Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • New ADB board ‘imminent’ as cabinet completes due diligence

    New ADB board ‘imminent’ as cabinet completes due diligence

    Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram has confirmed that the appointment of a new governing board for the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB) is progressing, though the process has encountered unexpected delays due to rigorous Cabinet-level vetting procedures. The minister made these statements following a ceremonial distribution of Brazilian green dwarf coconut seedlings at the Central Experiment Station in Centeno on December 1.

    Minister Ratiram emphasized that multiple proposed board configurations have undergone Cabinet review in recent weeks, with each candidate subjected to comprehensive background verification and eligibility assessments. “The Cabinet, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, ensures all board appointees fully meet statutory requirements,” Ratiram stated, acknowledging the time-consuming nature of these mandatory checks.

    The future board’s mandate will encompass establishing policy direction, strategic oversight, and addressing operational challenges including workforce management issues. While expressing urgency for the board’s installation, Ratiram declined to specify particular matters awaiting board attention, preferring to let the incoming directors address them upon formal appointment.

    Regarding agricultural concerns beyond the banking sector, Minister Ratiram directly addressed circulating rumors about fertilizer shortages affecting rice cultivation. He categorically dismissed these claims, asserting that multiple fertilizer varieties remain commercially available and that ministry researchers are actively evaluating optimal formulations for current crops.

    The minister revealed that the rice industry is currently in replanting phase following recent harvests, with seed distribution already completed. While acknowledging some concerns regarding germination rates, Ratiram confirmed ongoing collaboration between the ministry and relevant boards to address these agricultural challenges.

    Ratiram concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to agricultural development, highlighting ongoing support programs ranging from genetic seed improvement to water management initiatives and extension services.

  • SRPs walk out on TTPS top brass

    SRPs walk out on TTPS top brass

    A high-stakes meeting between Special Reserve Police (SRP) officers and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) leadership dissolved into confrontation on December 3rd, culminating in a walkout by frustrated SRP members. The conflict emerged during discussions about the planned absorption of 800 SRP officers into the regular police force.

    The tension ignited when an SRP officer offered a ‘special good morning’ to two specific senior officials, noting ‘I know the two of allyuh are honest men!’ This perceived implication of dishonesty among other commanders prompted an immediate backlash. A senior officer abruptly cut the microphone, declaring, ‘I’m not going to take this disrespect! If those two are honest people, then the rest of us are dishonest?’

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Curt Simon intervened to restore order, emphasizing the structured nature of police recruitment protocols. ‘The TTPS is not a market or a parlour,’ Simon stated, explaining that while entry requirements had been relaxed for SRPs, certain criteria remained non-negotiable. The academic requirement of a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) pass in English emerged as a particular point of contention.

    Simon delivered the controversial assertion that sparked the walkout: ‘Nobody is owed anything! Even a civilian trying to get into the TTPS is not owed the right to walk into the TTPS.’ When challenged by an SRP officer, Simon reiterated his position: ‘You can doubt it, but you are not owed the right,’ prompting several officers to exit the meeting in protest.

    In subsequent remarks to Newsday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin characterized the incident as an isolated occurrence driven by ‘heightened emotions.’ He explained that the absorption process, authorized by cabinet note, requires two years of service, a CSEC pass in English (reduced from the standard five passes), and successful completion of polygraph and psychometric testing.

    Benjamin acknowledged that some officers ‘felt disenfranchised’ realizing they wouldn’t qualify, but emphasized that police executives remained committed to the absorption initiative. ‘This executive, we are fighting for our SRP officers,’ Benjamin insisted, noting his personal benefit from a similar process years earlier. He outlined ongoing efforts to improve SRP working conditions, including pension benefits, gratuity arrangements, and promotion pathways through collaboration with the TTPS Social Welfare Association.

  • TTCSI warns gaming tax hike threatens bars sector

    TTCSI warns gaming tax hike threatens bars sector

    Trinidad and Tobago’s service sector is raising urgent alarms over the government’s proposed 400% amusement gaming tax increase, warning it could trigger widespread business closures and unemployment. Dianne Joseph, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), emphasized that the drastic jump from $6,000 to $25,000 annually per gaming machine would disproportionately impact small and medium-sized bars that depend on this revenue stream.

    Joseph stressed that while the TTCSI acknowledges the government’s revenue generation and regulatory objectives, the current proposal threatens economic stability. She advocated for a collaborative approach that balances fiscal needs with industry sustainability, noting that genuine consultation with stakeholders is essential for developing viable alternatives.

    The coalition joins two major industry associations—TT Coalition of Bars and Restaurants (TTCOBAR) and Barkeepers Owners/Operators Association of TT (BOATT)—in characterizing the tax measure as potentially more devastating than the pandemic for community-based establishments. These organizations have urged bar owners to lobby their parliamentary representatives, particularly government MPs, before the proposal reaches debate.

    In response to growing concerns, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh maintained that government ministries remain open to dialogue with all stakeholders. However, he acknowledged not having reviewed specific industry figures or statements regarding the proposed tax increase.

    The industry consensus warns that without compromise, the tax hike could eliminate thousands of jobs and create significant social distress, particularly affecting households with children across the nation.

  • Senator: Government must not retreat on responsibility to fight crime

    Senator: Government must not retreat on responsibility to fight crime

    Independent Senator Dr. Marlene Attzs has issued a stark warning to the Trinidad and Tobago government, cautioning against abdicating its fundamental responsibility for public safety through the proposed Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025. During Senate deliberations on December 2, Attzs challenged the administration’s approach to combating crime, arguing that the legislation effectively shifts the burden of security from the state to ordinary citizens.

    The senator directly addressed previous comments by government senator Dr. Kirk Meighoo regarding the UNC’s campaign promise to reduce crime by 50% over five years. ‘The government cannot retreat from the battle it was elected to fight,’ Attzs declared, emphasizing that public safety constitutes an essential public good that must be delivered by the state rather than privatized.

    Attzs characterized the proposed stand-your-ground legislation as potentially signaling ‘a quiet retreat by the state from perhaps its most fundamental duty.’ She interpreted the bill’s underlying message as essentially telling citizens that the government acknowledges the mammoth scale of the crime problem and cannot guarantee public safety, thereby transferring the responsibility for self-defense to individuals.

    The senator expressed particular concern about the legislation potentially creating a ‘license to kill’ mentality, contradicting government descriptions of the bill as empowering citizens. ‘This is not empowerment,’ Attzs argued. ‘It is the privatization of violence and the outsourcing of the state’s most sacred duty to thousands of frightened, untrained, unsupported individuals.’

    Attzs further warned that the legislation would transform safety from a guaranteed public right into a ‘private gamble,’ replacing organized state-managed security with ad-hoc household-by-household defense. She noted the particular danger of disproportionate impact, explaining that ‘when violence is privatized, it is not privatized evenly,’ with resource-rich individuals able to fortify themselves while marginalized communities become more vulnerable.

    Citing international research, Attzs highlighted that stand-your-ground laws typically increase rather than reduce crime rates and disproportionately harm marginalized communities. She also questioned the timing of the legislation, noting it emerges amid a ‘troubling policy vacuum’ without a coherent national crime strategy and while criminal justice institutions remain ‘on some kind of life support.’

    While expressing empathy for government senator Brian Baig’s personal experience with home invasion trauma, Attzs cautioned that fear-based narratives should not form the foundation of lawmaking. The Senate continues its debate on the controversial legislation, which has sparked significant discussion about the state’s role in ensuring public safety.

  • IDA searching for replacement for Belle Garden/Glamorgan

    IDA searching for replacement for Belle Garden/Glamorgan

    The Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) has terminated its association with prospective candidate Tevin Duke following his criminal conviction for repeatedly violating a protective order. Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus, political leader of the Tobago-based party, confirmed the immediate removal of Duke as their intended representative for the Belle Garden/Glamorgan constituency.

    The development emerged just days after the IDA unveiled its candidate list for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12. Upon learning of Duke’s sentencing on December 3, the party convened an emergency executive meeting to address the situation.

    In an official statement released on December 4, the IDA emphasized its commitment to integrity, accountability, and public safety as core values that necessitated swift action. The party expressed particular concern about the nature of the offense, noting that violations of protective orders involving family safety represent serious breaches of trust.

    The 30-year-old Tobago farmer received a three-month, 24-day prison sentence after pleading guilty to his third violation of a protection order. Magistrate Avion Gill of the Scarborough Second Court handed down the sentence on December 3, with court records indicating Duke had previously served two jail terms for similar offenses.

    The IDA has initiated its internal ethical review process and is currently vetting two potential replacement candidates. Party officials indicated a new candidate for the district would be announced shortly to ensure adequate representation for Belle Garden/Glamorgan constituents.

    While acknowledging the regrettable nature of the incident, the party maintains its focus on the upcoming THA elections, reaffirming its commitment to protecting women, families, and vulnerable individuals across Tobago.

  • Tertiary education minister: Skilled workers still in demand

    Tertiary education minister: Skilled workers still in demand

    In a significant stride toward digital inclusion, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training has unveiled a refurbished Mobile Computer Training Unit—dubbed the ICT Bus—to deliver technology education directly to underserved communities. The initiative, launched December 5 at Marabella North Secondary School, represents a national commitment to equitable skills development in an increasingly digital economy.

    Minister Prof Prakash Persad, the keynote speaker, highlighted a crucial paradox in global technological advancement: while artificial intelligence dominates headlines and investments, the actual surge in demand is for skilled tradespeople who build and maintain digital infrastructure. “Without the technicians who put up the buildings and maintain the computers, there could be no AI,” Persad stated. “New skills must not replace the old ones; they must coexist.”

    He emphasized that despite massive global investments in data centers—exceeding US$50 billion in the United States alone—the pressing need remains for plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. Persad urged citizens to value all forms of honest work, reminding youth that every profession contributing to digital infrastructure is “honorable and essential.”

    The ICT Bus, operated by the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP), symbolizes mobility, inclusion, and national readiness. Equipped with computers, internet access, and learning software, it will offer digital literacy, mobile app development, web design, AI workflow training, CAD, and graphic design to diverse beneficiaries including youth, adults seeking retraining, and community organizations.

    YTEPP Chairman Dr. Maurice Jones described the vehicle as “more than the unveiling of a vehicle; it is hope, opportunity, and proof that no citizen should be left behind.” He committed that the bus would actively travel to communities where digital training needs are most urgent.

    Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh, who recently attended a Commonwealth parliamentary conference on responsible AI in Malaysia, emphasized the economic imperative of workforce recalibration. “The recalibration of our national workforce is not optional; it is an economic imperative,” he stated, urging students to maximize the program’s benefits.

    The launch event featured guided tours of the mobile unit where students will develop skills prioritized by modern labor markets: adaptability, analytical acuity, and digital fluency. Across all addresses, a unified message emerged: as Trinidad and Tobago advances toward a knowledge-driven future, no community or learner should be excluded from the digital transformation.

  • Soca Sliders snare 5th place in Park City

    Soca Sliders snare 5th place in Park City

    The Trinidad and Tobago national bobsleigh team continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency in international competition, achieving their fifth consecutive extended podium finish at the Park City leg of the North American Cup on December 3. The four-man crew, affectionately known as the ‘Soca Sliders,’ captured fifth position among fifteen competing nations with a combined time of 1:37.51 across two heats.

    Piloted by Axel Brown with team members Xaverri Williams, Shakeel John, and Micah Moore, the Caribbean squad delivered a strong opening run of 48.66 seconds followed by a slightly slower second descent of 48.85 seconds. This performance marks their third top-five finish within a fortnight, building upon fourth and fifth placements achieved during the previous Whistler, Canada leg of the competition circuit.

    The victory was claimed by Brazil’s quartet featuring Edson Bindilatti, Davidson De Souza, Rafael Da Silva, and Edson Martins, who clocked an impressive 1:36.87. South Korea secured second position (1:37.23), while Canada claimed third (1:37.25) in a tightly contested event.

    The Park City event follows an exceptional achievement by the Trinidadian team just four days prior, when the pairing of Brown and De Aundre John captured silver in the two-man bobsleigh event—the nation’s strongest performance in the young season. As of December 4, the team was scheduled for additional four-man competition, though results remained pending at time of reporting.

  • UWI Arts Percussion Ensemble presents Last Christmas

    UWI Arts Percussion Ensemble presents Last Christmas

    The University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus will host a special seasonal performance titled “Last Christmas: J9’s Legacy” on December 6th, marking the farewell concert for longtime ensemble director Dr. Jeannine Remy. The event will commence at 6 PM at the RBL Building on campus.

    This year’s production signifies the culmination of Dr. Remy’s influential tenure, during which she has mentored and shaped multiple generations of student musicians. The performance promises to deliver a vibrant musical experience that blends innovation with tradition through creative arrangements and original compositions.

    The program will feature diverse musical selections ranging from contemporary film music including “Show Yourself” from Frozen 2 to traditional holiday favorites such as “Carol of the Bells” and the perennial classic “Sleigh Ride.” The evening aims to create an atmosphere of rhythmic energy, nostalgic reflection, and festive celebration.

    Adding cultural depth to the performance, The UWI Arts African Drumology group will present a powerful rhythmic component that introduces an authentic African musical dimension to the holiday celebration.

    For additional information regarding the event, interested parties may contact marissa.brooks@uwi.edu or kylah.ramsoobhag@uwi.edu.

  • Ansa McAl, Alstons Shipping defeat German company’s claim for $58m

    Ansa McAl, Alstons Shipping defeat German company’s claim for $58m

    In a significant legal ruling, the Trinidad and Tobago High Court has delivered a decisive victory to ANSA McAl Ltd and Alstons Shipping Ltd by dismissing a $58 million lawsuit filed by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft. Justice Margaret Mohammed granted summary judgment in favor of the local companies, determining that the claimant had no realistic prospect of successfully proving its allegations.

    The dispute originated from 2021 shipping incidents involving allegedly hazardous fuel oil that leaked from containers, causing contamination at port facilities in Spain and Jamaica. Hapag-Lloyd sought substantial damages claiming breach of contract, negligence, misrepresentation, and failure to meet common law duties in transporting the goods.

    Justice Mohammed’s ruling systematically dismantled the German company’s case, noting the complete absence of evidence demonstrating that ANSA McAl or Alstons Shipping obtained any unjust benefit or gain. The court found that Hapag-Lloyd failed to establish the fundamental elements required for claims of unjust enrichment or restitution.

    Crucially, the judgment clarified that Alstons Shipping acted as booking agents for Hapag-Lloyd under an established agency agreement, with responsibilities limited to marketing, sales, and cargo reservations rather than physical shipment handling. The court accepted the defendants’ argument that they reasonably relied on descriptions provided by the goods’ source company, Avani Environmental Group, which had classified the fuel oil as non-hazardous.

    The ruling emphasized that the defendants were not involved in loading, inspection, or verification of goods before shipment, nor did they guarantee accuracy of weight and volume information supplied by third parties. Justice Mohammed determined that the contract of carriage existed between Hapag-Lloyd, West Indian Logistics, and another company called Mundra Oil, not the ANSA McAl subsidiaries.

    In addition to dismissing the substantial claim, the court ordered Hapag-Lloyd to pay legal costs totaling $524,655.25, with 55% ($288,560.39) immediately payable since the matter had progressed beyond initial case management conferences. The legal teams representing both sides included prominent attorneys Shiv Sharma, Asif Hosein-Shah, and Nyree Alfonso for the defendants, while Marguerite Woodstock-Riley, KC, and Curtis Cave represented the claimant.

  • NGO backs PM’s ban on fetes, noise pollution crackdown

    NGO backs PM’s ban on fetes, noise pollution crackdown

    In a significant development regarding noise pollution management, the non-governmental organization Citizens Against Noise Pollution of TT (CANPTT) has declared full endorsement of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration’s recent policy to limit certain national venues for high-intensity leisure activities. The December 4 statement from CANPTT characterized the government’s intervention as both timely and necessary for safeguarding public welfare.

    The organization emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago’s communities have endured decades of excessive noise disruption that adversely affects sleep patterns, academic performance, work productivity, and overall quality of life. This statement emerged shortly after the TT Promoters Association (TTPA) conducted a press conference in Port of Spain, urging authorities to reverse what they termed a ‘discriminatory’ prohibition on utilizing state-owned facilities including the Brian Lara Cricket Academy for festive events.

    While acknowledging concerns regarding operational and economic challenges faced by event organizers, CANPTT maintained that commercial interests cannot supersede citizens’ fundamental rights to residential tranquility. The organization referenced consultations with acoustic engineers who confirmed that noise levels at major events can be effectively managed through technical adjustments and real-time monitoring systems.

    CANPTT cited international precedents from Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom where large-scale cultural festivals successfully implement stringent noise regulations without diminishing artistic quality or audience enjoyment. The organization, under president Joey Maharaj’s leadership, contends that Trinidad’s Carnival and other cultural celebrations could be enhanced through scientifically-grounded noise management practices aligned with World Health Organization guidelines.

    The NGO criticized promoters for focusing on financial impacts while neglecting to propose practical solutions such as sound-level modifications, curfew implementations, or adherence to international noise standards. CANPTT urged maintained restrictions until enforceable national noise-control standards are established, while expressing readiness to collaborate with both government and event promoters to develop evidence-based policies that balance cultural preservation, commercial interests, and community wellbeing.

    CANPTT concluded that national progress should be measured not merely by economic indicators but through protection of citizens’ health, dignity, and fundamental rights, asserting that public health considerations must take precedence over unrestricted commercial entertainment operations.