标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The decision to discontinue Carnival fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) has sparked significant controversy, particularly following statements by Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin. Since her appointment in May, Minister Benjamin has engaged with various Carnival and cultural stakeholders, promoting her efforts under the hashtag #MinisterMeets. However, her recent stance on the BLCA issue appears to contradict her earlier public relations efforts. The ban, announced by Udecott Chairman Shankar Bidaisee, cites wear and tear as the primary reason, with Prime Minister Keith Rowley reinforcing the decision by highlighting noise pollution concerns. This has raised questions about the consistency and transparency of the government’s approach. Critics argue that the noise issue has not been substantiated by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), which is responsible for monitoring such matters. Moreover, the decision has been viewed as a distraction from pressing economic and political challenges, including rising crime rates, unemployment, and foreign exchange crises. The controversy has also drawn attention to the broader implications for other venues like the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Queen’s Park Savannah, where similar noise concerns exist. As the debate continues, many fear that this issue could further erode public trust in the government’s ability to address the nation’s most critical problems.

In a significant legal development, a 21-year-old man accused of the August 2023 murder of a Woodbrook vendor has been discharged by the High Court after the State repeatedly failed to meet court-ordered deadlines. Alva Gibbs, a resident of Upper Lanse Mitan, Carenage, was charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of 35-year-old Ricardo Gale in Port of Spain. The incident occurred on August 18, 2023, during an altercation in which Gale was allegedly stabbed multiple times by two assailants before they fled the scene. Gale succumbed to his injuries six days later on August 24, 2023. Gibbs was arrested on September 5, 2023, following an investigation led by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI), Region One. The case, however, took a dramatic turn when the State failed to comply with scheduling orders issued in March 2025, including a directive to file and serve all necessary documents by July 7. Despite an extension granted until November 9, the State again missed the deadline, prompting High Court Master Sarah De Silva to discharge Gibbs under Rule 5.9(5)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Rules (2023) for non-compliance. The State was represented by Makira Mendez, while Gibbs’ defense was led by Aaron Lewis and Christon J Williams of Quantum Legal. This ruling highlights the critical importance of procedural adherence in the justice system and raises questions about the State’s handling of the case.

On November 14, the Port of Scarborough in Tobago rolled out a vibrant welcome for 700 visitors aboard the Azamara Quest cruise ship, marking the start of a bustling 2025/2026 cruise season. The visitors were greeted with a unique artistic installation featuring murals of Tobago’s rich cultural heritage and a colorful hopscotch design, created by students and teachers from Scarborough Secondary School. The project, themed ‘Games We Used to Play,’ aimed to engage tourists with traditional Tobagonian pastimes such as snakes and ladders, marble pitching, draughts, and kite-flying. The initiative, completed in under a week, was a collaborative effort led by Port of Scarborough Executive Manager Dion Lawrence, Estate Constable Nichola Mohan, and the school’s art teachers. Lawrence emphasized the importance of community empowerment and corporate social responsibility, trusting Mohan, a self-taught designer, to bring the concept to life. Mohan expressed her desire to showcase Tobago’s heritage and promote the island as a premier tourist destination. Jeanine Crouch, an art teacher at Scarborough Secondary, highlighted the students’ excitement and the cultural enrichment they gained from the project. Mohan is already planning for next year’s cruise season, with new themes to further enhance the visitor experience.

In a recent statement, Trinidad and Tobago’s government officials emphasized the importance of addressing noise pollution while promoting cultural events. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh, and Housing Ministry Minister Phillip Alexander collectively stressed that cultural sustainability must not infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights. The ministers shared their views en route to the Senate’s Friday session at the Red House. Alexander, drawing from his experience as a police officer, highlighted the persistent issue of noise pollution, particularly from events that prioritize profit over community well-being. He underscored the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life through noise pollution legislation. The minister urged event promoters to consider the impact of their activities, especially during nighttime when residents seek tranquility. Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Keith Rowley imposed a ban on fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and other Udecott-managed venues, sparking backlash from promoters who argued it would stifle the event industry. Alexander defended the decision, stating that promoters often overlook the inconvenience caused to nearby residents. He emphasized the need for immediate action when noise disrupts vulnerable individuals, such as those recovering from illness. Swaratsingh called for a balanced approach, ensuring that events coexist harmoniously with residents’ right to peace. While some promoters have acknowledged the need for compromise, Alexander remains optimistic that the policy will not dampen the upcoming Carnival season, predicting it could be the largest in recent history.