Residents of Sea Lots, a community in Trinidad and Tobago, have expressed mixed feelings about the government’s national revitalisation blueprint, which includes plans to build an industrial park in their area. While some are open to relocation if compensated fairly, others are staunchly opposed, citing the community’s unique value and their deep-rooted connections to the area. The government’s plan, unveiled by Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John, aims to create a 100-acre industrial park and free trade zone to boost trade and create jobs. However, residents remain skeptical, given past unfulfilled promises by previous administrations. Many fear being relocated to substandard housing and losing the sense of community and security they currently enjoy. The government has promised robust consultations, but residents demand transparency and fair treatment. The community’s skepticism underscores the challenges of implementing large-scale development projects in areas with strong local identities and histories.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Latapy: We’re building and getting better
As Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s national football team prepares for a pivotal Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on November 13, assistant coach Russell Latapy reflects on the team’s progress under head coach Dwight Yorke. Appointed just over a year ago, Yorke has instilled a new philosophy and style of play, aiming to achieve two primary objectives: qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and restoring stability to the nation’s football. Currently third in Group B with five points, the team faces a must-win match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo to keep their World Cup dreams alive. The top team in each of the three final-round groups will secure a spot in the World Cup, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to an intercontinental playoff. Latapy emphasized the importance of defensive solidity and clinical finishing, acknowledging the team’s improvement but highlighting the need for better conversion of chances. Despite scoring only four goals in four matches, compared to Jamaica’s ten and Curacao’s six, Latapy expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and their commitment to Yorke’s methods. The inclusion of uncapped forward Roald Mitchell and other fresh talents underscores Yorke’s strategy to strengthen the squad. With the ultimate prize of World Cup qualification still within reach, Latapy remains optimistic about the team’s potential to achieve their goals.
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Alexander releases SoE review tribunal recommendations to detainees
In a recent development surrounding the state of emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander released four redacted copies of Review Tribunal reports on November 12, following attorneys’ claims that their detained clients had not received the tribunal’s recommendations. The reports, dated September 12, 19, 27, and October 6, revealed that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to review two requests but found sufficient cause for the preventative detention of other detainees. The tribunal had previously confirmed sending six reports to the minister between September and October, with a cover letter dated October 31.
Attorney Darren Mitchell, representing several detainees, criticized the government’s handling of emergency powers, labeling the indefinite detention of individuals as unconstitutional. He accused the police commissioner of using preventative detention orders (PDOs) as a substitute for proper investigations, stating, ‘The police have given up on crime detection investigations and convictions to embrace successful policing.’ Mitchell also questioned the timing of the reports’ release, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to delay judicial review.
Mitchell further condemned the silence of professional bodies like the Law Association and the Criminal Bar Association, accusing them of failing to uphold justice and human rights. ‘Those expected to stand for justice are seemingly acquiescing or partnering with injustice,’ he said.
The tribunal defended its actions, emphasizing that its role under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025 is limited to reviewing detention requests and submitting reports to the minister, who then decides whether to share relevant portions with detainees. The tribunal assured the public that it has performed its duties in accordance with the law.
The government extended the SoE for a second three-month period on October 31, with 98 of 156 PDOs executed by the police so far. The Ministry of Homeland Security has not clarified whether the remaining tribunal reports have been forwarded to other detainees.
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Bodoe: Include wellness in HSE framework
In a compelling address at the American Chamber of Commerce’s TT (Amcham TT) 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, emphasized the urgent need to evolve the traditional Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) framework into a more comprehensive model that includes wellness. The event, held on November 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the critical role of HSE in safeguarding both human lives and economic productivity.
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Shaw Peters on show at Studio Joli
Studio Joli is proud to present Shawn Peters’ latest exhibition, ‘I Think in Line and in Colour,’ opening on November 13. Now in his 50s, Peters is widely regarded as an established and accomplished artist, with a career spanning over two decades. His works are prominently displayed in prestigious locations such as the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Centre, various government departments, and major collections across Trinidad and Tobago, including Angostura, the Central Bank, and the National Museum. Peters has also showcased his art internationally, with exhibitions in the Caribbean, including Cuba, and around the globe.
Throughout his artistic journey, Peters has collaborated with and been influenced by renowned artists such as Emheyo Bahabba, Guy Beckles, the Boothman brothers, Edward Bowen, Holly Guyadeen, Shastri Maharaj, Gregory Williams, and Che Lovelace. He has also maintained friendships with artists from Barbados, Suriname, and other regions. Leroy Clarke, Carlisle Harris, Ken Crichlow, and Makemba Kunle are among his key mentors, shaping his unique artistic voice.
Peters’ work is characterized by distorted figures and cubist tendencies, a signature style that has earned him recognition and acclaim. As Kunle once noted, ‘He is meticulous in his rendering of line, colour, and texture, often achieving a sleek appearance. For those who know him, slickness is his dress code.’
When asked for his artist statement for this collection, Peters offered a profound reflection: ‘I would not wish myself on anyone else, and yet, I would not wish to be anyone else but myself.’ This sentiment encapsulates the individuality and authenticity that define his art.
The exhibition will run from November 13 to November 27 at Studio Joli, located at 21 Henry Pierre Street, St James. Opening hours are 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. For more information, contact 705-7907 or 705-7909, email studiojoli.tt@gmail.com, or visit their website at www.studiojoli.net.
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NFM profits rise to $39.7m in Q3
National Flour Mills (NFM) has announced a robust profit after tax of $39 million for the third quarter ending September 30, marking a significant achievement in a challenging global economic landscape. The company’s revenue also saw a notable increase, rising to $401 million from $386 million during the same period last year. This growth comes despite ongoing trade uncertainties and heightened geopolitical risks that have disrupted supply chains worldwide.
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Child’s rights activist: Transfer system could lead to lawsuits
Trinidad and Tobago’s bureaucratic school transfer system is under scrutiny, with legal and educational experts warning of potential State liability for failing to uphold children’s right to education. Attorney and child rights activist Denelle Singh has called on parents and guardians to explore legal avenues when confronted with systemic delays. Her comments follow a case reported by Newsday, where an Arima teenager has been out of school for two years due to transfer inefficiencies. Singh emphasized that the Education Act mandates full-time schooling for children aged 5-16, with parents facing prosecution and fines for non-compliance under Section 77. However, she stressed that the Ministry of Education bears a legal duty to provide adequate public school placements and ensure enrollment for all children within this age range. Singh highlighted the plight of vulnerable children, including those in State care, who face additional hardships due to the slow transfer process. She also criticized the broader failures of the education system, noting that children with special needs and migrant children are often overlooked, despite public outcries. Singh questioned whether education in Trinidad and Tobago is truly free, given the disparities in access and quality. She pointed out the lack of specialized schools and trained teachers for children with special needs, forcing many parents to seek costly private education or quit their jobs to homeschool their children. Walter Stewart, president of the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations, urged parents to keep their children in school during transfer delays and follow the proper channels to escalate unresolved issues. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the system’s chain of command to achieve resolution.
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Orlando Griffith’s journey back to purpose
After a 20-year hiatus from the art world, Orlando Griffith, known professionally as ‘Morpheus,’ is making a triumphant return with his debut solo exhibition, ‘Lucid: Dreams Don’t Sleep.’ The exhibition, set to open on November 21 at Arnim’s Art Gallery in Port of Spain, delves into themes of memory, grief, and the profound power of presence. Griffith’s journey back to art was sparked by the loss of his father in January 2022, who, in his final days, affirmed Griffith’s artistic vision. This blessing reignited a dormant passion, transforming art into a medium for healing and rediscovery. Griffith’s creative process is deeply rooted in reflection and gratitude, with each piece serving as a tribute to the time shared with his father. The exhibition features 60 works, including 30 paintings and 30 fine-art photographs, each capturing moments of stillness and presence in Caribbean nature. Griffith’s unique approach to art, which seamlessly blends painting and photography, invites viewers to slow down and observe the often-overlooked beauty of the world around them. The title ‘Lucid: Dreams Don’t Sleep’ reflects Griffith’s belief that dreams, both literal and symbolic, continue to live within us even when we’re awake. The exhibition is not just a return to art for Griffith but a lifelong conversation with presence, evolving into a series that explores different aspects of stillness and observation. Griffith’s work is a testament to the quiet, reflective side of Trinidad and Tobago, offering a counterpoint to the high-energy Carnival culture. His advice to emerging Caribbean artists is to build from what feels honest to them, trusting that small beginnings can carry global weight. ‘Lucid: Dreams Don’t Sleep’ runs until December 5, with extended viewing hours on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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Persad-Bissessar: Ralph free to take legal action
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly supported Minister Anil Roberts’ claims regarding alleged irregularities in the acquisition of three luxury apartments by the family of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The apartments, located at the upscale Victoria Keyes development in Diego Martin, were reportedly purchased by Gonsalves’ wife, Eloise, and their children, Storm and Soleil Gonsalves, for a combined value exceeding $4.8 million. Roberts disclosed these findings on his social media blog, ‘Doubles and Coffee,’ on November 11, prompting a heated response from the Gonsalves family, including threats of legal action. In WhatsApp messages to Newsday on November 12, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that Gonsalves was free to pursue legal recourse but maintained that the allegations raised legitimate concerns. She highlighted the suspicious timing of a rent-to-own agreement for one of the apartments, which was finalized on April 30, 2025, just two days after Trinidad and Tobago’s general election and before the new government was sworn in. Persad-Bissessar underscored the disparity between the Gonsalves family’s access to luxury housing and the thousands of citizens awaiting affordable accommodation from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
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Rescued Venezuelan teen gives info – 4 human-trafficking suspects held
In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking, a 14-year-old Venezuelan girl played a pivotal role in the arrest of four suspected traffickers in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago. Despite the trauma of her ordeal, the teenager displayed remarkable composure and provided critical information to National Security agents, leading to the successful operation. The Ministry of Homeland Security confirmed the arrests in a statement, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the Counter-Trafficking Unit (CTU), the army, and the police. The pre-dawn raid, codenamed Operation Ironheart, targeted multiple locations linked to a suspected trafficking network and resulted in the detention of two Trinidadian nationals and two Venezuelan men on human-trafficking charges. Three other Venezuelans were held for immigration violations. The rescued girl is now under the care of the Children’s Authority. Deputy Director of the CTU, Dane-Marie Marshall, praised the teen’s bravery, stating that her evidence was instrumental in the arrests. Marshall expressed confidence in the strength of the case, emphasizing the CTU’s commitment to prosecuting offenders. She also highlighted the vulnerability of Venezuelan nationals due to geopolitical and economic challenges in their home country. The operation is part of a broader national strategy to dismantle organized trafficking networks. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander commended the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved, reaffirming the government’s resolve to combat human trafficking. According to the US Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons report, Trinidad and Tobago maintains a Tier 2 ranking, indicating significant efforts to address the issue despite not fully meeting minimum standards. CTU Director Allan Meiguel noted that since the unit’s inception in 2013, 80 individuals have been charged, resulting in two convictions. He urged the public to utilize the CTU’s 24-hour hotline to report potential trafficking cases.