Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Ex-Jamaican MP urges Caribbean women to prepare of the age of AI

    Ex-Jamaican MP urges Caribbean women to prepare of the age of AI

    In a powerful address at the inaugural Women in Tourism Caribbean Retreat, former Jamaican Parliament member Lisa Hanna issued a compelling call for women across the region to actively prepare for the artificial intelligence revolution and embrace professional reinvention. The landmark gathering, held November 13-16 in the Turks and Caicos Islands, brought together female tourism professionals from across the Caribbean basin for a transformative professional development experience.

    Hanna delivered her keynote message during the November 15 Brunch and Conversation event, where she emphasized the critical importance of women remaining vigilant to global geopolitical shifts while leveraging their unique ability to combine passion with pragmatic decision-making. Her address formed the centerpiece of a retreat specifically designed to explore challenges including work-life balance, navigation of male-dominated environments, leadership development, and mutual support systems among women in the industry.

    The retreat, conceptualized by Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Stacy Cox, represented the physical evolution of a virtual platform initially launched during the pandemic to recognize women driving the tourism sector forward. Participants from Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Barbados, Saint Lucia, the US Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Toronto engaged in carefully curated activities including school outreach visits, with Hanna joining delegates at the Special Needs Association Providenciales (SNAP) Centre.

    In a gesture of regional solidarity, organizers presented Hanna with a charitable donation to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The retreat’s significance was further underscored by the attendance of prominent government officials including Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, and permanent secretary Wesley Clerveaux at the opening reception hosted at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

    Reflecting on the event’s success, Cox expressed profound satisfaction: ‘This retreat provided a space for women to remove their masks, discuss authentic life challenges, draw strength from shared experiences, and ultimately build a powerful sisterhood.’ Buoyed by its inaugural success, organizers have already announced that the Women in Tourism Caribbean Retreat will return to the Turks and Caicos Islands in November 2026.

  • UNC 28 no match for PNM 13

    UNC 28 no match for PNM 13

    For the second time in recent weeks, Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary proceedings have descended into acrimony as the ruling United National Congress (UNC) government abruptly terminated debate on the Finance Bill 2025, effectively silencing opposition voices. The controversial move last Friday prevented several members of the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) from contributing to crucial financial discussions, marking a significant departure from established parliamentary conventions.

    The traditional practice in such debates involves the chief whip formally indicating speaking arrangements to the government business leader, with this information typically communicated to the Speaker of the House, Jagdeo Singh. The unilateral closure of debate while opposition members remained prepared to speak represents what critics are calling a dangerous erosion of democratic norms.

    This incident mirrors similar tactics employed during the 2025/2026 budget debate approximately one month ago, suggesting a pattern of behavior that contradicts the UNC’s previous commitments to transparency and accountability while in opposition. Political analysts note that these actions fundamentally undermine the very democratic principles that propelled the UNC into power.

    The government’s apparent reluctance to subject its financial policies to opposition scrutiny has raised questions about its confidence in handling economic matters. Despite holding a commanding majority of 28 Members of Parliament versus the PNM’s 13, the UNC appears increasingly defensive when confronting opposition financial expertise.

    Notable PNM figures including Colm Imbert (Diego Martin North/East), Brian Manning (San Fernando East), Stuart Young (Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West), Marvin Gonzales (Arouca/Lopinot), and Dominic Romain (Malabar/Musica) have consistently demonstrated superior preparedness in financial debates, frequently exposing what critics describe as governmental “political chicanery” during finance committee meetings.

    The ongoing parliamentary tensions suggest that meaningful political discourse has shifted from the parliamentary floor to what correspondent Harry Partap characterizes as “the trenches out there,” indicating diminished expectations for fair procedural treatment from the Speaker’s chair.

  • UNC 28 nomatch forPNM 13

    UNC 28 nomatch forPNM 13

    For the second time in recent weeks, Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary proceedings have been marked by controversy as the ruling United National Congress (UNC) government abruptly terminated debate on critical financial legislation. The Finance Bill 2025 discussion was cut short last Friday despite opposition members from the People’s National Movement (PNM) awaiting their turn to speak.

    This procedural maneuver represents a significant departure from established parliamentary conventions, where the chief whip typically communicates speaking arrangements to both government business leaders and the Speaker. The unexpected closure of debate has raised serious concerns about democratic transparency within the nation’s highest legislative body.

    The current administration’s actions mirror similar tactics employed during the 2025/2026 budget debate approximately one month prior. These developments appear particularly contradictory given the UNC’s historical emphasis on governmental accountability while previously serving in opposition roles.

    Political analysts suggest these maneuvers indicate the UNC’s apparent reluctance to subject its financial policies to rigorous opposition scrutiny. Despite holding a substantial majority with 28 Members of Parliament versus the PNM’s 13 representatives, the governing party appears cautious when confronting the opposition’s financially astute members.

    The PNM’s effective performance during last month’s finance committee meeting, where they challenged numerous governmental financial approaches, may have contributed to the UNC’s defensive parliamentary strategy. Prominent PNM figures including Colm Imbert (Diego Martin North/East), Brian Manning (San Fernando East), Stuart Young (Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West), Marvin Gonzales (Arouca/Lopinot) and Dominic Romain (Malabar/Musica) have demonstrated particular proficiency in financial matters.

    Observers note that the ongoing parliamentary tensions reflect deeper political divisions, with the opposition receiving no procedural assistance from the Speaker’s chair, effectively shifting the political battleground beyond the parliamentary floor.

  • Deal with garbage collector seeking doubles

    Deal with garbage collector seeking doubles

    A troubling pattern of solicitation by garbage collection personnel has emerged in Mount Hope, Trinidad, prompting serious community concerns about professional conduct in municipal services. The issue gained attention following a resident’s detailed account published in Newsday’s Letters to Editor section.

    The situation presents a stark contrast to the traditional appreciation for sanitation workers, recently celebrated in Scrunter’s 2025 parang musical tribute honoring garbage collectors’ contributions to community welfare.

    According to Linus F Didier, a local resident, incidents of improper solicitation have occurred multiple times. On the Sunday preceding Divali celebrations, while garbage collection was rescheduled due to the holiday, a collector allegedly approached residents requesting money “to buy a doubles” while visibly holding a half-consumed beer bottle. When ignored, the individual proceeded to make similar requests to female neighbors.

    This was not an isolated occurrence. Several months earlier, around 5:15 AM, the same individual reportedly solicited funds “to buy some tea” from residents. These incidents stand in sharp contrast to the previously excellent service record maintained by retired crew members who served the Mt Hope area for years without such complaints.

    The community has expressed particular concern about the safety implications, especially for female residents approached by sanitation workers during collection hours. The incidents have raised questions about worker supervision and professional standards within the contracted services.

    Residents are calling for intervention from the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation, urging officials to address these issues with their contractors while still acknowledging the valuable service provided by ethical garbage collectors throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Question onbaby challenge

    Question onbaby challenge

    A recent population growth proposal by Tobago’s Chief Secretary has ignited vigorous public discourse regarding parental capabilities and long-term child welfare. Farley Augustine, head of the Tobago House of Assembly, has formally encouraged residents to increase childbirth rates through a structured incentive program offering essential baby supplies including footwear, diapers, and complementary infant care products upon childbirth.

    The policy initiative, designed to address demographic concerns, has prompted critical examination from community members. Richard Lobo of Diego Martin has articulated substantial concerns regarding the program’s potential limitations. In a published editorial response, Lobo questioned whether material incentives adequately address the comprehensive requirements of successful child-rearing, emphasizing that nutritional support, educational opportunities, emotional development, and dedicated parenting represent fundamental components that extend beyond initial material assistance.

    The critique highlights apprehensions that without sufficient support systems ensuring children’s holistic development, society might eventually confront significant challenges stemming from decisions made by improperly nurtured youth. This exchange between government officials and citizens underscores the complex interplay between demographic policies and social responsibility, reflecting broader societal concerns about sustainable family support structures and intergenerational welfare planning.

  • Dhanpaul raises concern about increase in borrowing limit to $45b

    Dhanpaul raises concern about increase in borrowing limit to $45b

    Opposition Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, a former finance minister and permanent secretary in the finance ministry, has raised significant concerns regarding the government’s proposal to substantially increase Trinidad and Tobago’s external borrowing capacity. During Senate deliberations on the Finance Bill 2025 on December 9, Dhanpaul questioned the administration’s decision to elevate the statutory borrowing limit from $30.5 billion to $45 billion.

    Dhanpaul emphasized that this borrowing threshold has remained unchanged through multiple administrations from both major political parties (PNM and UNC), serving as a crucial parliamentary safeguard. The established limit historically compelled governments to seek legislative approval and undergo opposition scrutiny for any borrowing exceeding the $30.5 billion cap.

    The senator expressed apprehension that this substantial increase might be intended to finance the government’s recently launched Revitalisation Blueprint infrastructure initiative without adequate parliamentary oversight. He warned that unchecked borrowing could potentially lead Trinidad and Tobago toward requiring International Monetary Fund (IMF) intervention, reminiscent of the country’s economic challenges during the 1980s.

    Dhanpaul clarified that while many nations carry larger public debts than Trinidad and Tobago, the critical factors are “the trajectory of the debt and the ability of a country to repay.” He noted that international credit rating agencies like Moody’s and Standard & Poors closely monitor these indicators when assessing national creditworthiness, suggesting the government’s approach “is making an excellent case to have this country downgraded.”

    Additionally, Dhanpaul objected to provisions in the legislation that would transfer responsibility for official financial statistics from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) to the Central Bank. While expressly noting he imputed no improper motives to current Central Bank Governor Larry Howai, whom he described as “a gentleman,” Dhanpaul worried this change could potentially enable future politically-appointed governors to manipulate financial statistics. He advocated instead for establishing an independent national statistical institute as previously envisioned.

    The senator further echoed opposition concerns regarding the appointment of non-public servants to the Board of Inland Revenue, granting them access to citizens’ confidential tax information without adequate safeguards.

  • Look toGuyana forfeedstock tosave forex

    Look toGuyana forfeedstock tosave forex

    A critical examination of Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign exchange allocation has revealed staggering financial commitments to poultry feed imports, prompting calls for strategic regional collaboration. Recent disclosures from Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo indicate that poultry-related enterprises accessed over US$150 million in forex reserves between 2020 and mid-2025, representing a substantial national investment in sustaining imported animal feedstock.

    This revelation emerges alongside transformative agricultural developments in neighboring Guyana. The Caricom partner has successfully cultivated approximately 12,000 acres of corn and soya in 2024, with ambitious expansion targets of 25,000-30,000 acres by 2025-2026. Guyana’s strategic initiative aims not only at achieving self-sufficiency in livestock feed production but also at positioning itself as a grain exporter to fellow Caricom nations.

    The convergence of these developments presents a pivotal opportunity for Trinidad’s poultry industry. Industry analysts now question whether major integrators, feed millers, agricultural experts, and relevant government agencies have initiated formal engagement with Guyanese authorities. Such collaboration could establish long-term supply agreements for Guyanese corn and soya, potentially priced in mechanisms that gradually reduce Trinidad’s forex exposure.

    Parallel to negotiation efforts, an urgent domestic assessment appears necessary. Evaluating port infrastructure, storage capabilities, handling procedures, quality assurance protocols, and potential legislative adjustments would be essential for transitioning from distant suppliers to regional partnerships. This strategic pivot could transform Guyana’s agricultural emergence into a concrete, lower-risk intra-Caricom supply chain for poultry feed.

    The scale of forex expenditure on poultry feedstock demands more than routine reassurances—it necessitates a coordinated regional strategy where private sector initiative and government facilitation converge to maximize forex efficiency and regional economic integration.

  • Roget sues Rowley over Facebook post

    Roget sues Rowley over Facebook post

    In a significant legal development, Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) President General Ancel Roget has initiated defamation proceedings against former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley concerning a social media post from August 2022. The lawsuit centers on allegations that Rowley’s official Facebook publication falsely associated Roget with criminal activities and attempts to undermine national stability.

    The contentious post, which garnered substantial social media engagement with over 1,000 reactions and 300 shares, allegedly suggested Roget and the opposition United National Congress (UNC) had encouraged highway blockages and supported groups involved in metal theft operations. Roget maintains these assertions were entirely baseless and manufactured without evidence.

    Legal documents indicate the labor leader immediately sought retraction through pre-action protocol correspondence on the same day the post appeared. Despite these efforts, no correction or apology was forthcoming. Instead, Rowley’s legal representatives reportedly denied defamation claims in an October 2022 response, invoking defenses of justification and fair comment.

    Roget’s legal team argues the statements carried exceptional weight due to Rowley’s position as sitting prime minister at the time, potentially exacerbating public hostility toward the union leader. The plaintiff emphatically denies any involvement with or endorsement of illegal activities, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to lawful industrial advocacy.

    The lawsuit seeks comprehensive remedies including full retraction of the allegations, a formal public apology, and financial compensation for reputational damage. Roget is represented by attorneys Kiel Taklalsingh, Leon Kalicharan, Matthew Allahar, and Johanna Richards in this high-profile legal confrontation.

  • Exporting doctors

    Exporting doctors

    In a surprising twist of medical workforce dynamics, Trinidad and Tobago faces the paradoxical situation of simultaneously experiencing a physician shortage and surplus. While healthcare facilities remain overwhelmed with patient demand, approximately 300 new medical graduates enter the system annually, with 7,345 doctors currently registered with the Medical Board.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration has proposed an innovative solution: establishing a partnership with Guyana that would enable 50 local doctors to practice there. This initiative, announced on December 7, represents a strategic approach to addressing structural issues within the healthcare sector.

    The core problem lies in the experience gap faced by recent graduates. Despite completing internships, these new physicians are often perceived as insufficiently experienced for full positions, creating a professional catch-22 where they cannot gain experience without employment opportunities.

    Beyond the graduate experience dilemma, systemic challenges persist. Health authorities have consistently failed to hire adequate medical personnel, despite the World Health Organization reporting that physician density per 1,000 people doubled between 2010 and 2020. This understaffing affects both doctors and nurses, with health facilities remaining insufficiently expanded to meet population demands.

    Additional complicating factors include the declining tradition of visiting local general practitioners, which has reduced opportunities for new graduates, and allegations of medical equipment worth $100 million being left to deteriorate at the Couva facility opened in 2015.

    The proposed Guyana partnership offers multiple benefits: providing employment for emerging practitioners, breaking the experience-employment cycle, advancing regional integration, and potentially reducing pressure on domestic healthcare systems. While 50 doctors may not solve the entire problem, it represents a meaningful step toward addressing complex healthcare workforce challenges.

  • Caribbean Kings, TTDF women earn Harvard Rugby 7s titles

    Caribbean Kings, TTDF women earn Harvard Rugby 7s titles

    The Harvard International Rugby 7s tournament concluded with thrilling victories for Caribbean Kings and Defence Force in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. Held at St Mary’s College grounds in St Clair on November 29-30, the event showcased exceptional talent across multiple divisions.

    In the men’s championship final, the touring Caribbean Kings squad demonstrated remarkable resilience to secure a hard-fought 19-14 victory against Defence Force. The Kings had previously advanced to the final by defeating host team Harvard Rugby Club 19-12 in a closely contested semifinal match. Harvard ultimately claimed third position in the men’s category.

    The women’s competition saw Defence Force emerge triumphant after round-robin play, narrowly edging out Royalians for top honors. In the women’s under-20 division, San Juan RFC captured the championship with SEPOS Ruggers finishing as runners-up and Whanau Rugby Academy securing third place.

    Additional age-group categories produced equally compelling results. Whanau Academy claimed redemption in the men’s under-20 final with a 12-5 victory over Silvos’ Youth Academy. However, Silvo’s gained retribution in the under-16 division, defeating Whanau to claim the title while Harvard finished third.

    The tournament, captured through dynamic photography by Ayanna Kinsale, featured emerging talents such as San Juan’s Ashana Gonzales and Whanau’s Skyler Hope demonstrating exceptional skill and athleticism. Rugby enthusiasts can now look forward to the upcoming Tobago Classic 7s, scheduled for January 9-10.