标签： Trinidad and Tobago

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.

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.

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.

The Court of Appeal has reversed a 2023 High Court decision, mandating the State to compensate retired Coast Guard volunteer David Tannis with $346,836.05 for unpaid salary adjustments tied to his post-retirement service. Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, alongside Justices of Appeal James Aboud and Ricky Rahim, ruled that Tannis was contractually entitled to revised pay rates negotiated for established Defence Force ranks, even though these adjustments were finalized after his volunteer service concluded. Justice Rahim, who authored the unanimous decision on November 14, emphasized that an implied contractual term linked Tannis’s remuneration to increases granted to comparable ranks in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), in line with a Cabinet-approved methodology established in 1980. Tannis, who served as a marine surveyor in the Volunteer Defence Force from May 24, 2004, to May 23, 2012, had his pay aligned with that of a petty officer and later a chief petty officer. However, he only received adjustments for the 2005–2007 period, with subsequent increases for 2008–2010 and 2011–2013 approved four years after his contract ended. The Appeal Court found the trial judge ‘plainly wrong’ in dismissing Tannis’s claim, noting the State’s failure to file a defense or challenge key evidence. The court highlighted that the 1980 Cabinet Minute established a methodology linking volunteer pay to TTDF rates, making it clear that Tannis should benefit from comparable pay increases. While the court rejected Tannis’s request for exemplary damages, it awarded general damages of $346,836.05 for breach of contract, with interest at 2.5% per year from June 16, 2016. The Attorney General was also ordered to cover the prescribed costs of the claim.

In a significant blow to the illicit drug trade, the Customs and Excise Division has confiscated narcotics worth over $11 million in a series of coordinated operations over the past week. The seizures included 38.998 kilograms of marijuana, eight ampoules of fentanyl, one vial of ketamine, and 0.606 kilograms of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The marijuana alone has an estimated street value of $9,737,800, while the MDMA is valued at $1,515,000.