标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a significant legal development, Andrew Sutton, a Malabar resident accused of the 2021 murder of Arouca businessman Nicholas Mohith, has been acquitted by the High Court. Justice Nalini Singh delivered the verdict following a judge-only trial at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain. Sutton had been charged with the fatal shooting of Mohith, who was killed at his business premises on March 11, 2021. The incident occurred when an unidentified gunman entered the establishment and shot Mohith before fleeing the scene. Another individual, Renaldo Thomas, was also charged in connection with the murder but was discharged earlier this year due to the prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence. Thomas’s case faced repeated delays due to the State’s non-compliance with disclosure requirements, leading to multiple adjournments. Ultimately, Master Sarah De Silva ruled that no further extensions would be granted, and with no evidence presented, Thomas was discharged under Section 24 of the Administration of Justice (Preliminary Inquiries) Act. Sutton was represented by attorneys Delicia Helwig-Robertson and Sara Julien, while the prosecution was led by Shervon Noriega and Cassie Bisram.

In a world where traditional notions of masculinity often discourage emotional expression, mental health practitioner Amanda Ackbarali is championing a more compassionate approach to men’s mental health. As International Men’s Day (November 19) and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month are observed, Ackbarali highlights the urgent need for culturally grounded support systems to help men navigate their emotional struggles. With over a decade of experience in psychology and mediation, Ackbarali founded The Opening Lotus in 2018, a mental health practice dedicated to providing accessible care for marginalized populations, including men facing depression, anxiety, burnout, and unresolved grief. She emphasizes that men often seek therapy not because they are ‘mentally ill,’ but because life has become overwhelming, and they are ready to find new ways to cope. Ackbarali points out that societal expectations in Trinidad and Tobago often pressure men to suppress their emotions, leading them to cope through humor, alcohol, or religion rather than addressing their pain. She advocates for healing spaces that feel natural and culturally familiar, such as river limes, hikes, or football matches, where men can open up without judgment. Ackbarali also notes a generational shift, with younger men increasingly embracing therapy and older men showing greater emotional openness. She calls for a strengths-based approach to men’s mental health, celebrating their resilience and capacity for leadership and care. By teaching emotional literacy early and using creative methods like music, storytelling, and sports, Ackbarali believes we can raise emotionally intelligent boys who grow into compassionate men. She urges parents, teachers, and communities to listen without ridicule and encourages men to start their healing journey, knowing that one man’s progress can inspire another.

A shocking armed robbery unfolded on November 19 aboard a maxi taxi along the Priority Bus Route in Arouca, leaving passengers traumatized. The incident, which occurred around 4:30 pm, was captured on the driver’s dash camera and later circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention. According to the footage, a woman dressed in full Muslim attire signaled for the vehicle to stop. As she paid her fare, at least four men forcefully entered the maxi, declaring a hold-up. The assailants swiftly seized money from the driver and passengers, including women’s purses. One passenger was seen resisting, demanding the return of her ID card. The ordeal left several individuals in distress, with one person lamenting the loss of their ID card and phone. Brenton Knights, president of the Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association, confirmed that a meeting would be convened to address the incident but refrained from further comment. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.

In a heartfelt celebration of World Kindness Day, President Christine Kangaloo and her husband, Kerwyn Garcia, SC, visited the JC Mac Donald Home for the Aged on November 14, bringing warmth and compassion to its residents. The visit, marked by meaningful interactions and shared moments of joy, underscored the importance of kindness in fostering community connections. Established in 1931, the JC Mac Donald Home has a storied history of serving the elderly, currently housing 20 residents under the care of a dedicated team of 12 staff members. The President’s Office also organized a special lunch for the residents, enhancing the day’s festivities. A highlight of the visit was the debut performance of the Office of the President’s Choir, whose uplifting melodies brought music and delight to the home. President Kangaloo expressed her gratitude to the home’s management and staff for their unwavering commitment to caring for the elderly, reaffirming the significance of such acts of kindness in society.

Jack Warner, the 82-year-old former FIFA vice president, has added another milestone to his diverse career by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies. The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) conferred the degree on November 18 during its 2025 graduation ceremony held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain. Warner’s doctoral thesis, titled ‘Corporate Entrepreneurship and Disruptive Business Model Innovation for Adoption in the Local Print Media,’ explored the challenges faced by the print media industry in adapting to digital transformation. Drawing from his experience as the publisher of the weekly Sunshine newspaper, Warner proposed innovative strategies to help traditional media remain competitive in a digital-first era. His research emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue streams and maintaining credibility in an evolving media landscape. Warner’s academic journey was supervised by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, and Professor Pooran Bridgemohan. Accompanied by his supervisors, Warner received a warm reception from President Christine Kangaloo and acting UTT president Rean Maharaj. He was among seven PhD graduates during the morning session and made history as UTT’s oldest doctoral recipient. Warner, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, expressed his elation, stating that his achievement proves ‘education does not have a shelf life.’ He credited his professors, family, and colleagues for their unwavering support during challenging moments. Warner also shared his hope that his accomplishment would inspire young people in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Currently studying law, Warner continues his educational journey, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. His son, Daryll, expressed pride in his father’s determination and success, vowing to follow in his footsteps. Warner’s academic triumph comes after a decade-long extradition case related to corruption charges during his FIFA tenure collapsed in the High Court on September 23. Justice Karen Reid ruled that the extradition process was ‘flawed,’ marking a significant legal victory for Warner. Reflecting on his journey, Warner emphasized his mission to rebuild his life and reputation.

A recent flight experience on Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has sparked criticism from a passenger, highlighting significant issues with in-flight service. The incident occurred on Flight BW481 from Fort Lauderdale to Piarco on November 2, 2025. Despite a two-hour delay, the passenger noted that airport and desk staff were courteous and apologetic. However, the situation deteriorated once onboard. A flight attendant’s inappropriate remark about passengers using the restroom caused embarrassment, particularly among elderly travelers. Throughout the flight, the attendant displayed a belligerent attitude, including mocking passengers struggling with overhead bins and dismissing inquiries about meal options. The passenger, a frequent flyer with 50 years of experience, described the attendant’s behavior as the worst they had encountered. Despite CAL’s accolades, including being named the Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand for the ninth consecutive year and receiving the APEX Five-Star Major Airline rating, the passenger urged the airline’s management to address these service shortcomings to maintain its esteemed reputation.