标签: Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Pensioner perishes in Belmont house fire

    Pensioner perishes in Belmont house fire

    A devastating early morning fire in Belmont has claimed the life of 75-year-old pensioner Alphonso Simmons. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 5:15 AM on December 11th at the victim’s two-story residence on Waterman Road.

    According to official reports, the blaze was confined to a single room within the residential structure, though the concentrated intensity proved fatal for the elderly occupant. Fire response teams contained the emergency to the affected area, preventing further structural damage to the property.

    Family members revealed that Simmons had been experiencing declining health and lived independently despite his condition. Of his seven children, only one routinely visited to provide care and assistance to the aging patriarch. A close relative, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, described Simmons as a beloved family figure and expressed profound shock at his sudden passing.

    Local authorities from the Belmont Police Department have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire. While preliminary findings suggest no immediate evidence of foul play, investigators are meticulously examining all potential causes, including electrical faults, accidental ignition sources, or health-related incidents that might have precipitated the tragedy.

    The community of Belmont has expressed collective grief over the loss of another senior resident, raising concerns about elderly safety and support systems for aging individuals living alone. Social services organizations have highlighted the importance of regular wellness checks for solitary elderly citizens, particularly those with documented health concerns.

    As the investigation continues, funeral arrangements for Mr. Simmons are pending completion of necessary forensic procedures. The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning while acknowledging the support received from neighbors and community members.

  • Business Outlook Index at end of 2025: Short-term strain, cautious optimism for the future

    Business Outlook Index at end of 2025: Short-term strain, cautious optimism for the future

    A comprehensive business survey reveals Trinidad and Tobago’s private sector is navigating significant short-term challenges while maintaining guarded optimism for medium-term recovery. The Q4 2025 Business Outlook Index, jointly compiled by the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business and released December 10, presents a complex picture of an economy in transition.

    The data indicates substantial current pressures, with 54% of executives reporting worsened financial performance over the past six months. Only 3% of businesses described their performance as “much better” compared to the beginning of the year, while 43% reported some improvement. The survey reveals stark sectoral variations: while administrative and support services saw 100% of respondents reporting better conditions, the agricultural sector experienced universal deterioration with 100% reporting worse conditions.

    The energy sector emerged as particularly challenged, with over 66% of respondents noting deteriorated economic conditions. Conversely, accommodation and food services showed remarkable resilience with 75% reporting improved conditions (50% better, 25% much better). Construction and manufacturing displayed mixed signals, with 45% and 54.55% respectively reporting better conditions.

    Significant uncertainty surrounds government policy impacts, with 24% of businesses unsure which areas would benefit from current policies. Only 17% anticipated enhanced public-private collaboration, while 16% predicted better foreign exchange access and 14% expected improved ease of doing business.

    The recent 100% excise duty increase on alcohol announced in the October budget has dramatically altered hiring intentions in the food and beverage sector. Pre-announcement, 75% of accommodation and food service businesses planned hiring within 6-12 months. Post-announcement, 40% anticipate employment decreases within six months, while 50% expect reductions within twelve months.

    Despite these challenges, businesses maintain medium-term confidence. The global economic outlook shows improvement from negative to positive over the next year, reflecting expectations of easing inflation, recovering energy demand, and improved logistical conditions. The chamber notes that for an energy-exporting nation like Trinidad and Tobago, improved global prospects typically translate to enhanced business confidence.

    The report concludes that while current conditions remain challenging, businesses view these as cyclical rather than permanent. The chamber recommends strengthened public-private dialogue to reduce policy uncertainty and support sector-specific adjustments following recent fiscal changes.

  • Inspired fireworks law

    Inspired fireworks law

    In a remarkable display of cross-party cooperation, Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament has achieved a legislative breakthrough with the unanimous passage of comprehensive fireworks regulations. The newly enacted law, which amends the Summary Offences Act, represents a significant shift in the nation’s approach to pyrotechnic management after years of deliberation.

    The legislation establishes precise temporal restrictions for fireworks usage, permitting discharges exclusively during Old Year’s Night celebrations around midnight and on public holidays between 8 pm and 9 pm. The law designates extensive protection zones surrounding hospitals, zoos, animal shelters, agricultural facilities, forest reserves, national parks, and airports where fireworks are entirely prohibited.

    A revolutionary provision empowers citizens to actively participate in enforcement by legally authorizing them to record unauthorized fireworks discharges using mobile devices. This digitally captured evidence will be admissible in judicial proceedings, eliminating the requirement for law enforcement to witness violations directly.

    The regulatory scope has been substantially expanded to include various pyrotechnic devices such as crackers, while introducing first-time oversight of toy fireworks and noise-reducing variants. Access to permits will be restricted exclusively to adults, reflecting the legislation’s emphasis on responsible usage.

    The legislative process demonstrated exceptional political collaboration, with the governing UNC administration accepting amendments proposed by opposition PNM representatives. This consensus-built legislation originated from a Law Reform Commission document dating back to April 2020, transcending multiple governmental administrations.

    Implementation will commence following official proclamation by the Cabinet, allowing time for comprehensive public education initiatives and coordination with fireworks industry stakeholders. Additional government agencies including the Environmental Management Authority, Fire Service, and municipal corporations will be integrated into the enforcement framework under recently adopted amendments.

    While the legislation addresses discharge regulations rather than sales governance, and excludes certain sensitive locations like police stations and prisons from protection, it establishes a foundational framework for future refinement. The act’s successful passage provides a template for productive parliamentary cooperation in the nation’s 13th Parliament.

  • Teacher, student win Unsung Heroes programme

    Teacher, student win Unsung Heroes programme

    CIBC Caribbean has recognized two exceptional Trinidadians for their extraordinary community contributions through its revived Unsung Heroes programme. The awards ceremony on December 3 celebrated 80-year-old educator Marlene Gilbert as first-place winner and 16-year-old student leader Renalon Villafana as runner-up.

    Marlene Gilbert, affectionately known as ‘Aunty Marlene,’ continues her educational mission decades after retiring from Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive in 2000. Every Sunday, her Belmont residence transforms into a learning sanctuary where children as young as 11 travel from distant communities like Arima for extracurricular lessons. Her teaching approach emphasizes recognizing individual learning styles and unlocking potential that students themselves often overlook.

    Beyond her educational work, Gilbert serves as an active member of both St. Crispin’s Anglican Church in Woodbrook and the Netball Association of Trinidad and Tobago, dedicating herself to creating supportive environments for youth sports development.

    The second-place honoree, Renalon Villafana, has demonstrated remarkable initiative through multiple community projects. As student council president at Tabaquite Secondary, he organized a student-led outreach to the Ezekiel Home for Abandoned Children, personally fundraising when corporate donors were unavailable. His efforts provided gifts, snack hampers, and games for the children.

    Villafana further demonstrated leadership by coordinating two successful beach clean-ups at Mayaro Beach, personally securing sponsorships from local companies. His environmental activism mobilized increasing numbers of volunteers and earned recognition on his school’s official Facebook page. Recently, his accomplishments extended to winning his category in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

    Mahadeo Sebarath, CIBC Caribbean’s country head for Trinidad and Tobago, emphasized the timing of these awards during the season of giving. He noted that the recipients’ previously unrecognized efforts ‘create hope in every person you touch’ and deserved celebration.

    The Unsung Heroes programme, building on a legacy that ran from 2003-2013, identified 39 nominees across CIBC’s ten-member regional footprint this year. Both Trinidad winners are now considered for the Regional Unsung Heroes Award, which was ultimately claimed by Lucinda ‘Mini’ Smith of Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

    Both Gilbert and Villafana expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, with Gilbert noting that ‘getting something like this makes you feel good’ and Villafana describing it as ‘a touching acknowledgement.’ They pledged to continue their community work with renewed inspiration.

  • Why Tobago must welcome upgrades

    Why Tobago must welcome upgrades

    A significant public discussion has emerged regarding ongoing infrastructure enhancements at Tobago’s ANR Robinson International Airport, particularly concerning the involvement of foreign technical personnel. This development has generated substantial attention across social media platforms and community messaging channels, prompting both concern and calls for rational assessment.

    The situation involves two distinct operational components: civil engineering improvements to optimize airport accessibility and traffic management systems, alongside substantial upgrades to radar surveillance capabilities designed specifically to combat transnational criminal activities. These measures target drug trafficking networks and human smuggling operations that exploit Tobago’s maritime approaches.

    Government officials have emphasized the defensive nature of these enhancements. Prime Minister Keith Rowley personally briefed Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine regarding the sensitive security aspects, demonstrating administrative transparency within operational security constraints. Subsequent face-to-face consultations in Tobago provided detailed technical specifications, including civil engineering diagrams clarifying road alignment and land ownership matters.

    The advanced radar systems specifically address emerging security challenges, enabling detection and interception of low-altitude aircraft and unmanned drones increasingly employed by traffickers. Defense Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Chief Secretary Augustine have consistently characterized these installations as defensive tools for domestic law enforcement rather than instruments of foreign military strategy.

    From a geopolitical perspective, analysts note that Tobago’s strategic cooperation enhances regional security intelligence sharing while creating deterrence effects against criminal elements. The improved infrastructure simultaneously supports economic objectives through enhanced airport functionality, tourism facilitation, and transportation reliability—critical factors for Tobago’s tourism-dependent economy.

    While acknowledging legitimate public interest in operational transparency, government representatives stress the necessity of protecting sensitive security protocols. The administration has committed to providing appropriate oversight mechanisms and summarized versions of international cooperation agreements, redacting only operationally critical details.

    This balanced approach reflects democratic governance principles: ensuring public safety through modern security measures while maintaining accountability through reasoned public discourse and institutional oversight.

  • Debe Faith Centre spreads Christmas cheer to 600 children

    Debe Faith Centre spreads Christmas cheer to 600 children

    Amidst persistent rainfall on December 7th, the Debe Faith Centre (DFC) successfully executed its inaugural Christmas toy distribution initiative, delivering festive cheer to approximately 600 children throughout multiple communities. The charitable endeavor extended across Debe Trace, Chester Street, Wellington Gardens, Ramsamooj Street, and Gandhi Village, with organizers emphasizing their mission of “sharing the love of Jesus” through tangible acts of kindness.

    Led by Reverend Rohan Kanhai and Pastor Tura Kanhai, the outreach operation featured a vibrant musical truck accompaniment alongside dedicated church volunteers. Despite challenging weather conditions, the team maintained unwavering commitment to their objective, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the designated areas and gift distribution to every child.

    The initiative represented the realization of a long-cherished aspiration for the religious leaders. Reverend Kanhai characterized the project as a spiritually-inspired undertaking, noting: “The Lord laid that upon my heart for us to do. We really wanted to bless the children in the community.” The program demonstrated particular inclusivity by incorporating Venezuelan migrant children among recipients, reflecting the church’s ongoing engagement with immigrant populations through regular services and activities.

    Beyond seasonal philanthropy, the Debe Faith Centre maintains an active community presence through weekly Bible studies, prayer sessions each Tuesday at 6 PM, Sunday School programming from 4:30-5:30 PM, and conventional Sunday services at 9 AM. Additional outreach efforts include clothing distribution drives and monthly family movie nights complete with refreshments and transportation assistance.

    Social media platforms have overflowed with commendations for the initiative, with Facebook users praising the “love, giving, family, and magic of the season” embodied by the effort. Established as an extension of the San Fernando Faith Centre under Apostle Carlyle Chankersingh’s leadership, the Debe branch has provided continuous community service for fifteen years.

  • TPP’s Pollard: I could have done more for Tobago

    TPP’s Pollard: I could have done more for Tobago

    In a remarkable admission of underperformance, Tobago People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ian “Whitey” Pollard has publicly conceded his failure to fully deliver on development promises for the Mason Hall North/Moriah electoral district. The Secretary of Settlements, Public Utilities and Rural Development offered his apology during a December 9th constituency meeting, marking a significant moment in Tobago’s political landscape.

    Pollard assumed full responsibility for the development shortfalls while simultaneously attributing the challenges to financial constraints imposed by what he termed “the wicked PNM regime” over the past three years and four months. This dual acknowledgment of personal responsibility coupled with political blame-setting creates a complex narrative of accountability in Tobago’s governance structure.

    The housing crisis emerged as a central issue, with discussions highlighting Tobago’s growing demand for diversified housing solutions beyond traditional single-family units. The TPP has leveled serious allegations against the PNM, accusing them of withholding funds from an Inter-American Development Bank loan specifically designated for the Riseland housing project—a claim that adds layers to the ongoing political friction.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s November 4th announcement regarding the project’s imminent commencement contrasts sharply with Pollard’s portrayal of systematic fund withholding, creating competing narratives about the project’s status.

    With the January 12th elections approaching, Pollard delivered an impassioned plea for voter support, urging constituents to decisively remove the PNM from power. His appeal addressed potential voter apathy, acknowledging that internal governance realities often differ from campaign promises while maintaining that change must come through electoral participation rather than abstention.

    Pollard will face PNM’s Kwesi DesVignes, the former Secretary for Infrastructure, Quarries, and Environment, in what promises to be a closely contested battle that reflects broader political tensions affecting Tobago’s development trajectory.

  • A guide to local gifts: Shop unique treasures for Christmas

    A guide to local gifts: Shop unique treasures for Christmas

    As the festive season envelops Trinidad and Tobago, a compelling movement toward sustainable celebration and local economic support is gaining momentum. Beyond the imported commercial decorations and familiar Christmas carols, a deeper narrative about conscious consumption and community solidarity is emerging.

    While traditional economists highlight the seasonal boost in retail employment and tourism revenue—with Christmas accounting for nearly 20% of annual income in Western nations—this consumer frenzy carries significant drawbacks. Financial strain, environmental waste, and post-holiday economic slumps (extended locally until after Carnival in February) present substantial challenges, particularly for financially vulnerable families.

    In response, Trinidadians are rediscovering the exceptional quality of locally produced goods. The islands boast what many consider the world’s finest chocolate, derived from unique Trinitario cocoa beans. Artisans like Cocobel and Aripo’s Fina Dos Vistas transform this premium commodity into exquisite drinking chocolate and artisanal bars infused with local spices and fruits.

    The shift toward sustainability manifests through various gifting alternatives:

    Handcrafted items range from Chase Village pottery and custom leather sandals by Drag Brothers to wooden furniture crafted by Evan Samuel and Philip Arthur using fallen tropical hardwoods. Local artists like Catherine Dookie offer miniature architectural replicas, while ceramicists like Greta Joachim produce functional art pieces.

    Edible gifts showcase Trinidad’s culinary diversity: homemade pepper sauces, tamarind chutneys, Alicia’s eggless punches, and traditional ponche de creme. The practice of creating personalized hampers with local honey, sorrel, and fruitcakes supports both recipients and small producers.

    Living gifts represent perhaps the most sustainable option. Nurseries nationwide offer everything from ornamental petrea shrubs to productive citrus trees. Many families now gift seedlings or potted herbs instead of cut Christmas trees, creating lasting environmental benefits.

    Community-focused initiatives include grocery chains organizing donation programs for necessity hampers, while the Animal Welfare Network sells calendars to fund rescue operations. Pop-up markets provide platforms for micro-entrepreneurs offering unique, handmade products that rarely reach conventional retail spaces.

    This approach transforms Christmas from a period of excessive consumption into an opportunity to celebrate local craftsmanship, strengthen community bonds, and reduce environmental impact—all while enjoying what many consider the world’s finest chocolate, grown right in Trinidad’s rich soil.

  • Alexander: More radars needed across Trinidad and Tobago

    Alexander: More radars needed across Trinidad and Tobago

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has vigorously defended the recent deployment of radar technology in Tobago, asserting that additional systems should be implemented nationwide to enhance security measures. The minister’s comments came during a December 9 media briefing outside Parliament, addressing heightened security concerns following the abduction of businessman Derek Tardieu and his wife Clarabelle from their Monos Island residence on December 6.

    The couple remains missing with kidnappers demanding a $2.5 million ransom for their release. Minister Alexander emphasized that advanced radar technology could substantially improve protection for citizens residing in the archipelago’s outlying islands. “We must take a definitive stance against such criminal activities,” Alexander stated. “These perpetrators potentially arrived by vessel… to abduct citizens of our nation.”

    Rejecting a return to normalcy amid ongoing security challenges, Alexander revealed, “We witness similar incidents daily with unauthorized vessels entering our waters undetected. This precisely why we’re strategically deploying cutting-edge technology to prevent such occurrences.” The minister expressed personal commitment to encircling the nation with protective technologies if given sole authority.

    When questioned about potential United States military utilization of the radar system amid tensions with Venezuela, Alexander remained evasive, noting only that Trinidad and Tobago would “benefit from the situation” regarding foreign entities entering the country with malicious intent. Pressed on data-sharing arrangements, the minister described all operations as “joint ventures in and around TT” without providing specific details.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, separately addressing journalists, redirected technical inquiries to Defense Minister Wayne Sturge. While confirming Trinidadian military personnel access to radar data, she acknowledged unspecified external parties might have access but deemed such information potentially “too sensitive for public disclosure.” The Prime Minister emphasized that Minister Sturge possesses the comprehensive details regarding data-sharing protocols.

  • Trump announces new action against Maduro government: US forces seize oil tanker

    Trump announces new action against Maduro government: US forces seize oil tanker

    In a significant escalation of maritime tensions, United States forces have intercepted and seized an oil tanker operating off the Venezuelan coastline. The operation, authorized by President Donald Trump’s administration, targeted a vessel allegedly involved in transporting sanctioned petroleum products. This decisive action occurs amidst deteriorating diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas, with the U.S. maintaining that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should face narcoterrorism charges.

    The seizure follows provocative military maneuvers by American fighter jets in the Gulf of Venezuela, representing the closest aerial approach since bilateral tensions began intensifying. Notably, the incident occurred merely one day after Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly characterized unflagged vessels as ‘pirates’ operating outside international maritime protections.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has leveraged the incident to amplify previous allegations against political opponents, claiming the opposition PNM party seeks to compromise national security systems to benefit drug trafficking networks. She asserts that U.S.-installed radar systems in Tobago effectively monitor Venezuelan sanction-evasion activities and narcotics trafficking, making them targets for political sabotage.

    Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro responded with belligerent rhetoric, warning his nation stands ‘prepared to break the teeth of the North American empire’ while commemorating a historical battle anniversary. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi released operational footage showing military helicopters approaching the tanker and special forces boarding the vessel, alleging it transported prohibited oil from both Venezuela and Iran.

    The geopolitical implications extend beyond regional security, immediately impacting global energy markets. Oil prices registered increases following the seizure, with Brent crude rising 27 cents to $62.21 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate gaining 21 cents to $58.46.

    Legal experts including Defence Minister Wayne Sturge acknowledge that while unflagged vessels naturally raise security concerns, such status alone provides insufficient legal justification for seizure under international maritime law. Sturge noted intelligence considerations likely prevented full disclosure of operational evidence, complicating legal assessment of the action’s appropriateness.

    This incident represents the latest in approximately twenty counter-narcotics strikes conducted by U.S. forces in Caribbean and Pacific waters since September, resulting in over eighty fatalities. Critics continue questioning the legal basis for these operations, citing scant public evidence regarding drug transportation or immediate threats posed by intercepted vessels.