The First Citizens Group (FCGFH) has recently experienced significant volatility in its share prices, sparking debates among stakeholders and former government officials. Over the past months, the bank’s shares have seen a sharp decline, with former Finance Minister Colm Imbert describing the situation as ‘frightening.’ He noted a 26% drop from $42 in April to $31 in November, raising concerns about potential market manipulation. Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley also expressed alarm, suggesting that the leadership changes at FCGFH might have contributed to the decline. Despite these concerns, current Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo remained optimistic, stating that share price fluctuations are a natural part of the market. His confidence seemed justified as FCGFH shares rebounded by 4% in late November, closing at $34. The bank’s strong financial performance, including a $1.27 billion pre-tax profit in 2024, further underscores its stability. However, investor sentiment remains a critical factor, with some attributing the volatility to the controversial departure of former CEO Karen Darbasie and subsequent board changes. While the long-term outlook remains uncertain, the recent recovery suggests that FCGFH may be regaining investor confidence.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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CCJ president: Court has fulfilled mandate of regional justice
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has successfully fulfilled its two-decade mandate of developing an autonomous Caribbean legal framework and enhancing regional access to justice, President Justice Winston Anderson declared at the CCJ Academy of Law’s eighth biennial conference in Port of Spain. The November 26 event, part of the court’s 20th anniversary celebrations, highlighted the CCJ’s transformative impact since its April 2005 inauguration as a landmark achievement in judicial independence.
Justice Anderson revealed the court has delivered 312 appellate decisions spanning constitutional, criminal, civil, land, family, and contract law, fundamentally reshaping long-standing legal doctrines and establishing minimum regional standards in criminal justice. These judgments have been cited over 450 times by courts across common-law Caribbean jurisdictions, including nations that haven’t formally adopted the CCJ as their final appellate authority.
In its original jurisdiction, the CCJ has proven indispensable to the Caricom Single Market and Economy, serving as exclusive arbiter for disputes under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. ‘The CCJ is not a court imposed on us by anyone,’ Anderson emphasized. ‘It is a reality of our own making, our collective imagination and resources. It is interwoven into the fabric of Caribbean life.’
The conference also honored the legacy of late Justice Jacob ‘Bob’ Wit, the court’s inaugural civil-law jurist from Curaçao who served until his December 2023 retirement. Anderson credited Wit with challenging and enriching the court’s common-law traditions through his unique perspective and wry humor, while also playing a central role in establishing the CCJ Academy of Law in 2010.
Justice Chantal Ononaiwu, CCJ judge and academy deputy chair, outlined the conference’s critical examination of Caribbean jurisprudence development, emphasizing cross-cutting themes including technology’s impact on legal evolution and the interaction between domestic and international law.
Caricom General Counsel Lisa Shoman, SC, hailed the anniversary as both ‘a milestone and a seminal achievement,’ noting that young Caribbean lawyers now navigate a significantly more complex legal landscape than previous generations. Inter-American Development Bank representative Anton Edmunds reaffirmed institutional support for regional justice systems, highlighting the bank’s One Safe Caribbean initiative focused on combating organized crime and strengthening justice-sector capacity through digital innovation and public education.
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Chief Sec in dark about US troops in Tobago
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has confirmed that a US Air Force aircraft refueled at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago on November 26, but he remains unaware of any broader US military presence on the island. The aircraft’s early morning departure at 5:53 am from Crown Point airport startled local residents, with one anonymous source describing the loud noise as initially mistaken for rain. Augustine stated that he is investigating the incident, emphasizing that he only learned of it through social media and WhatsApp groups. He acknowledged ongoing collaboration between the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government and the US but sought further details on the aircraft’s purpose. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified that there are no US military forces or assets in TT, and her government has not been asked to support any military action against Venezuela. This statement came amid speculation following recent joint training exercises with US troops, which were scheduled to end on November 21. Persad-Bissessar also addressed concerns about US military vessels, stating they are in international waters. She reiterated her administration’s focus on anti-trafficking cooperation with the US and denied any discussions about Venezuela during her meeting with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Prime Minister dismissed fears of regional instability, urging calm and emphasizing her government’s commitment to the people of Venezuela. Venezuelan activist Yesenia González, who presented Persad-Bissessar with a bouquet of flowers, expressed confidence in US protection for TT, stating, ‘America will protect Trinidad. They will never allow anything bad to happen here.’
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Laurentum Gardens: Finding freedom off-grid, unplugged
Nestled in the lush, serene forests of Matura, far removed from the relentless grind of urban life, the Laurence family has crafted a life of purpose and sustainability. Isha and Stephon Laurence, along with their children Zuri and Kulture, have transformed their vision into Laurentum Gardens, a thriving hub of farming, agro-processing, and off-grid living. Named after the Latin form of their surname, Laurentum Gardens stands at the intersection of Toco Main Road and Carib Street, offering a unique blend of nature and enterprise.
Isha, a former insurance professional, recalls the monotony of her daily commute and the stress of city life. ‘Life felt like it was on repeat,’ she says. Four years ago, the family made the bold decision to leave behind the chaos, embracing a simpler, off-grid lifestyle devoid of modern distractions like electricity and television. This shift not only brought them closer as a family but also allowed their eldest daughter to excel academically, achieving 12 CSEC passes.
Today, Laurentum Gardens is a testament to their hard work and ingenuity. The family cultivates their own produce, cold-presses coconut oil, and crafts an array of pepper sauces, dried spices, and herbal medicines. Their products, infused with honey from their own beehives, have gained popularity among locals and tourists alike. What began as a modest roadside stall has blossomed into a well-stocked shop, attracting visitors who seek the authenticity and warmth of the Laurence family.
Their journey is not just about self-sufficiency but also about community impact. Isha, who completed a tourism course and collaborated with Nature Seekers, highlights the eco-tourism potential of Matura, a major leatherback turtle nesting site. The family’s efforts have created a ripple effect, supporting both the local economy and environmental conservation.
Stephon reflects on the broader significance of their work: ‘Not everyone will be a police officer or a doctor. We need the shoemakers, the carpenters—the people who keep society running.’ For Isha, the greatest reward lies in the positive influence they have on others. ‘A lot of people depend on us now,’ she says with pride.
Laurentum Gardens is more than a business; it’s a beacon of sustainable living, proving that peace and purpose can flourish under the forest canopy. For those venturing through Matura, the scent of pepper and honey will guide you to a family who chose green over grey.
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Public service digitisation wins President’s awards
In a landmark celebration of technological advancement in public service, the eighth annual President’s Award for Innovation in Service Excellence (PrAISE) ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s on November 27 showcased groundbreaking digital initiatives transforming citizen services.
The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) emerged as a standout winner, securing the prestigious President’s Award in the internal user experience category for its revolutionary Digital Health Information System. Chief Executive Anthony Blake characterized the achievement as “a victory for both NWRHA patients and the dedicated team driving this initiative since 2019.”
This comprehensive digital ecosystem represents a monumental shift from paper-based medical documentation to a unified digital platform spanning hospitals, health centers, and community services. The conversion process employs specialized scanning technology and involves young professionals in on-the-job training programs working alongside medical records personnel to ensure accurate digitization of patient histories.
Blake revealed the authority’s ongoing development of a mobile application version that will empower both healthcare providers and patients to better manage medical information, promising significantly streamlined service delivery.
Similarly transformative, the Ministry of Education claimed the citizen experience award for its First Year Infant Registration System—a digital platform that has revolutionized school placement procedures through simplified digital processes.
President Christine Kangaloo emphasized the critical importance of such innovations, stating: “Service culture improvement necessitates fundamentally reimagining our operational methodologies, citizen engagement strategies, and creative problem-solving capabilities among public officers. Achieving superior outcomes is impossible while clinging to obsolete systems and traditional approaches—innovation must become the connective tissue unifying all improvement efforts.”
Additional recognition included audience choice awards going to the Health Ministry’s substance abuse prevention workshop and NALIS’s Marrakesh Project enhancing accessibility for visually impaired citizens. Public voting honored the Women’s Health Directorate’s maternal-newborn surveillance system and IGovTT’s AI-powered Anansi government information platform.
The Inter-American Development Bank’s senior health specialist Ian Ho-A-Shu reaffirmed the institution’s commitment, noting: “PrAISE has consistently provided an essential platform fostering innovation, collaboration, and morale within Trinidad and Tobago’s public service. As a development institution, we remain dedicated to institutional strengthening and capacity building—principles powerfully embodied by this initiative.”
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Blind independent senator’s appeal: Assist, protect the disabled
Independent Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettienne, who is legally blind, has made a compelling call for the government to fulfill its constitutional and international obligations towards persons with disabilities. During a Senate session on November 26, she tabled a private members’ motion, marking the first such motion in the current session. Lalite-Ettienne emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategic plan, including a legislative framework, to dismantle barriers faced by disabled citizens within the next year. She criticized the existing national policy as ineffective, likening it to ‘a dog with no teeth,’ and stressed the necessity of enforceable legislation to protect against discrimination and ill-treatment. Lalite-Ettienne highlighted ongoing societal barriers in education, banking, housing, and social services, and reminded the government of its previous commitments to empower the disabled community. In response, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit assured that the Persons with Disabilities Bill is in development and will soon be reviewed by the legislative committee. Mohit also detailed increased disability support through higher grant allocations, rental assistance, minor house repair grants, educational support, and funding for small businesses under the SEED programme. She provided figures showing significant financial support to adults and children with disabilities and announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to review the Standard Means Test following complaints. The debate on the motion was adjourned to prioritize the Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025.
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San Fernando chamber seizes new opportunities for wealth creation
The Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative poised to reshape the economic landscape of southern Trinidad. The Southern Investment and Marketing Co-operative Credit Union Society (SIMCO-OP), set to launch early next year, aims to provide tailored financial solutions for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities for financing, wealth creation, and business growth in the region.
Kiran Singh, president of the chamber, announced the initiative during the annual Christmas charity event, ‘Mix and Mistletoe,’ held on November 15 at Achievors Banquet Hall in La Romaine. Singh emphasized that SIMCO-OP will not only facilitate business development but also foster job creation and wealth generation. The cooperative plans to host pop-up markets and workshops to support entrepreneurs and the broader community.
In addition to SIMCO-OP, the chamber is rolling out a comprehensive health plan for its 153 members and introducing a multi-faceted discount card to reduce operational costs. These efforts underscore the chamber’s commitment to enhancing its role in the national financial system and bolstering the economic resilience of its members.
The chamber is also expanding its international presence, with members participating in global trade events such as the Consumer Electronics Show in the US, a pharmaceutical expo in India, and trade forums in China. A recent seminar on ‘doing business with India,’ hosted in collaboration with the Indian High Commissioner, further broadened international trade opportunities.
Regionally, the chamber has forged ties with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, with a trade mission planned for the new year. Exploratory engagements with the Jamaican market are also on the horizon for 2026. These partnerships aim to provide southern businesses with access to shared information networks and new markets.
The chamber is collaborating with the San Fernando City Corporation to upgrade public spaces like Harris Promenade and enhance security measures. Two televisions were donated to the TT Police Service for improved monitoring in downtown San Fernando, with local businesses contributing CCTV cameras.
Singh highlighted the chamber’s efforts to restore San Fernando’s status as Trinidad and Tobago’s industrial capital. He encouraged members to explore opportunities in the global services sector, a trillion-dollar industry with significant potential for export diversification and foreign-exchange earnings.
Neil Gosine, parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, commended the chamber for its dual focus on economic leadership and social responsibility. He outlined several government projects under the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, including a waterfront redevelopment in San Fernando, a new highway, and the transformation of a legacy hospital into a modern health city. These initiatives aim to create over 50,000 jobs and position Trinidad and Tobago as a global investment and tourism hub.
Gosine also announced the upcoming launch of the Private Sector Organisation of TT (PSOTT) and a ‘Buy Local, Build Trinbago’ campaign to reduce import dependency and boost domestic production. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting private-sector growth as a cornerstone of national development.
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High Court dismisses UNC activist’s claim against ex-Speaker
In a definitive judgment reinforcing the separation of powers, the Trinidad and Tobago High Court has emphatically dismissed a judicial review claim brought by United National Congress (UNC) activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj. The case centered on former House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George’s refusal to incorporate Maharaj’s written rebuttal into the official parliamentary record following statements made about him during legislative proceedings.
Justice Joan Charles, delivering her November 26 ruling, determined that the Speaker’s decision—made pursuant to Standing Order 18 of the House of Representatives’ Standing Orders—falls squarely within Parliament’s exclusive domain over its internal affairs. This jurisdiction, the court affirmed, enjoys constitutional protection from judicial interference.
The court recognized that Trinidad and Tobago’s Constitution expressly incorporates all privileges and immunities of the United Kingdom parliament into its own House of Representatives. Justice Charles concurred with arguments presented by state attorneys that the Speaker’s determination did not constitute an infringement of Maharaj’s fundamental rights and remained shielded by parliamentary privilege.
“The Speaker of the House of Representatives serves as the sole adjudicator regarding the interpretation and application of Standing Orders,” Justice Charles stated in her written decision. “Matters concerning the veracity or basis of members’ statements lie beyond the Speaker’s purview—and consequently outside judicial review.”
The legal challenge emerged from Maharaj’s contention that remarks delivered in Parliament had damaged his reputation and that the Speaker’s refusal to allow his response violated his constitutional right to legal protection and natural justice. He sought declarations that the May 2024 decisions were unfair, irrational, and unconstitutional.
However, the court emphasized that Standing Order 18—which permits non-members referenced in debate to submit written responses—explicitly prohibits the Speaker from evaluating the truthfulness of either the original statements or the rebuttal. This procedural mechanism, Justice Charles noted, exists primarily as an internal parliamentary accommodation rather than a legally enforceable right.
Representing the state, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes and Deborah Peake successfully argued that judicial examination of the Speaker’s motives would violate constitutional separation of powers. The court agreed, dismissing both the claim and leave application while directing parties to submit cost arguments within 30 days.
The ruling reinforces the autonomy of parliamentary proceedings throughout Commonwealth jurisdictions and establishes significant precedent regarding the limits of judicial intervention in legislative affairs.
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Winner takes all: ‘Naps,’ Signal Hill clash with SSFL title on the line
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season is set for a dramatic conclusion on November 27, with three teams in contention for the championship. Naparima College, Signal Hill Secondary, and St Benedict’s College are all in the race, with Naparima and Signal Hill tied at 34 points each. The decisive match will take place at Lewis Street in San Fernando, where Naparima and Signal Hill will face off in a winner-takes-all encounter. A draw could open the door for St Benedict’s, who need a victory in their simultaneous fixture against Trinity College East to claim the title. Signal Hill’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience, overcoming scheduling challenges and a late surge in form. Coach Downie Marcelle emphasized the significance of winning the title for Tobago, stating it would be a historic achievement for the school and the island. Naparima, seeking their fifth premier division title, are focused on maintaining their consistent performance. Both teams have shown remarkable form, with Naparima boasting a +33 goal difference and Signal Hill close behind at +32. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aiming to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Scarborough Secondary and San Juan North will battle to avoid relegation. The SSFL season has been a testament to the competitive spirit of school football, with the final day set to deliver high-stakes drama.
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Wintering in the Caribbean
As winter approaches, the boreal forests and tundra of the far north signal the start of a remarkable natural phenomenon: bird migration. In the southern Caribbean, this annual event brings a flurry of avian activity, with species like the spotted sandpiper and blackpoll warbler making their way to warmer climes. These birds, driven by ancient instincts, traverse vast distances, some covering the equivalent of a lunar journey over their lifetimes. The spotted sandpiper, for instance, arrives in Trinidad and Tobago in August, shedding its spotted plumage for a more subdued winter look, only to regain its vibrant appearance by April in preparation for its return north. The migration is not just a visual spectacle but also an auditory one, with warblers adding their melodic chirps to the Caribbean soundscape. However, this natural rhythm faces challenges from human activities and extreme weather events, which can disrupt migratory paths. Despite these obstacles, the resilience and adaptability of these birds underscore their role as true global citizens, offering lessons in sustainability and ecological balance.