Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Trinidad and Tobago’s Consular Corps executive reappointed for 2025-2026 term

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Consular Corps executive reappointed for 2025-2026 term

    In a unanimous decision marking continuity in diplomatic leadership, Trinidad and Tobago’s Consular Corps executive committee has been reinstated for the 2025-2026 term. The reappointment occurred during the organization’s annual general meeting convened on December 10 at Furness House.

    The leadership triumvirate remains unchanged with Dean William Ferreira (representing Portugal) continuing at the helm, supported by Secretary Om Lalla (Slovenia) and Treasurer Troy Garcia (Finland). This collective stewardship oversees the diplomatic interests of approximately 32 nations accredited to the Caribbean nation.

    The Consular Corps functions as the institutional backbone for diplomats and honorary consuls operating within Trinidad and Tobago. According to a December 11 release, these representatives serve as critical conduits between their home nations and the host country, facilitating multilateral cooperation across diplomatic, economic, trade, tourism, and cultural domains.

    Beyond fostering international relations, corps members deliver essential consular services including passport processing, citizenship documentation, and notarial authentication for their respective citizens. Their mandate extends to providing comprehensive information dissemination to both their national communities and the general public.

    The corps’ operational responsibilities encompass emergency assistance coordination for citizens in distress, alongside visa issuance and advisory services for foreigners seeking to visit the diplomats’ home countries. This structural continuity ensures maintained operational excellence in bilateral diplomatic engagements throughout the upcoming term.

  • UTC gives computers to 2 children’s homes

    UTC gives computers to 2 children’s homes

    In a significant move to advance financial education and digital inclusion, the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) has reinforced its commitment to youth development through a substantial technological contribution. The investment firm recently provided ten desktop computers to Credo Boys House and Sophia House, two institutions dedicated to supporting young people in Trinidad and Tobago.

    The official handover ceremony occurred on November 19 at UTC’s Port of Spain headquarters, where representatives from both homes received the equipment. The computers, pre-configured with Microsoft software, were accepted by center coordinator Carlene Donald alongside youth representatives from each facility.

    UTC’s leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative. Deyson Scott, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, stated: “We firmly believe technological access serves as a fundamental catalyst for financial literacy and personal development. By bridging the digital divide, we aim to provide resources that facilitate knowledge acquisition, creative expression, and lifelong accomplishment.”

    Executive Director Nigel Edwards expanded on this vision: “This contribution demonstrates our enduring dedication to community empowerment through digital inclusion. We are committed to helping young individuals discover new possibilities via technology and education. Developing financial literacy and digital competencies remains essential for future success, and we aspire to foster curiosity, confidence, and achievement motivation among Trinidad’s youth.”

    The December 12 press release characterized this donation as part of UTC’s broader strategic initiative to equip younger generations with essential future-ready skills and resources. This corporate social responsibility effort aligns with growing recognition that technological access and financial education are increasingly interconnected in modern economic participation.

  • Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    In a landmark ruling with significant implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s financial sector, the High Court has mandated over $40 million in damages, interest, and costs be paid to Ansa Bank Ltd following a sophisticated fraudulent loan scheme. Justice Frank Seepersad delivered the decisive judgment on December 15, culminating a complex case that exposed critical vulnerabilities in banking oversight.

    The court found former business development officer Dwayne Rojas at the heart of an elaborate conspiracy that defrauded the institution of approximately $30 million over two and a half years. Evidence revealed Rojas systematically processed fraudulent vehicle loan applications supported by fabricated employment letters and falsified documentation. The scheme involved collusion with multiple auto dealerships that presented non-existent luxury vehicles as collateral, including purported Lexus, Range Rover, BMW, and Jeep models that were actually lower-end vehicles or commercial trucks.

    Justice Seepersad ordered Rojas to pay $16.5 million in damages, while five corporate defendants faced substantial judgments: Ceylon Marketing Ltd ($6.3 million), Joalex Auto Ltd ($11.8 million), Miva Import Export Consultancy Ltd ($4.1 million), Diamond Conceptions Company Ltd ($389,923), and It’s A Deal Ltd ($837,313). Each entity additionally faces prescribed costs ranging from $27,221 to $131,934.

    In scathing commentary, Justice Seepersad criticized Ansa Bank’s internal controls as “woefully wanting” and condemned the institution’s approach to litigation against junior employees. The judge dismissed claims against several former staff members—Zaria Sankar, Reyvaan Rampersad, and Kerry Ramsaroop—finding no evidence of wrongdoing. The court awarded these wrongfully sued defendants over $896,000 in costs, noting that the bank had engaged in an “ill-advised” and “bullying stance” that unfairly impacted innocent individuals.

    The ruling highlighted that senior officers who approved the questionable loans were neither sued nor called as witnesses, raising questions about accountability structures within the institution. Justice Seepersad revealed the fraud was only uncovered after a whistleblower contacted a former bank director in June 2023.

    In a significant development, the judgment has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and Commissioner of Police for potential criminal proceedings against Rojas, former employee Randy Gottsleben, and the implicated dealers. Additionally, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism will review whether the involved dealerships should retain their operating licenses.

    The case exposed numerous red flags ignored by the bank, including loan applications where driver’s permits were issued to 14-year-olds and employment letters containing glaring inconsistencies. Justice Seepersad characterized Rojas’s conduct as pursuing a “facinorous and opportunistic agenda,” noting evidence of regular socialization with dealership representatives that supported collusion findings.

  • Arima Mayor on attending UNC dinner: Let’s stop the hate politics

    Arima Mayor on attending UNC dinner: Let’s stop the hate politics

    Arima Mayor Balliram Maharaj has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his appearance at a United National Congress (UNC) fundraising dinner on December 13th, stating his presence was motivated by personal rather than political reasons. The prominent businessman, who was sworn into office in September 2023 as a member of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), found himself at the center of social media speculation after photographs emerged showing him alongside Phillip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing.

    In an exclusive interview, Mayor Maharaj revealed that his attendance stemmed from profound personal loneliness following the passing of his wife nearly five years ago. He attended as a guest of his nephew, who has been his primary companion and support system since becoming widowed. “I reside alone in a large house,” Maharaj explained. “He’s the only one who regularly takes me out. He treats me like a son and looks after my wellbeing.”

    The Mayor acknowledged that he only became aware of the event’s political nature upon arrival but expressed admiration for the organization and execution of the function. Between approximately 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM, he observed attendees questioning his presence given his PNM affiliation. Rather than apologizing, Maharaj used the opportunity to call for an end to divisive partisan politics in Trinidad and Tobago.

    “I believe it is time we move beyond this culture of political hostility,” Maharaj stated. “Political allegiance should not create divisions among our people. After sixty-three years of independence, it is imperative that we focus on building a unified nation where every creed and race occupies an equal place.” He articulated his vision for Trinidad as “one nation, one people, one love” where citizens can collectively enjoy the country’s cultural, religious, and recreational wealth.

    Regarding the controversial photograph with Minister Alexander, Maharaj clarified that the initiative came from the Minister himself. “I am not particularly familiar with him, but we exchanged greetings. He subsequently approached me suggesting we take a picture together, which I agreed to.”

    In a significant revelation, Mayor Maharaj disclosed he is contemplating resignation from his mayoral position to dedicate more time to family. He had initially committed to a two-year term when persuaded by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to contest the 2023 local government elections. Having served twenty-eight months, Maharaj indicated he would evaluate key developmental projects for Arima within the next six months before making a final decision.

    His completion criteria include the establishment of a new Town Hall building, operational Social Welfare and Inland Revenue offices, new facilities for the Election and Boundaries Commission, an administration building, and progress on an indoor sporting complex on O’Meara Road. He emphasized the economic efficiency of consolidating multiple services within existing infrastructure.

    Despite the political controversy, Maharaj continued his official duties by hosting approximately 2,000 children at the Arima Velodrome on December 14th for the Borough Corporation’s annual Christmas celebration. The event featured gift distributions, recreational activities, costume characters, complimentary barber services, and an educational police interaction booth.

  • Police identify Annisette’s son as murder victim

    Police identify Annisette’s son as murder victim

    In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, Micah Annisette—son of prominent trade union leader Michael Annisette—was identified as the victim of a fatal shooting in Sangre Chiquito on December 12.

    The attack occurred around 3 pm when two assailants in another vehicle opened fire on a car carrying Annisette and two other men. The driver attempted to evade the attackers by reversing, but crashed into a nearby property. The gunmen continued their assault, firing additional rounds into the vehicle.

    Two other victims, Akiel King, 21, from Malabar, Arima, and Sherwin Ross, 44, of North Manzanilla Road, Manzanilla, sustained injuries and remain hospitalized. One occupant managed to escape serious harm.

    The getaway car was later discovered abandoned in James Smart Village, Sangre Chiquito, shortly after the violent episode.

    Michael Annisette, president of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Trade Union (SWWTU), confirmed via WhatsApp on December 13 that the deceased was his relative. His philosophical response reflected profound grief: ‘Life is a mystery that the ordinary mind cannot understand. In this physical world, the acceptance of what is and what you have no control over is the source of understanding and peace of mind. Life goes on even after death.’

    This tragedy echoes a previous family incident—in November 2018, another of Annisette’s sons, Dwayne King, was wounded in a shooting along the Beetham Highway in Port of Spain. At that time, Annisette vehemently dismissed social media speculation about his son’s alleged criminal associations, asserting his belief that ‘darkness could never conquer light’ and that truth would ultimately prevail.

  • Sundiata’s visions of the mind

    Sundiata’s visions of the mind

    After nearly five decades of dedicated artistic practice, Barbadian-born Trinidad-based painter Winston Stewart, professionally known as Sundiata, unveils his comprehensive exhibition \”Visions\” at Arnim’s Art Galleria in Port of Spain. The 75-year-old artist presents approximately 40 oil and mixed-media works that represent the culmination of his lifelong engagement with visual expression.\n\nSundiata’s artistic philosophy centers on raw authenticity, allowing each piece to communicate directly with viewers without intermediary interpretation. \”They’re just an insight into my interests, of how I perceive things and see things,\” the artist explained regarding his exhibition. His creative inspiration derives from continuous engagement with his environment—visual, mental, and social—translated through the distinctive language of art.\n\nThe artist’s background reflects a remarkable synthesis of disciplines. Holding formal qualifications in art, science, and economics, Sundiata received training at the University of Reading in the UK, studied constructivist art in Moscow, and pursued artistic development across multiple countries. This multidisciplinary approach informs his perspective that creative individuals inherently possess capabilities far exceeding societal expectations.\n\nSundiata’s professional journey began with a definitive commitment at age 23 when he abandoned conventional career paths despite societal pressures that dismissed artists as \”crazy or gay.\” His early determination manifested through self-organized exhibitions when traditional galleries rejected his work, eventually leading to international recognition through collector interest and institutional validation.\n\nThe exhibition showcases Sundiata’s stylistic evolution from realism to more expressive forms, featuring architectural elements, figures, still life, and abstract compositions that incorporate aspects of Trinidadian culture. Works including \”Boogsie is Sharp,\” \”Frontline,\” \”St James Hosay,\” \”Femmes aux Mangoes,\” and \”Morning Greetings\” demonstrate his refusal of rigid categorization.\n\nNow celebrating 45 years of marriage and fatherhood, Sundiata maintains his daily artistic practice while rejecting commercial considerations or trends. He creates from genuine motivation rather than market expectations, valuing artistic honesty above external validation. Despite his extensive experience, he remains committed to continuous learning and exploration within his craft.\n\n\”Visions\” runs from December 15 through January 9 at Arnim’s Art Gallery in Port of Spain, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the mind of an artist who has devoted his life to authentic creative expression.

  • Karyn Forbes trades football boots for public service

    Karyn Forbes trades football boots for public service

    Tobago’s political landscape witnesses a remarkable transition as former national football captain Karyn “Baby” Forbes steps into the electoral arena. The celebrated athlete, boasting 15 years and over 70 appearances representing Trinidad and Tobago, has been officially nominated as the People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate for Plymouth/Black Rock in the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections scheduled for January 12.

    Forbes will contend against Kern Alexis of the Tobago People’s Party in what marks a significant career shift from athletic leadership to political service. In an exclusive interview, Forbes emphasized that her political engagement evolved gradually rather than emerging as a sudden impulse. “This decision grew out of years of listening,” she stated. “Leadership doesn’t end when the game is on pause – it deepens.”

    The Plymouth native articulated her alignment with PNM as a choice grounded in principle rather than convenience. “I chose the PNM because I believe in building things that last,” Forbes explained. “Not handouts. Not season promises. Real structures that serve generations.”

    Forbes demonstrates acute awareness of her constituency’s challenges, noting struggling families, particularly single-parent households, youth lacking clear pathways despite their abilities, and elderly residents feeling increasingly marginalized. She prioritizes addressing deteriorating sports facilities and community infrastructure requiring urgent attention.

    Her political philosophy combines realism with visionary planning. “I don’t pretend to have magical solutions. What I bring is structure and follow-through,” Forbes asserted. Her agenda emphasizes people-first governance, family empowerment, community space revitalization, and leveraging sports, education, and entrepreneurship as opportunity gateways.

    If elected, Forbes commits to establishing robust foundations within her first year: “Systems that work, spaces that feel alive again, and people who feel seen. Because service is not about power: It’s about responsibility.”

    The athlete-turned-candidate views her role as bridging sports and community development. While embracing her athletic identity, Forbes stresses that “empowerment doesn’t end with sport.” She prepares to release two books—”Woman of Substance” and “Beyond the Whistle”—sharing her journey including mental battles, setbacks, and moments of faith to demonstrate that “success is not linear, and strength isn’t perfection.”

    Forbes considers her candidacy fundamentally inspirational: “My candidacy is about showing young people that your background doesn’t box you in. Whether you come from the field, the classroom, the block, or the church, you belong in leadership spaces too.”

    She characterizes Tobago’s current situation as pivotal, demanding “stamina, empathy, and integrity” alongside practical understanding of “teamwork and accountability, not in theory, but in practice.”

    Despite recently suffering a fractured ankle during training before Trinidad and Tobago’s October 28 friendly against Jamaica, Forbes has begun rehabilitation therapy following cast removal. She remains technically available for national team selection while transitioning toward political service.

    Forbes acknowledges the challenges ahead: “Sport has clear rules; life doesn’t. But the same courage it takes to step onto the pitch against stronger opponents is the courage needed to step into leadership when change is necessary.”

    She believes football instilled essential values for public service—discipline, accountability, and respect for team roles—understanding that “you may not always score the goal, but your position still matters.” Forbes applies the athletic principle that “preparation beats talent when talent stops working” to governance, emphasizing that “we don’t need more noise. We need preparation, planning, and consistent delivery.”

    Ultimately, Forbes frames her political engagement not as power pursuit but responsibility continuation: “I’m not here because it’s comfortable. I’m here because it’s required.” Her perspective redefines leadership as commitment extending far beyond the football pitch, embracing broader community stewardship.

  • Budding parang star, Beltino Ramdeen

    Budding parang star, Beltino Ramdeen

    In the small village of Sangre Chiquito near Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago, a preschooler has become an unexpected viral sensation through his authentic embrace of traditional parang music. Four-year-old Beltino Chandlin Ramdeen, whose spontaneous maracas performance captivated the nation, demonstrates a natural musicality that runs deep in his family’s heritage.

    The heartwarming story began when Beltino’s grandmother, Allyson Bengochea-Gyton—an established parang vocalist—shared video footage of her grandson confidently shaking maracas (known locally as chac-chac) while dancing with uninhibited joy. The clip rapidly accumulated thousands of views, resonating with viewers across the country who were charmed by the child’s genuine enthusiasm.

    Parang, derived from the Spanish word ‘parranda’ meaning a festive celebration, represents an integral part of Trinidad and Tobago’s Christmas traditions. Typically, parranderos move between households, spreading seasonal cheer through vibrant music, dance, and communal sharing of food and drink while celebrating the birth of Christ.

    For Beltino, however, parang transcends seasonal celebration—it constitutes his daily reality. ‘We don’t wait for Christmas to play music,’ Bengochea-Gyton explained. ‘Some of our videos with him were completely spontaneous—just sitting in the afternoon doing nothing, and he will put on music and start shaking his maracas.’

    The young boy’s musical inclination appears deeply genetic. His grandmother leads her own parang and Latin ensemble, Ritmos Calientes, while his late grandfather, Hanuman Ramdeen, played both maracas and cuatro. The musical legacy continues with his step-grandfather Leo Gyton, a lead vocalist and skilled cuatro player, plus multiple extended family members who actively participate in Trinidad’s music scene.

    Beltino’s relationship with his grandmother is particularly harmonized through music. ‘He calls me his Nani,’ she shared, ‘so he will always say, “Nani, sing for me and I will play.”‘ His learning capacity astonishes the family—he recently absorbed Spanish lyrics simply through listening, without formal instruction. His current favorite is a Latin piece by Peruvian band Corazón Serrano.

    This Christmas, the four-year-old has requested a cuatro from Santa Claus, supplementing the maracas he already guards possessively. His family remains committed to nurturing his talent, with plans for music school should his interest persist. Meanwhile, Beltino himself dreams of becoming a doctor—potentially while leading the family band.

  • Manning, Dhanpaul not surprised by Moody’s outlook

    Manning, Dhanpaul not surprised by Moody’s outlook

    Trinidad and Tobago’s economic stability has come under international scrutiny as Moody’s Investors Service revised the country’s credit outlook from stable to negative. The decision has sparked intense political debate between government officials and opposition figures regarding the management of the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

    Opposition Parliamentarian Brian Manning revealed concerning statistics, noting that Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign exchange coverage has significantly decreased from 8.3 months to 5.4 months. Manning accused the current administration of depleting US$600 million from foreign reserves without providing adequate explanation for the expenditure. He further alleged that an additional US$400 million had been withdrawn from the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund under similar circumstances of financial opacity.

    The former finance ministry official expressed grave concerns about Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s economic stewardship, stating, “The economy has been in free fall ever since this clueless Minister of Finance has taken charge.” Manning warned that the Moody’s outlook revision likely precedes an impending credit rating downgrade and potential currency devaluation.

    Opposition Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul addressed previous accusations of being unpatriotic for his economic warnings, asserting his commitment to the nation’s wellbeing. When questioned about appropriate government response measures, Dhanpaul ironically suggested, “The Minister will fix it,” indicating skepticism about the administration’s capability to address the situation.

    Finance Minister Tancoo responded to the rating adjustment with measured optimism, emphasizing the government’s confidence in its macroeconomic strategies. In an official ministry statement, Tancoo highlighted that Moody’s analysis employed a narrow definition of foreign exchange reserves that excluded significant assets including the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund.

    The Minister characterized the outlook revision as premature, arguing that rating agencies should have allowed more time for recently implemented policies to demonstrate effectiveness. These policies include a comprehensive agenda aimed at economic revitalization, sustainable fiscal management, and foreign reserve stabilization.

    Despite the negative outlook, Tancoo welcomed Moody’s decision to maintain Trinidad and Tobago’s Ba2 credit rating, citing the nation’s substantial fiscal buffers equivalent to 45% of GDP and anticipated positive developments in oil and gas production by 2027.

  • Water warriors – Candice Santana, Laurayne Lucky

    Water warriors – Candice Santana, Laurayne Lucky

    In a groundbreaking development for regional water management, the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) has achieved a historic milestone with Candice Santana and Laurayne Lucky assuming simultaneous leadership as president and executive director respectively. This marks the first time since the organization’s establishment in 1991 that both top positions are held by women, signaling a transformative shift in governance approaches to the region’s pressing water and sanitation challenges.

    The significance of this leadership transition was highlighted during the CWWA’s 21st Higher Level Forum in Belize, where ministers and utility heads from across the Dutch, Spanish, English, and French Caribbean convened. Santana notably pointed out the persistent gender imbalance at senior levels, observing that only two women were present among the region’s top water management officials.

    Both leaders bring substantial credentials to their roles, with Santana, 39, having joined the CWWA board in 2016 and serving six years before her 2024 presidential election, while Lucky, 44, oversees the association’s secretariat operations. Their appointments represent not merely symbolic progress but substantive expertise gained through decades of professional and academic preparation.

    Santana emphasizes the importance of merit-based advancement rather than token appointments to fulfill diversity quotas. ‘Do not put me in the ring to just tick a box, especially if you don’t really want to hear what I have to say,’ she asserts, reflecting on her experiences as a young woman facing dual categorization for both age and gender representation.

    The new president also addresses the challenge of unsolicited advice frequently directed at young female leaders, advocating for strategic discernment amid external opinions. ‘You need to sit back from all the advice and use your discernment… bring your innovation to the table and understand the best direction for the organization,’ she advises.

    Lucky echoes these sentiments, acknowledging the particular challenges women face in the STEM-focused water and sanitation sector while emphasizing the field’s inherent difficulties for all professionals. Their leadership partnership aims to model substantive gender inclusion while addressing the Caribbean’s critical water infrastructure needs through experienced, qualified guidance rather than symbolic representation.