Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Veteran JP says, JPs in dire need of proper training

    Veteran JP says, JPs in dire need of proper training

    Veteran Justice of the Peace (JP) Abrahim Ali has voiced significant concerns over the expanded judicial responsibilities being assigned to JPs without the necessary training, oversight, or modern systems in place. Ali, who also serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Justices of the Peace Association (JOPATT), highlighted these issues in an interview with Newsday on November 15, following the Senate’s passage of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (AJIPA). Once signed into law by the President, AJIPA will grant JPs broader powers, including the authority to issue search warrants and grant station bail for indictable offenses.

    Ali emphasized that the JP system has long suffered from structural deficiencies, including a lack of standardized training, record-keeping, and consultation. He noted that JPs, historically appointed through political channels, have never received formal training despite being expected to perform critical judicial functions. While JOPATT has attempted to address these gaps through voluntary training programs, Ali stressed that such efforts cannot replace a mandatory national framework.

    The AJIPA amendments aim to restore and expand powers historically held by JPs, which had been muddled by earlier legislation. Justice Carol Gobin clarified that Parliament had never explicitly revoked JPs’ authority to grant station bail. However, the proposed expansion of JP powers, particularly regarding search warrants, has sparked intense debate. Independent Senators Sophia Chote and Dr. Desiree Murray warned that without immediate reforms, JPs could be thrust into roles requiring legal expertise and accountability mechanisms that are currently absent. Chote described the search powers under Section 5 as ‘draconian,’ while Murray cautioned that the lack of qualifications and oversight could ‘dilute judicial oversight and risk the arbitrary exercise of power.’

    Attorney General John Jeremie assured the Senate that data-seizure powers remain governed by the Data Protection Act and pledged to delay the implementation of search-warrant provisions until training and further reforms are addressed. He also committed to referring the broader issue of JP standards to the Law Review Committee. Ali supported this decision, noting that the concerns raised have long been recognized within the JP community. He emphasized that warrants must never be issued without proper procedures and guidelines, warning against ‘rubber-stamping’ by JPs.

    Acting President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, ASP Ishmael Pitt, welcomed the restoration of JP warrant-issuing powers, particularly from a policing perspective. He highlighted the importance of having access to judicial officers in urgent situations but stressed that the system’s success depends on JP competence matching the gravity of their responsibilities. Ali, a JP for 35 years, reiterated that the JP system still lacks consistent engagement from the judiciary and the Office of the DPP, leaving JPs without adequate guidance as their duties expand.

  • No Jazz on the Greens for 2026

    No Jazz on the Greens for 2026

    In a significant announcement, Production One Ltd (POL) has confirmed the cancellation of the Jazz Artists on the Greens event for 2026. The decision, disclosed on November 15, stems from the lingering uncertainties of the post-pandemic economy, coupled with state policies affecting the entertainment sector and its influence on private sector sponsorship. The company highlighted the minimal uptake of tax incentives for sponsorship by private entities as a contributing factor. Additionally, the recent national budget statement underscored public sector funding shortfalls, prompting a reevaluation of financial management strategies. POL emphasized its commitment to realigning its services and products to adapt to these new economic realities. After 22 successful editions—20 in Trinidad and two in Tobago—the company is rebranding and reassessing its business model. While the live event will not proceed, POL plans to commercialize recorded content from previous productions, pending negotiations with rights holders. The company assured patrons that the legacy of the event will endure through digital platforms, where performances, memorabilia, and branded merchandise will remain accessible. POL reaffirmed its mission to support local and Caribbean artists, focusing on recalibrating the jazz ecosystem and exploring new avenues for talent showcase. The company expressed gratitude to its patrons and partners, urging them to stay updated via its website. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced measures to address noise pollution, including halting fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and introducing enhanced noise pollution legislation by the end of 2025.

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral hosts fundraising golf tourney

    Holy Trinity Cathedral hosts fundraising golf tourney

    The Holy Trinity Cathedral, a cherished heritage site registered with the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, is set to host a unique Fundraising Golf Tournament aimed at supporting its ongoing restoration efforts. The event will take place at the prestigious St Andrews Golf Course in Maraval on November 16, commencing with an 8 am shotgun start. Participants will engage in a Two-Ball Better Ball – 85 per cent format, with registration fees set at $3,500 per team. Organizers are calling on the public, corporate partners, and golf enthusiasts to rally behind this significant initiative, which directly contributes to the preservation of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s historic architectural treasures. For registration or sponsorship inquiries, individuals can contact Christopher Skinner at 680-4110 or Kirby Anthony Hosang at 678-8770. Additionally, email inquiries can be directed to cathedralhtcgolf@gmail.com.

  • Family, friends mourn Alexia Trim – law student hailed for her humility, strength

    Family, friends mourn Alexia Trim – law student hailed for her humility, strength

    The St Francis of Assisi RC Church in Belmont was filled with heartfelt tributes and profound grief as family, friends, and educators gathered to honor the life of Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old UWI law student who passed away in Colombia on October 22. Trim, who was set to graduate with first-class honors in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, succumbed to complications from arteriovenous malformation, a rare condition affecting blood vessels in the brain.

    Her funeral on November 15 was a poignant celebration of her life, marked by eulogies that highlighted her ambition, intelligence, humility, and unwavering faith. Trim’s mother, Marsha Trim, shared a moving tribute through her friends, recounting the joys of her daughter’s birth and her remarkable ability to face life’s challenges with grace and dignity. Despite enduring health struggles during her final year of studies, Trim remained optimistic about her future, eagerly anticipating her graduation and further studies in law.

    Former teachers and peers also paid homage to Trim’s extraordinary character. Lisa Rodriguez, a former teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent, described Trim as a beacon of faith and humility, whose life radiated a divine light. Dr. Timothy Affonso, deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at UWI, praised her civic-mindedness and the positive impact she had on her peers and faculty.

    Fr. Mikkel Trestrail, who delivered the homily, reflected on Trim’s acceptance of her fate, sharing that she had expressed peace with her journey just days before her passing. He likened the mourners to ‘lumps of dough transformed into donuts,’ emphasizing that Trim’s death had left a void in their hearts but also a lasting legacy of love and faith. Trestrail encouraged those present to deepen their relationship with God, assuring them that Trim’s love and the love of Christ would guide them through their grief.

    The funeral concluded with a powerful message of hope, as Trestrail reminded attendees that Trim’s spirit would live on in their hearts and in God’s Kingdom, a testament to the enduring power of love and faith.

  • Post-treaty tensions in Tobago

    Post-treaty tensions in Tobago

    The Treaty of Paris in 1763 marked a significant moment for British control over Tobago, yet the aftermath was far from peaceful. The British administration faced immediate challenges, as France, though subdued at the negotiation table, harbored intentions to reclaim the island. Recognizing the precariousness of their position, the British prioritized security, understanding that their survival hinged on robust defenses. Their initial strategy involved increasing the British landowning population to bolster loyalty and defense against potential French incursions. However, this plan faltered, as the number of resident British landowners remained insufficient. The administration also established a militia to counter external threats, including French privateers and pirates, as well as internal resistance from the growing enslaved population. Despite these efforts, the island’s vulnerability persisted, particularly due to its numerous bays, which served as entry points for slavers and hideouts for pirates. The British sought to enhance security by appointing military ranks to defend the bays, but this proved inadequate given the limited human resources. Simultaneously, the administration focused on land division, creating plantations but neglecting essential infrastructure like roads. This oversight was later addressed through the imposition of a land tax and the enlistment of enslaved laborers for road construction. The ambitious plan aimed to connect the island’s parishes and improve communication, but progress was slow and hampered by resistance from enslaved Africans and the limited availability of qualified white men. Ultimately, the British administration’s inability to fortify Tobago’s defenses and establish effective communication networks left the island vulnerable. In 1781, France capitalized on these weaknesses, recapturing Tobago and dealing a significant blow to the British planting community.

  • Taking a win from the loss

    Taking a win from the loss

    The Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) senior men’s national football team concluded their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica on November 13 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Despite a spirited performance in front of a passionate home crowd, the result left the team with only six points, eliminating any chance of advancing to the World Cup. Their final qualifier match against Bermuda on November 18 will be a mere formality, as they cannot secure a top-two finish in their group. Jamaica opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, but T&T’s substitute Kevin Molino equalized just four minutes before the final whistle. A promising stoppage-time effort by debutant forward Roald Mitchell, a New York Red Bulls player, was cut short due to a hamstring injury. Statistically, T&T dominated the game with 62% possession, 17 shots on goal compared to Jamaica’s six, and 411 passes to Jamaica’s 257. However, their inability to convert opportunities into goals proved costly. Coach Dwight Yorke defended his strategy, emphasizing that it worked as planned despite the lack of goals. He called for a focus on developing a stronger squad and nurturing home-grown coaching talent. Yorke’s first year as coach has revitalized local interest in football, with increased fan attendance and sponsorship support. However, T&T remains at the early stages of building a competitive team. The government’s ‘grandfather clause’ to expand the pool of eligible players is a step forward, but long-term success hinges on investing in youth development programs like the Secondary Schools Football League and improving talent identification processes, such as the poorly handled National Under-17 trials on November 9. Yorke’s experience as a former professional player will be crucial in guiding the next generation of T&T footballers, ensuring a more competitive future World Cup campaign.

  • Classic focaccia for beginners

    Classic focaccia for beginners

    Focaccia, a beloved Italian bread, has captured the hearts of bakers worldwide with its simplicity, versatility, and rich olive oil flavor. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, shares her passion for this rustic bread, drawing parallels to the local roast bake but with a Mediterranean twist. Anderson highlights its beginner-friendly nature, making it an ideal choice for novice bakers and a canvas for culinary creativity. Whether adorned with rosemary and sea salt or vibrant vegetables, focaccia brings warmth and artistry to the table.

  • Xtra Foods donates $20k to upgrade Success Laventille computer lab

    Xtra Foods donates $20k to upgrade Success Laventille computer lab

    Students at Success Laventille Secondary School are set to benefit from a significant upgrade to their computer lab, thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from Xtra Foods supermarket. The contribution was announced in a press release on November 14, 2025, and the ceremonial cheque was presented during the school’s graduation ceremony by Xtra Foods CEO Angelo Daniel Austin, an alumnus of the institution. Austin, who served as the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of investing in education to empower future generations. He shared his personal journey from being a student at the school to becoming a CEO, highlighting the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and belief. Austin also expressed gratitude to Anon Naipaul, executive chairman of Xtra Foods, for his mentorship and support over the years. The donation is part of Xtra Foods’ broader mission to nurture talent, inspire growth, and uplift underserved communities. Austin stated, “When we invest in education, we’re not just upgrading labs, we’re opening doors.” He further emphasized the importance of equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world, describing them as future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The initiative reflects Xtra Foods’ commitment to education, equity, and empowerment, as the company continues to invest in the shared future of the communities it serves.

  • Make cutting grass priority

    Make cutting grass priority

    In a commendable move, MP Stuart Young and the Port of Spain City Corporation have stepped up to address the fallout from the shutdown of Cepep and URP programs by employing former workers in the Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West constituency and surrounding areas. This initiative not only provides these displaced individuals with a source of income but also ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of local communities. The approach mirrors a similar effort previously undertaken by Mayor Robert Parris in San Fernando. The closure of Cepep and URP has left thousands of vulnerable citizens without livelihoods, while also highlighting the critical role these workers played in maintaining public spaces. Despite assurances that local corporations would fill the gap, the reality is that overgrown vegetation and neglected areas are evident across the country. The author, Nigel Seenathsingh, emphasizes the need to focus on fundamental tasks like grass cutting before pursuing more ambitious AI-driven revitalization plans. This pragmatic approach, he argues, is essential for meaningful progress.

  • Works and Infrastructure ministry moves to fill 1,100 vacancies

    Works and Infrastructure ministry moves to fill 1,100 vacancies

    The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MOWI) has initiated the second phase of its National Recruitment Drive, focusing on screening candidates to fill 1,100 vacancies across various operational and technical roles. The recruitment process, which began on October 19 at the National Cycling Velodrome in Balmain, Couva, saw an overwhelming response with over 28,000 applications submitted. Notably, approximately 6,800 applicants sought positions as laborers. Starting November 14, the ministry commenced mass screening for the first cohort of laborer candidates, a process set to continue until November 21. The ministry aims to interview 1,000 applicants daily, with shortlisted candidates expected to be deployed by December 1. Minister Jearlean John emphasized that this initiative fulfills the government’s promise to create employment opportunities and strengthen the ministry’s capacity to deliver impactful community projects. Successful candidates will undergo a probation period before being assigned to district offices nationwide to support priority infrastructure projects.