标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago’s migrant population is expressing growing concerns over the government’s newly announced Migrant Registration Framework (MRF), citing insufficient information and communication gaps that have created widespread anxiety and confusion.

The framework, established through Legal Notice 470 in late 2025, aims to provide undocumented migrants—not exclusively Venezuelans—with legal status to reside and work in the country from January 1 through September 30, 2026. However, with the Ministry of Homeland Security yet to publish formal requirements, implementation phases, or specific timelines, uncertainty continues to mount within vulnerable communities.

Andreina Briceno Ventura-Brown, founder of La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, emphasized that while migrants have responded receptively to the initiative, the absence of clear official guidance has fostered misinformation and distress. She highlighted that the registration represents a vital opportunity for thousands to regularize their status, access dignified employment, and achieve social inclusion without fear of persecution.

A significant information disparity has also emerged between Spanish-speaking migrants, who are actively preparing for the process, and English-speaking migrants from other Caribbean nations, many of whom remain unaware of their potential eligibility. Additionally, families with existing deportation orders fear exclusion from the program, raising concerns over transparency and equitable treatment.

Ventura-Brown urged authorities to enhance official communication, clarify eligibility criteria, and ensure the process aligns with principles of human dignity, due process, and equality. Yesenia Gonzalez, a Venezuelan activist, echoed these concerns, noting that many fear registration could lead to deportation or detention.

Attempts to reach Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers for comment were unsuccessful. The situation underscores the critical balance between national security priorities and humanitarian obligations in migration policy.

Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant youth steelpan community demonstrated remarkable resilience during the National Schools’ Panorama event held on January 18-19. Despite last-minute venue changes that relocated the finals to Skinner Park in San Fernando, participation numbers remained strong with schools from across the nation—from Diego Martin to Penal—showcasing their musical talents.

The competition featured the top 12 primary schools and ten secondary school finalists, highlighting the widespread engagement of young musicians. The venue shift unexpectedly created greater opportunities for school bands outside traditional hubs like San Fernando and Port of Spain, suggesting potential benefits for decentralizing cultural events.

Pan Trinbago’s additional under-21 and under-19 competitions, maintained at Queen’s Park Savannah, further enriched the youth music scene, representing a significant net gain for young musicians developing passion for the national instrument beyond Carnival pressures.

However, serious safety concerns emerged regarding the Skinner Park stage design. Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore publicly criticized NCC chairman Peter Kanhai after instruments and two moko jumbies fell from the stage due to its smooth surface, steep incline, and inadequate size. These conditions pose particular danger to child performers compared to experienced adult bands.

Broader systemic issues surfaced regarding government support for steelpan culture. While Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin highlighted ministry support for unsponsored steelbands, five bands—Skiffle Bunch, Siparia Deltones, Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, and Steel Xplosion—lost sponsorship from National Gas Company and Heritage Petroleum at the end of 2025, severely impacting their Panorama preparations.

The apparent confrontation between Sport Ministry PS David Nakhid and Mrs. Ramsey-Moore further illustrates the misalignment between government promises of cultural support and the reality faced by steelpan organizations.

The Trinidad and Tobago government has initiated substantial financial support for regional Carnival celebrations, with Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin announcing imminent disbursements totaling $35 million. Pan Trinbago is slated to receive $20 million while the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) will obtain $15 million in structured tranches throughout the Carnival period.

Minister Benjamin, speaking at a UNC media briefing in Chaguanas on January 18, emphasized the government’s commitment to timely funding distribution and accountability standards. She directly addressed criticisms about insufficient support for cultural organizations, stating: “There are a lot of claims that this government does not like pan, does not fund pan, and I would like that to stop.” She confirmed that prize monies would not see reductions despite economic pressures.

The ministry has pioneered new cultural initiatives including Flava Village, John Cupid Carnival Village, and the traveling Welcome to the Gayelle program that has visited Moruga, Debe, Tunapuna, and will soon reach Mayaro. These developments respond to public demand for expanded cultural spaces beyond Port of Spain. Benjamin highlighted the remarkable public response, noting that the John Cupid Village nearly reached capacity closures due to overwhelming attendance.

NCC chairman Peter Kanhai provided infrastructure updates, revealing that the North Stand is 85% complete with handover expected by January 25. Construction efficiency has significantly improved with current pricing for major structures running 40-45% lower than 2025 figures. The Downtown stand and Skinner Park stage for Calypso Fiesta are progressing according to schedule.

Economic indicators show robust Carnival engagement with hotels at full capacity and incoming flights fully booked. Vendors at Flava Village report exceptional earnings, surpassing their entire 2025 revenue within the first week of operation. The NCC is considering maintaining the village year-round to accommodate tourist demand and cruise ship visitors.

The cultural calendar remains packed with events including a free Patrice Roberts concert, chutnight night, and rhythm and steel performances, demonstrating the expanded footprint of Carnival celebrations across Trinidad and Tobago.