标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has underscored the critical importance of discipline and safety in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector revival, asserting that economic growth is meaningless if it jeopardizes lives or the environment. Speaking at Amcham’s 29th Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) conference on November 11, Moonilal emphasized that effective HSSE policies are not just legal obligations but essential for protecting workers, communities, and the environment while ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability. His remarks come as the ministry seeks to transform recent energy production stabilization into sustained investor confidence. Moonilal outlined several initiatives, including annual HSSE workshops for energy companies, a review of national oil-spill contingency plans, and the potential engagement of an HSSE consulting firm to assess and improve domestic practices. He also referenced a 2016 facilities audit by DNV GL, which highlighted significant variations in asset-integrity management across the sector, and called for a fresh, targeted review. Government statistics cited in his speech revealed a decline in significant incidents from 58 in 2016 to 24 in 2024, with 20 incidents reported so far this year. However, Moonilal stressed that further improvements are necessary, noting that 305 incidents, including 44 fires or explosions resulting in eight fatalities, were reported over the period under review. He linked stronger HSSE regimes to reduced downtime and protected export-earning capacity, crucial for a gas-dependent economy. Moonilal also addressed household-level risks, particularly after a series of LPG cylinder explosions caused injuries, fatalities, and property damage. He ordered an urgent review of LPG safety standards and highlighted technologies like automatic shut-offs and leak detectors to mitigate residential risks. Moonilal concluded that the energy sector’s recovery hinges not only on hydrocarbon output but also on robust safety systems and regulatory trust, stating, ‘Safety is good business — it protects lives, assets, and the national brand.’

The Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI) recently launched its Gateway to Africa Leadership Course, a transformative program designed to strengthen ties between Africa and its diaspora. Hosted via Zoom on November 10, the event featured remarks from Vashti G Guyadeen, CEO of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce and PALI ambassador. The course welcomed 25 senior leaders from 13 countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, Jamaica, Canada, the UK, the USA, and Italy, reflecting the program’s global reach and commitment to diversity. Guyadeen emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering unity and collaboration across continents. The four-week course offers participants a comprehensive exploration of Africa’s history, culture, economics, and emerging markets, alongside practical insights into doing business and traveling on the continent. It also addresses the legacy of colonization and ongoing efforts to heal and unite Africa with its diaspora. Guyadeen highlighted the program’s interactive nature, encouraging participants to engage in discussions, share perspectives, and build lasting professional and personal connections. She also extended an invitation to PALI’s 2025 Graduation and Leadership Immersion ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago, where participants can experience the country’s rich culture and forge deeper bonds with global leaders. The course underscores PALI’s mission to create a connected Pan-African world, empowering leaders to drive impactful change in their communities.

Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal’s recent announcement of increased oil and gas production in Trinidad and Tobago has sparked cautious optimism. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce’s annual health and safety conference on November 11, Dr. Moonilal revealed a rise in oil output from 52,357 to 55,271 barrels per day and an increase in natural gas production from 2.41 to 2.63 billion cubic feet per day between the second and third quarters of 2025. These figures represent a 6% and 9% increase, respectively.

The Caribbean has witnessed an alarming surge in digital fraud between 2020 and 2025, as criminals exploit the rapid shift to online services and weak cybersecurity measures. What began as simple scams, such as requests for mobile top-ups, has evolved into sophisticated multi-million-dollar operations involving cloned websites, deepfakes, and cryptocurrency. Financial institutions have struggled to keep pace, leaving individuals and businesses vulnerable to increasingly complex cybercrimes.

According to the Bank of Jamaica, internet banking fraud skyrocketed by 890% since 2020, with losses surpassing JMD$800 million (US$5 million) by the end of 2023. Similarly, the TT Police Service reported TT$3 million (US$440,000) in online fraud losses in the last fiscal year, while Guyana’s Financial Intelligence Unit identified G$100 billion (US$478 million) in suspected fraudulent proceeds. Experts caution that these figures likely underestimate the true scale of the problem, as only 15% of fraud victims globally report such incidents.

The Caribbean’s digital transformation has outpaced its cybersecurity infrastructure, creating a fertile ground for fraudsters. Criminals exploit weak cyber-defenses, slow investigations, and limited public awareness to execute their schemes. Below are the top five online scams currently plaguing the region, along with tips to identify and avoid them:

1. **Investment and Forex Scams**: Fraudsters lure victims with promises of guaranteed profits through forex trading, crypto arbitrage, or private investment clubs. They create fake dashboards and testimonials to appear legitimate, only to disappear once funds are deposited.

2. **Banking and Card Fraud**: With the rise of digital banking, card and account fraud have surged. Scammers send fake texts or emails impersonating banks to steal login credentials or redirect funds.

3. **Social Media Impersonation Scams**: Hackers take over social media accounts to impersonate friends or family, requesting urgent financial assistance for fabricated emergencies.

4. **Fake News and Media-Brand Scams**: Fraudsters create fake news articles featuring local journalists or businesspeople to promote bogus investment platforms, tricking victims into sharing personal and financial information.

5. **Business Email and Corporate Scams**: Small and medium-sized enterprises are targeted through Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, where criminals impersonate suppliers or executives to reroute payments.

The situation is exacerbated by massive data breaches across the region, with telecoms, retailers, and government portals hacked, exposing sensitive customer information. These breaches provide scammers with the tools to craft highly personalized and convincing attacks.

To combat this growing threat, experts urge individuals and businesses to remain vigilant, verify requests before sending money, and report suspicious activity promptly. Reporting fraud to local authorities, financial regulators, and online platforms can help prevent repeat scams and protect others from falling victim.

As the Caribbean’s digital economy continues to expand, so too do the risks. Staying informed and proactive is essential to safeguarding financial security in an increasingly digital world.