标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a heartfelt celebration of World Kindness Day, President Christine Kangaloo and her husband, Kerwyn Garcia, SC, visited the JC Mac Donald Home for the Aged on November 14, bringing warmth and compassion to its residents. The visit, marked by meaningful interactions and shared moments of joy, underscored the importance of kindness in fostering community connections. Established in 1931, the JC Mac Donald Home has a storied history of serving the elderly, currently housing 20 residents under the care of a dedicated team of 12 staff members. The President’s Office also organized a special lunch for the residents, enhancing the day’s festivities. A highlight of the visit was the debut performance of the Office of the President’s Choir, whose uplifting melodies brought music and delight to the home. President Kangaloo expressed her gratitude to the home’s management and staff for their unwavering commitment to caring for the elderly, reaffirming the significance of such acts of kindness in society.

Jack Warner, the 82-year-old former FIFA vice president, has added another milestone to his diverse career by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies. The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) conferred the degree on November 18 during its 2025 graduation ceremony held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain. Warner’s doctoral thesis, titled ‘Corporate Entrepreneurship and Disruptive Business Model Innovation for Adoption in the Local Print Media,’ explored the challenges faced by the print media industry in adapting to digital transformation. Drawing from his experience as the publisher of the weekly Sunshine newspaper, Warner proposed innovative strategies to help traditional media remain competitive in a digital-first era. His research emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue streams and maintaining credibility in an evolving media landscape. Warner’s academic journey was supervised by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, and Professor Pooran Bridgemohan. Accompanied by his supervisors, Warner received a warm reception from President Christine Kangaloo and acting UTT president Rean Maharaj. He was among seven PhD graduates during the morning session and made history as UTT’s oldest doctoral recipient. Warner, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, expressed his elation, stating that his achievement proves ‘education does not have a shelf life.’ He credited his professors, family, and colleagues for their unwavering support during challenging moments. Warner also shared his hope that his accomplishment would inspire young people in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Currently studying law, Warner continues his educational journey, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. His son, Daryll, expressed pride in his father’s determination and success, vowing to follow in his footsteps. Warner’s academic triumph comes after a decade-long extradition case related to corruption charges during his FIFA tenure collapsed in the High Court on September 23. Justice Karen Reid ruled that the extradition process was ‘flawed,’ marking a significant legal victory for Warner. Reflecting on his journey, Warner emphasized his mission to rebuild his life and reputation.

A recent flight experience on Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has sparked criticism from a passenger, highlighting significant issues with in-flight service. The incident occurred on Flight BW481 from Fort Lauderdale to Piarco on November 2, 2025. Despite a two-hour delay, the passenger noted that airport and desk staff were courteous and apologetic. However, the situation deteriorated once onboard. A flight attendant’s inappropriate remark about passengers using the restroom caused embarrassment, particularly among elderly travelers. Throughout the flight, the attendant displayed a belligerent attitude, including mocking passengers struggling with overhead bins and dismissing inquiries about meal options. The passenger, a frequent flyer with 50 years of experience, described the attendant’s behavior as the worst they had encountered. Despite CAL’s accolades, including being named the Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand for the ninth consecutive year and receiving the APEX Five-Star Major Airline rating, the passenger urged the airline’s management to address these service shortcomings to maintain its esteemed reputation.

The timely delivery of justice remains a cornerstone of any progressive society, yet it is an issue that continues to plague judicial systems across the Caribbean. This concern was recently brought to the forefront by Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh during his address at the Law Association’s annual dinner on November 14. His remarks underscored the fundamental right of citizens to expect fair and timely resolutions to their legal matters. However, the reality often falls short of this ideal, with cases languishing for years before reaching a conclusion. This delay not only undermines the effectiveness of the judicial system but also erodes public trust in the rule of law. The situation in Barbados serves as a stark example. Faced with chronic delays, the Barbados Parliament took drastic measures in 2019, amending its Constitution to allow for the removal of judges who fail to deliver judgments within six months. While such extreme measures may not be necessary elsewhere, they highlight the severity of the issue and the need for systemic reform. The legal community must engage in meaningful dialogue to establish clear guidelines for the timely delivery of judgments. Attorneys, who are already bound by court-imposed deadlines, could play a pivotal role in shaping these policies. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that justice is not only served but served promptly, as delays often render legal remedies ineffective. This discussion is not a critique of the dedication or integrity of judges but a call to action to strengthen the judicial system for the benefit of all citizens.

Five former residents of St Dominic’s Children’s Home have initiated a groundbreaking High Court lawsuit, alleging decades of physical and sexual abuse during their time at the institution. The claimants, represented by attorneys Christlyn Moore, Adana Joseph-Wallace, and Joshua Hamlet, have named the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain, the Attorney General, the Statutory Authorities Service Commission, and a former supervisor as defendants. The lawsuit, filed on October 10, seeks accountability for the systemic failures that enabled the abuse, which reportedly occurred between 1983 and 2006. The claimants argue that their delayed legal action stems from psychological trauma and a lack of awareness of their rights, citing the 1997 Sabga Report and the 2022 Jones Report as pivotal in their delayed recognition of the abuse. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed in their statutory and common-law duties to protect the children, leading to years of beatings, sexual assaults, and unsafe living conditions. The claimants are seeking damages for psychological trauma, lost educational and employment opportunities, and long-term mental health injuries. The defendants have denied liability, raising limitation defenses, and the High Court is expected to address the issue of delayed claims before proceeding with the case.