Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • 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.

  • Bullied schoolgirl resumes learning at new school

    Bullied schoolgirl resumes learning at new school

    After enduring a two-year educational hiatus resulting from systemic bureaucratic delays, 14-year-old Annalisa (pseudonym) has successfully resumed her secondary education following intervention from Arima MP Pennelope Beckles’ office. The teenager’s academic journey had been abruptly halted when her parents withdrew her from school during her first term of Form One due to persistent bullying incidents.

    The case exemplifies administrative inefficiencies within Trinidad and Tobago’s educational transfer system, where the student’s application languished without resolution for multiple academic years. The breakthrough occurred when media coverage prompted direct action from Beckles’ constituency office in November.

    Within hours of contacting the Ministry of Education in Port of Spain, the family completed registration procedures and obtained necessary textbooks through expedited channels. The student commenced classes on November 24 at her new institution, where staff and classmates have provided comprehensive support to facilitate her academic transition.

    Despite joining during examination period, the student has demonstrated remarkable resilience, completing assessments while receiving supplementary instructional materials from peers. Educational professionals have adopted accommodating approaches to ensure her successful integration into the new learning environment.

    The resolution underscores the critical role of political representation in addressing constituent challenges and highlights persistent systemic issues in educational administrative processes that require structural reform.

  • Dowlath pledges support for Islamic-run schools

    Dowlath pledges support for Islamic-run schools

    In a significant address at the Islamic Development Bank’s Caribbean and Latin American Regional Partnership consultation, Trinidad and Tobago’s Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath committed to including Islamic educational institutions in the government’s comprehensive plan to transform the nation’s education landscape. The December 4th gathering at Trinidad Hilton, St. Ann’s brought together regional Islamic leaders to address critical educational challenges and opportunities.

    Minister Dowlath emphasized the vital role of partnerships with longstanding organizations like the Islamic Missionaries Guild, which has delivered educational services since the 1960s. “This approach isn’t about labeling our children—it’s about lifting them up,” Dowlath stated, outlining the ministry’s enhanced intervention strategies that identify learning challenges from preschool level and provide targeted, wrap-around support involving teachers, families, and specialists.

    The minister highlighted the government’s recent laptop distribution initiative, which received particular appreciation from consultation participants who noted technology access challenges in Islamic-run schools throughout the region. The three-day conference serves as a platform for Islamic organization leaders from across the Caribbean and South America to discuss both challenges facing the faith and opportunities for transformative change.

    Delegates were scheduled to visit local Islamic-operated schools on December 5th, with announcements expected regarding beneficiaries of a Schools and Scholarship Programme. Suleiman Bulbulia, regional director of the Organisation for Islam in Latin America and the Caribbean, noted the growing establishment of Muslim-run schools across the region for both religious and secular learning, describing the consultation as “timely and critical” for developing these institutions into centers of excellence and building capacity for future Muslim generations.

  • PM to support Christian-based credit union

    PM to support Christian-based credit union

    In a significant policy announcement, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has pledged governmental support for establishing religious-oriented institutions, including a values-based educational facility and a faith-driven financial cooperative. The declaration came during her keynote address at the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Christmas gathering on December 4 at the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce.

    Addressing attendees, Persad-Bissessar framed her return to leadership as divinely guided, quoting biblical scripture James 1:17 to emphasize her perception of divinely bestowed responsibility. She articulated that her administration stands ready to evaluate formal proposals for both a church-administered school emphasizing Christian moral formation and a credit union operating on faith-based principles aimed at community economic empowerment.

    The Prime Minister specifically commended FGBMFI for its extensive outreach efforts, noting their nationwide prayer crusades, crisis support programs for vulnerable families, and ministry extensions into correctional facilities and workplaces. She characterized the organization as a crucial stabilizing force during what she described as ‘a decade of hardship and escalating violence,’ praising their role in reinforcing the nation’s ethical and spiritual underpinnings.

    Persad-Bissessar connected these initiatives to broader national objectives, stating that communities founded on ‘faith, discipline and opportunity’ are essential for building a more resilient and compassionate society. She extended an official invitation to the organization to submit detailed plans for governmental review, promising ‘appropriate care and diligence’ in evaluating potential implementations.

    Concluding with seasonal reflections, the Prime Minister called for renewed commitments to integrity and service, invoking Luke 2:14 to underscore her message of peace and goodwill. She expressed confidence that such faith-anchored institutions could substantially contribute to national moral strengthening and community development.

  • Owners hit 400% rise in gaming tax, warn: Bars face closure

    Owners hit 400% rise in gaming tax, warn: Bars face closure

    Trinidad and Tobago’s hospitality sector is facing what industry leaders are calling a “second pandemic” as the government proposes a massive 400% tax increase on amusement gaming machines. The planned hike would raise the annual tax per machine from $6,000 to $25,000, potentially devastating the country’s bar and restaurant industry.

    The TT Coalition of Bars and Restaurants (TTCOBAR) and the Barkeepers Owners/Operators Association of TT (BOATT) have issued a joint warning that this drastic measure could force widespread permanent closures of small and medium-sized establishments. According to industry representatives, many bars rely on gaming revenue to offset operational costs, pay staff salaries, and remain financially viable amid rising expenses for beverages and other commodities.

    BOATT president Satesh Moonessar revealed that the associations had previously met with government officials to discuss potentially reducing gaming taxes and implementing quarterly payment options. “We were under the assumption these requests were being considered,” Moonessar stated, expressing surprise that the government was instead moving forward with a substantial tax increase.

    The economic impact calculations are staggering: a modest bar operating ten gaming machines would see its annual tax liability surge from $60,000 to $250,000—an increase that often exceeds the net profit of many small establishments. Industry representatives estimate approximately 60% of the country’s 2,500 bars depend on gaming machine revenue to remain operational.

    Beyond the direct impact on bars, the associations warn of broader economic consequences including job losses, reduced tax revenue from various sources (VAT, NIS, PAYE, liquor licenses), and potential growth in illegal gaming operations. They emphasize that their position is not about defending gaming machines but about preserving jobs, businesses, and community gathering spaces.

    Both associations are now urging bar owners to contact their Members of Parliament, particularly those in government, to advocate for reconsideration and proper consultation before the proposed changes receive final parliamentary approval.