his early fascination with music: “From the age of 14, I knew music lived in me. I was the guy at school everyone would come to, to record love songs for their girlfriends.” His passion was ignited upon receiving a guitar for his fourteenth birthday, eventually expanding to include work on feature films such as “Home” and “Again” produced in Trinidad.

    “Soft Touch” emerged from a collaborative creative process with producers Jumaane, Jaydot, and Amiel Duncan, with mastering handled by Andre Stewart. The track represents both personal expression and broader professional ambitions. Gabriel explained its genesis: “It started with one of my producers I work with—Jumaane, who sent me a couple tracks and I put aside a particular one and then, on one random night, I listened to it and got to writing.”

    Beyond his artistic pursuits, Gabriel operates a publishing division called Just In Time Music, designed to connect Caribbean creatives with international opportunities in Hollywood and global markets. He has secured several music placement deals for films and television shows, though specific projects remain confidential during ongoing negotiations.

    Recognizing educational gaps within the local music community, Gabriel has launched an educational TikTok account (@StephanGabrial868) to share crucial information about royalties, music publishing, and masters ownership—empowering fellow Trinidadian artists with industry knowledge essential for professional success.

  • KFC, Yung Bredda celebrate children of Sea Lots

    KFC, Yung Bredda celebrate children of Sea Lots

    The Sea Lots basketball court transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration on December 14th as the community witnessed an extraordinary youth event that far exceeded expectations. Organized by the Sea Lots Legacy Foundation in collaboration with rising musical artist Yung Bredda and supported by KFC Trinidad, the initiative initially planned for 250 children but ultimately welcomed hundreds more as word spread throughout the neighborhood.

    Children’s laughter filled the air as they participated in various activities including face-painting, games, and festive treats. The event marked a significant partnership between corporate resources and local leadership, with KFC additionally funding court improvements including fresh paint and new basketball equipment.

    At the heart of the celebration stood Akhenaton Lewis, professionally known as Yung Bredda, a 26-year-old soca artist who grew up and still resides in Sea Lots. Lewis performed his popular tracks including ‘The Greatest Bend Over,’ ‘Tap Out,’ ‘Rags,’ and ‘Blaze’ for his hometown community. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Lewis shared: ‘Growing up, I anxiously awaited Christmas parties from outside organizations because my mother couldn’t always afford toys. Now I’m blessed to help create those moments for today’s children.’

    The Sea Lots Legacy Foundation, established in 2023 by brothers Nigel and Andy Charles alongside Lewis, has consistently worked to provide structure and opportunities for local youth through food drives, seasonal events, and educational initiatives. Nigel Charles emphasized their mission: ‘We’re building youth mindsets through community events that offer exposure to different lifestyles.’

    KFC’s involvement represents more than corporate social responsibility—it signals a strategic shift in cultural partnerships. Stacey Ryan, Marketing Head for KFC and Pizza Hut at Prestige Holdings, explained: ‘Our collaboration with Yung Bredda extends beyond using his music for brand elevation. We’re genuinely investing in his journey and the community that shaped him.’

    The company announced plans to launch a music-focused program in 2026 targeting at-risk communities, beginning with Sea Lots but eventually expanding to other underserved areas. This initiative reflects KFC’s evolving approach to cultural partnerships that prioritize genuine community engagement over traditional marketing.

    Both organizers and sponsors highlighted the event as a powerful demonstration of what becomes possible when corporate resources align with authentic community leadership and homegrown talent.

  • Anthony edges Blackman for ASATT 100m fly gold

    Anthony edges Blackman for ASATT 100m fly gold

    The National Aquatic Centre in Couva witnessed an electrifying display of emerging talent during the Aquatic Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) Invitational Age Group Championships this past weekend. The competition served as a critical proving ground for the nation’s next generation of swimmers, with numerous athletes achieving coveted qualifying standards for the upcoming Carifta Games.

    The highlight of the evening session on December 13 featured a thrilling showdown between two US-based national team prospects. University of Indianapolis freshman Zachary Anthony narrowly defeated University of Tennessee’s Nikoli Blackman in the marquee 100m long course butterfly event. Anthony captured gold with a blistering time of 54.56 seconds, merely 0.19 seconds ahead of Blackman’s 54.75 finish. Both swimmers comfortably surpassed the 54.78 ‘A’ standard required for Carifta qualification.

    In the Girls 15 & Over division, Toni Rae Yates of RWBAA edged out Davia Richardson (YMID-MR) by 0.04 seconds in another nail-biting butterfly final, clocking 1:05.76 to Richardson’s 1:05.80. Both athletes secured Carifta ‘B’ standard times.

    The 11-12 age category emerged as particularly promising, with Sapphire Parks (SJ’S) establishing herself as a standout performer. Parks achieved an ‘A’ standard in the 100m butterfly (1:07.70) and continued her dominance on December 14 with a winning time of 2:38.22 in the 200m individual medley, another ‘A’ standard performance. She additionally secured a ‘B’ standard in the 400m freestyle (5:04.41), finishing second to Zahara Anthony (MARL) who won in 5:03.87.

    On the boys’ side, Keone Deshong (BSSS) delivered exceptional performances with gold medals and ‘A’ standard times in both the 50m breaststroke (33.50) and 200m IM (2:31.07). Ethan Chu Fook (SAILF) also impressed with an ‘A’ standard time of 2:32.32 in the 200m IM and a ‘B’ standard victory in the 400m freestyle (4:39.23).

    The 13-14 age group saw strong performances from Jacob Collymore (SAILF) who won the boys’ 100m butterfly in 58.48 (‘B’ standard), and Anya DeGannes (VIPER) who took the girls’ title in 1:08.32 (‘B’ standard). Arush Rochlani (SASC) claimed the boys’ 13-14 400m freestyle in 4:26.23, while Marena Martinez (MARL) won the girls’ equivalent in 4:45.79 plus the 200m IM title in 2:37.84.

    Breaststroke specialists also made their mark with Ethan McMillan-Cole (boys 13-14, 31.08), Kristin Greesham (girls 13-14, 36.12), and Anpherne Bernard (boys 15 & Over, 29.58) all achieving ‘B’ standard times in their respective 50m events.

    The championships concluded with spirited relay competitions. The BASC team (Giddings, Antoine, Pantin, Dan) won the girls 9-10 200m medley relay in 2:33.33, while RWBAA (Valentine, Nesbitt, Nixon, Venture) captured the boys 11-12 medley relay title in 2:13.47.

  • Malcolm beats Arjoon in RBC Jr U14 singles

    Malcolm beats Arjoon in RBC Jr U14 singles

    The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua served as the battleground for emerging tennis talents on December 14 as the RBC Junior Tennis Tournament entered its competitive phase. Young athletes across multiple age divisions demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in matches that highlighted both dominant performances and hard-fought victories.

    In the Boys 14 and Under singles division, Novak Malcolm delivered a masterclass performance against Adam Arjoon, securing a decisive 6-0, 6-0 victory. This marked a dramatic turnaround for Arjoon, who had previously celebrated success on the tournament’s opening day but found himself outmaneuvered by Malcolm’s precision play.

    The same category witnessed several other compelling matches: Justin Duncan claimed victory over Ryan Steuart with identical 6-4 scores in both sets, while Sanjay Ramcharitar dominated Harrison Hadeed 6-1, 6-0. Eli Paty demonstrated strong form against Dylan Clifford (6-0, 6-2), Cruz Thornton overcame Luke Bellamy (6-1, 6-2), and Sebastian Plimmer secured a convincing win against Navin Toppin (6-1, 6-0).

    Girls’ competition featured equally impressive performances, with Samiyah Mohammed achieving a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory against Jadia-Marie Highly. Suri Ramcharan mirrored this achievement with a perfect scoreline against Sizaa Chadee, not conceding a single game in her commanding performance.

    In the Boys 18 and Under division, Jack Brown delivered a powerful showing against Javed Dowlat, cruising to a 6-0, 6-1 triumph. The Boys 16 and Under category saw Rohan Ramcharita overcome Anthony Frank with scores of 6-4, 6-0.

    The younger competitors in the Boys Under-10 division showcased their developing skills in closely contested matches. Zayden Sagramsingh prevailed against Hugh Hadeed (5-3, 4-1), while James Rostant defeated Nathaniel Toppin (4-0, 4-2). Division two of this category featured an especially thrilling encounter as Arun Ramtahal emerged victorious after a nail-biting contest against Kaiden George, ultimately winning 5-4 (5), 5-4 (8). Miles Bain completed the day’s action with a solid performance against Christopher Craig (4-0, 4-1).

  • In war, we’re on our own

    In war, we’re on our own

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, the Insurance Brokers Association of Trinidad and Tobago has issued a stark warning to businesses: standard insurance policies provide no coverage for war-related damages. The December 11 advisory emphasized that catastrophic and unpredictable nature of conflict losses makes them fundamentally uninsurable through conventional means.

    The association’s executive board member Navin Dookeran acknowledged that while brokers can explore specialized foreign insurers for potential coverage options, the global insurance market universally struggles with pricing war risk premiums due to the inherent unpredictability of conflict-related losses.

    This warning carries particular significance for Trinidad and Tobago, where historical precedents demonstrate the devastating financial impact of civil unrest. The 1990 attempted coup by Yasin Abu Bakr resulted in over $1 billion in losses from looting and property destruction, mirroring similar insurance claim denials following the 1970 Black Power demonstrations. Legal test cases including the Nahous and Grell-Taurel actions ultimately confirmed insurers’ exemption from covering conflict-related losses.

    The current geopolitical climate presents additional economic vulnerabilities beyond direct physical damage. Should Trinidad and Tobago be classified as a high-risk zone due to proximity to US-Venezuela tensions, the country could face substantial increases in shipping and aviation insurance costs. This scenario echoes post-9/11 developments when the FAA expanded its Aviation War Risk Program after private insurers canceled policies following massive claims.

    Specialized coverage options like Bumbershoot policies exist for commercial maritime war risks, but these remain niche products with limited accessibility. The insurance industry’s position reflects the harsh economic reality that war creates fundamentally unquantifiable risks that challenge the very foundations of insurability.