标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a landmark ruling addressing police misconduct, High Court Justice Westmin James has ordered the Trinidad and Tobago government to pay $154,000 in compensation to Darryl Nanton, an emergency medical technician and businessman who suffered unlawful arrest, detention, and prosecution in 2018.

The court found that Nanton, then a 56-year-old Petrotrin employee and owner of Heartfelt Care Services, endured what Justice James described as “oppressive, arbitrary, unreasonable and unconstitutional” treatment during an encounter with Marabella police on April 24, 2018.

The incident began when Nanton visited a KFC establishment on Old Southern Main Road to meet an employee. As he attempted to maneuver his vehicle from a parking space obstructed by two motorcycles, a marked police vehicle intervened. Officers immediately confronted Nanton about his parking position, demanding his driver’s permit and insurance documentation while subjecting him to verbal abuse despite his Petrotrin uniform being visibly displayed.

When Nanton objected to the inappropriate language, a corporal forcibly removed him from his vehicle, shoved him against the car door, and conducted an invasive search. Officers proceeded to search Nanton’s vehicle despite his notification that it contained $8,000 in cash. When Nanton attempted to document the search using his mobile phone, an officer confiscated and deliberately destroyed the device.

Police arranged for vehicle impoundment despite Nanton’s appeals to leave his car at the restaurant premises. He was handcuffed without caution or explanation regarding his arrest and transported to Marabella Police Station. There, he was confined in squalid conditions described as vermin-infested with non-functional toilet facilities, forcing him to sleep on the floor and endure profound humiliation.

Nanton remained detained for approximately 24.5 hours until securing his own bail release. He subsequently faced six court appearances over fabricated charges including disorderly conduct, wilful obstruction, and use of insulting language—all dismissed in July 2019 due to complete lack of prosecution evidence.

Justice James particularly noted the vindictive nature of officers’ conduct, referencing testimony where one officer stated: “I don’t care if I win or I lose. Is how long you suffer in court. The government does pay me to go to court; I hope Petrotrin does pay you to go to court.”

The compensation breakdown includes $50,000 for false imprisonment (incorporating aggravated damages), $50,000 for malicious prosecution (including aggravated damages), $40,000 in exemplary damages for authority abuse, and $14,000 covering legal fees, vehicle recovery costs, and partial phone replacement. The State admitted liability in December 2024, with the assessment ruling delivered on December 4.

Attorney Darryl Heeralal represented Nanton, while State attorneys Evana Welch and Sara Muslim appeared for the defense. The court granted a 28-day stay of execution alongside interest and prescribed costs.

Trinidad and Tobago is poised to implement comprehensive fireworks regulations through new legislation currently under parliamentary consideration. The Fireworks Regulation Bill, which entered debate on December 9, establishes a permit system for pyrotechnic use while designating violations as ticketable offenses.

The proposed legislation creates specific exceptions for traditional celebrations, allowing fireworks without permits on public holidays between 8-9 PM and on December 31 (Old Year’s Night) from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM. However, all other fireworks usage will require explicit authorization from the Commissioner of Police.

Significant safety buffers are mandated under the bill, prohibiting fireworks within a half-mile radius of sensitive locations including animal shelters, zoos, farms, forest reserves, national parks, hospitals, and airports.

The advocacy group Citizens Against Noise Pollution of Trinidad and Tobago (CANPTT) has enthusiastically endorsed the legislation, characterizing it as a groundbreaking approach to addressing fireworks as a public health concern. The organization noted this represents Trinidad and Tobago’s first formal recognition of pyrotechnics as a matter of “national responsibility.”

While celebrating the progress, CANPTT identified three critical areas requiring strengthening: explicit legal protection for residential areas, publicly accessible enforcement mechanisms operating before law activation, and immediate penalties substantial enough to deter violations. The group emphasized that true protection must extend beyond legislative text to positively impact citizens’ daily living experiences and safeguard society’s most vulnerable members.

In a powerful public appeal, citizen Steve Alvarez has issued a compelling call to action for Trinidad and Tobago residents, drawing striking parallels between familial relationships and civic responsibility. Alvarez contends that while many citizens profess deep love for their nation, their actions frequently mirror those of dependent children who continuously extract resources from parents without reciprocating effort or value.

The timing of this message coincides with the beginning of the Christmas season, presenting what Alvarez describes as an ideal opportunity for transformative community engagement. His practical recommendations include organizing volunteer initiatives to maintain public spaces, eliminating unauthorized garbage dumping, and providing assistance to vulnerable community members including the elderly and impoverished.

However, Alvarez emphasizes that civic duty extends beyond aesthetic improvements to include active participation in governance processes. He encourages citizens to voice concerns about punitive legislation and contribute constructive suggestions regarding the government’s economic strategies for national survival and growth.

The proposal outlines specific community-led interventions: residents collaboratively repairing potholes with temporary concrete solutions, promptly addressing water pipe leaks through coordinated reporting and basic repairs, and collectively purchasing sports equipment for youth development programs.

Transcending political affiliations, Alvarez frames nation-building as a continuous process requiring daily commitment rather than merely electoral participation. He advocates for grassroots problem-solving as ultimately more impactful and rewarding than passive reliance on governmental intervention.

The message concludes with a unifying vision: incremental national restoration through individual community transformations, positioning collective action as the foundation for Trinidad and Tobago’s revitalization.

In a powerful address during the 152nd anniversary service at Mizpah Presbyterian Church in Claxton Bay on December 7, High Court Justice Frank Seepersad delivered a compelling sermon on the critical need for principled leadership in times of global uncertainty. Speaking before congregants, Justice Seepersad articulated a vision of governance rooted in moral fortitude and strategic wisdom.

The jurist emphasized that while Trinidad and Tobago, as a small island nation, cannot single-handedly influence superpower politics, its leadership must cultivate strategic alliances across political, economic, and military domains while safeguarding national sovereignty. He asserted that truly effective leadership necessitates policies that ensure collective security and prioritize citizen welfare above all else.

Addressing what he described as a worldwide leadership crisis, Justice Seepersad outlined the qualities of exemplary leaders: those who serve with discipline, place communal needs above personal interests, and maintain unwavering integrity. He particularly stressed that genuine leadership begins with spiritual commitment, stating that ‘leaders who walk with integrity and skill can transform lives, communities, and nations.’

Justice Seepersad further elaborated on practical leadership requirements, noting that promising leaders must be judged by their track record of delivering results rather than empty rhetoric. He advocated for leaders willing to challenge established norms and make difficult decisions with both empathy and equity, particularly in combating social maladies including drug trafficking, domestic violence, and criminal exploitation.

The judge also called for national transformation amid concerning levels of divisive discourse and economic challenges. He urged a collective shift in mindset toward godly living, rejection of dependency cultures, and emphasis on service above self-interest. While addressing leadership responsibilities, Justice Seepersad equally emphasized individual accountability, encouraging citizens to take charge of their circumstances through lawful means and due process to catalyze meaningful societal change.