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.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Young parranderos face off in El Dorado
The vibrant sounds of parang music filled the air at El Dorado East Secondary School on November 15, as the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the primary school category of its Junior Parang Festival 2025. Under the theme ‘Somos Un Solo Pueblo’ (We Are One Village), 25 primary schools showcased their musical prowess in two key categories: Tribute to Icons and the musical face-off. The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of parang, a traditional Trinidadian music genre, while nurturing the next generation of parranderos. Among the standout performances, Isoke Morgan led the Sacred Heart Girls’ RC School parang band, while Dominic Gooding and the Sacred Heart Boys’ RC parang band captivated the audience with their spirited renditions. The festival also featured a chac chac player, whose rhythmic beats added a dynamic flair to the performances. On November 16, the spotlight shifted to 15 secondary schools competing for top honors in the same categories. The Junior Parang Festival continues to be a celebration of unity, creativity, and cultural pride, fostering a deep appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s musical traditions.
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San City Steel Symphony hosts Culture on Carib Street
San Fernando is poised to host an electrifying cultural festival on November 15, as Carib Street becomes the epicenter of music, dance, and artistic expression. The event, titled ‘Culture on Carib Street – 12 Hours of Culture,’ is an expanded version of the annual Children’s Jamboree, now encompassing a broader audience and a diverse array of performances. From 11 am to 11 pm, attendees will be treated to a rich tapestry of indigenous art forms, including pan, kaiso, extempo, soca, chutney, parang, spoken word, and masquerade, all accompanied by the rhythmic beats of engine rooms, tassa, and African drums.
Traditionally held in August, the event has been rescheduled to coincide with San Fernando’s 37th anniversary as a city. ‘This year, we aimed to create an inclusive experience for everyone—children, adults, and all culture enthusiasts,’ said Aquil Arrindel, manager of the San City band.
The day kicks off with a lively children’s program featuring bouncy castles, games, and performances by notable young talents such as Junior Calypso King Xhaiden Darius, dancer Ariella Rishana Jugoon, extempo artist Kevan Calliste, and the Presentation College Drummers. Spoken-word artist Colleen Cleghorn and mas presentations by Cari Vog Kids and Anra Bobb and Friends will also grace the stage.
As the afternoon progresses, the focus shifts to adult performers and renowned steel orchestras. Music aficionados can anticipate performances by 12-time Panorama champions Desperadoes, alongside Siparia Deltones, Tornadoes, Birdsong, Kalomo Kings, and the host band, SanCity. The evening lineup includes extempo maestro Abebele, calypsonians Impulse and Ras Kommanda, soca star College Boy Jesse, Blaka Dan, Chutney Soca champion Daddy Chinee, and the Los Alumnos De San Juan parang band.
Arrindel highlighted the transformation of the venue, with the car park between Presentation College and the SanCity panyard now paved and serving as the main arena. The space will feature two stages, tents, food vendors, and a bar, ensuring a festive atmosphere despite the rainy season. ‘This is a must-attend, entirely free cultural experience,’ Arrindel promised.
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Customs and Excise seize $11.2 million in ganja, meth
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.
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Sobers: US troops to return to Trinidad and Tobago for joint military training
The United States military is set to return to Trinidad and Tobago next week for a joint training exercise with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF). The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will participate in the drills, which are scheduled from November 16 to 21. This marks the second such exercise in just over a month, following a similar engagement in October that saw the USS Gravely dock in Port of Spain. The exercises, which will span both rural and urban environments, aim to enhance military-to-military collaboration, focusing on equipment familiarity, tactical training, and professional development. US military assets, including helicopters, will be utilized during the operations, which are planned primarily for dusk and nighttime. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers emphasized the importance of these exercises, stating, ‘Steel sharpens steel,’ and highlighting their role in strengthening the TTDF’s capacity to combat illegal drugs and weapons. However, the exercises have drawn criticism from Venezuela, which accused Trinidad of facilitating US military aggression. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has placed his military on high alert and mobilized civilian militias in response. US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz defended the exercises, stating they align with US Southern Command’s mission to promote regional stability and counter transnational threats. Meanwhile, former officials and critics have raised concerns about the timing and scale of the exercises, with some suggesting they may be a precursor to broader military actions in the region.
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Last dash for ‘Nash’: Molino to retire after final World Cup qualifier
Kevin “Nash” Molino, the talismanic captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team, has declared that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on November 18 will mark his final appearance in national colors. The 35-year-old striker made the emotional announcement during a post-match interview with the TT Football Association (TTFA) on November 14, following the team’s elimination from World Cup contention after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. Despite scoring a late equalizer in that match, Molino acknowledged that the team’s World Cup dreams had been dashed. Molino, who initially retired from international football in September 2023, was recalled to the squad a year later and has since been a key figure in the team’s campaign. He described his decision to step away as deeply personal, citing years of immense pressure and physical strain. Molino emphasized his pride in representing Trinidad and Tobago and expressed optimism for the team’s future under head coach Dwight Yorke. He urged young players to maintain the right mindset and attitude, believing the team has the potential to become a formidable force. Molino also highlighted the positive changes within the TTFA, including improved professionalism and fan engagement, which have revitalized interest in the national team. As he prepares for his final match, Molino remains focused on the collective success of the team, rejecting any notion of personal failure and instead framing his journey as a valuable learning experience for the next generation.
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Sasha Melody’s new single celebrates self-worth
US-based soca artist Sasha Melody has unveiled her latest single, ‘Money Over You,’ a vibrant anthem that champions female empowerment. Released on November 10, the track was co-produced and co-written by Emmerson George of WMG Labs and Joanna Hutton Music. Described as a ‘lively soca bounce with a sleek global pop edge,’ the song marks Melody’s second release for Carnival 2026, following her July hit, ‘Mix You Up.’
At its core, ‘Money Over You’ is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a bold declaration of self-worth. While the song’s playful tone exudes confidence, its deeper message emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself over toxic relationships. ‘It’s not about choosing cash over connection; it’s about choosing self-worth over chaos,’ the release explained.
Melody, who has spent her life shuttling between the US and the Caribbean, brings a rich cultural background to her music. A performer since the age of three, she gained early recognition as a featured dancer on the iconic American music-dance TV show, ‘Soul Train.’ Her career has since flourished, with performances at major events like Hollywood Carnival and Caribbean festivals in New York, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles.
In her own words, Melody clarifies that the song isn’t about materialism but self-value. ‘When I say ‘I can lime by myself/ I can wine by myself,’ I’m really saying I’m whole on my own. It’s a reminder that peace and confidence never go out of style,’ she added. With its infectious rhythm and empowering message, ‘Money Over You’ is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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Alexander, Elder talk Tobago matters
As the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election approaches, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder addressed critical Tobago-related matters in the Senate on November 14. The session also marked the appointment of former THA minority leader Ashworth Jack as a temporary government senator. Jack, who previously led the defunct Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), played a significant role in the UNC-led People’s Partnership coalition government from 2010 to 2015. Responding to Opposition Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman’s inquiry about fatal shootings in Tobago earlier this year, Alexander emphasized the importance of timely and transparent investigations, leveraging forensic tools, public communication, and investigator training. He also highlighted the role of body-worn cameras in aiding investigations into alleged police shootings. Additionally, Alexander noted the involvement of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), use of force policies, and reviews by the National Security Council (NSC), chaired by the Prime Minister. Elder addressed concerns about low water supplies in Tobago during September and October, attributing the issue to funding shortages and neglect under the previous PNM administration. He assured that the current government would resolve the problem. The THA, dissolved on November 12, is set for elections between January 12 and February 12. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised Tobago would benefit from several initiatives before the assembly’s dissolution. Notably, while there is no formal coalition between the UNC and the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), the latter’s two MPs sit alongside government MPs in the House of Representatives. Before its dissolution, the TPP held 13 of the 15 THA seats, with the remaining two held by the PNM and Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP). TPP leader and THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine was previously a PDP member.
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Runaway with Kairi People
On November 12, the South Ranch in Debe became the epicenter of entertainment as Kairi People hosted their highly anticipated Runaway all-inclusive event. The night was filled with electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in soca and Caribbean music. Headlining the event was the A Team Band, featuring their brand-new frontline cast, alongside soca stars Voice and Patrice Roberts, who thrilled the audience with her 2025 release ‘Rock So.’ The D All Starz band also took the stage, joined by College Boy Jesse, Viking Ding Dong, Mical Teja, and other notable acts such as The Freetown Collective, Blaka Dan, Sackie, Anika Berry, Sekon Sta, and Yung Bredda. The event was a vibrant celebration of music and culture, with patrons fully immersed in the lively atmosphere. Newsday photographer Angelo Marcelle was on hand to capture the unforgettable moments, from the energetic performances to the joyous crowd. The Runaway party proved to be a night of unity, rhythm, and pure entertainment, leaving attendees with lasting memories.
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UK High Commissioner backs revitalisation plan
British High Commissioner Jon Dean has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago (TT) in its national development goals, as outlined in Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Revitalisation Blueprint. Speaking at the King’s birthday celebration held at his residence in Port of Spain on November 12, Dean emphasized the UK’s role as a key trade partner and its readiness to assist TT in achieving its ambitious revitalization agenda. The event was attended by prominent figures, including government ministers, law enforcement officials, and members of the judiciary. Dean highlighted the £5 billion financing agreement between UK Export Finance and TT, which aims to bolster infrastructure, healthcare, and national security projects. He also noted the significant growth in bilateral trade, which reached £1.3 billion between July 2024 and June 2025, marking a 105% increase from the previous year. Despite the introduction of visa requirements for TT citizens visiting the UK, Dean stressed that this decision was not indicative of strained relations but rather a measure to address rising asylum claims. He underscored the importance of continued collaboration in areas such as climate action, sustainable growth, and combating organized crime, emphasizing the interconnectedness of security and prosperity between the two nations.