标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In response to severe weather conditions that caused widespread flooding and damage in Chaguanas, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, and Tunapuna/Piarco, the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services has disbursed $310,000 in disaster relief grants. The grants were distributed on November 8 at the Cunupia Government Primary School, benefiting 45 recipients representing 121 households. The financial aid, part of the National Social Development Programme, aims to assist families in replacing damaged furniture, appliances, and clothing. Specifically, $283,000 was allocated for household items, while $27,000 was designated for clothing. Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, highlighted the government’s unwavering support during the event, stating, ‘Every cheque, every grant, every visit is an act of love. It is the Government saying to its people, you matter, you are not forgotten, and we will stand with you until you can stand again.’ The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing responsive, people-centered assistance to communities across Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.

The peaceful village of Moruga was plunged into grief as Marvin Hamilton, a 45-year-old heavy-equipment driver and father of three, was brutally murdered in his car over the weekend. The tragic incident occurred just days after Hamilton celebrated his 45th birthday, leaving his family and community in shock. His 83-year-old mother, Inez Hamilton, expressed her profound sorrow and faith, stating she is leaving everything in the hands of the Lord. Hamilton’s death marks another tragic chapter for the family, following the natural passing of his father, Dolton, in August last year. Dolton was the grandfather of Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin, who mourned her uncle’s untimely death in a heartfelt Facebook post, questioning the senseless violence that claimed his life. Hamilton was described as a quiet, hardworking man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother recalled his daily check-ins and the phone he bought her to stay connected. The community echoed these sentiments, remembering him as a kind and non-confrontational individual. The circumstances of his death suggest an attempted car-jacking, with Hamilton found in the driver’s seat of his locked Nissan B14. This incident adds to a series of violent crimes in St Mary’s Village, including the murders of Josiah Carthy, Seon Carthy, Drupatee Chance, Enrico Guerra, Anika Guerra, Oba Gill, Brandon Seenath, Nigel Chance, and Surita Deosaran over the past few years. Investigations into Hamilton’s murder are ongoing, as the community grapples with the loss and seeks justice.

The Privy Council has granted Shelly-Ann Balwah, acting on behalf of her son Aeden Balwah, permission to appeal several findings of the Court of Appeal in a high-profile medical negligence case. The case revolves around allegations of clinical negligence during Aeden’s birth on May 19, 2002, at the Surgi-Med Clinic in San Fernando, which resulted in the child being born with cerebral palsy. The appeal challenges the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold a High Court ruling that found the clinic and Dr. Marwan Abdulla not directly responsible for Aeden’s condition. The Privy Council will now examine whether the Court of Appeal erred in its findings regarding the timing of Dr. Abdulla’s arrival at the clinic and whether the breach of duty by the clinic and the doctor directly caused Aeden’s cerebral palsy. In January 2020, Justice Kevin Ramcharan ruled that the clinic had breached its duty of care by failing to maintain proper records and monitor Aeden’s foetal heart rate, and that Dr. Abdulla had failed to adequately inform Aeden’s mother about the risks of misoprostol. However, the High Court concluded that these breaches did not directly cause Aeden’s condition, attributing it instead to a pre-partum event. The Court of Appeal later ruled that Dr. Abdulla’s arrival at 4 am made him liable for Aeden’s condition, but dismissed the claim against the clinic. Both parties are now seeking to overturn these rulings, with a hearing date yet to be set. Kiel Taklalsingh, Stefan Ramkissoon, and Joanna Richards represented Dr. Abdulla and his mother in the case.

In Trinidad and Tobago, where free government-funded education is a norm, 14-year-old Annalisa (name changed) has been left behind due to systemic failures and relentless bullying. Despite passing her SEA examinations in 2023 and being assigned to a secondary school, her educational journey turned into a nightmare. Annalisa faced severe bullying, including physical threats and online harassment via a WhatsApp group, which escalated to the point where she was forced to hide in school and eventually withdraw entirely. Her parents, Cynthia and her husband, sought help from school authorities and the Ministry of Education (MoE) but encountered resistance and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite filing a police report and reaching out to multiple officials, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, the family received no substantial support. Annalisa briefly attended a private school but had to stop due to financial constraints. Now, she remains at home, her dream of becoming an attorney fading with each passing day. Minister Dowlath acknowledged the case but cited the ministry’s bureaucracy as a significant barrier to resolving such issues. This case highlights the persistent problem of school violence and the inefficiencies within the education system, leaving many children like Annalisa without access to education.

A team of 25 professionals from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) has been dispatched to Jamaica to assist in restoring power following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The mission, costing approximately $2.24 million, was announced by Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath during a media briefing at Piarco Airport on November 10. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, resulting in over 30 fatalities and widespread damage to infrastructure. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster zone. Padarath emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that it reflects compassion and humanity rather than financial considerations. The TTEC team will remain in Jamaica for 30 days, focusing on restoring electricity in severely affected areas, particularly Montego Bay. Preliminary assessments revealed that 55% of the island remains without power two weeks post-hurricane. The government mitigated costs by chartering a flight with Caribbean Airlines. Acting General Manager of TTEC, Vijay Ramnanansingh, praised the team for their commitment and urged them to prioritize safety while restoring hope and infrastructure in Jamaica.