标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago is set to commence the distribution of laptops to students, starting on November 27. This initiative, announced in a media release on November 26, will first benefit students of Penal Secondary School. The distribution ceremony will be attended by Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath, senior ministry executives, and other government officials.

In a significant legal ruling, the High Court has dismissed all charges against Akim Jaggernauth, a Tunapuna man who spent five months in remand. The charges, which included shooting with intent, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition, were dropped after Master Rehanna Hosein found that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him. The decision followed a sufficiency hearing, where the court identified serious gaps in the evidence presented. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on a civilian witness who claimed to have seen Jaggernauth holding an object resembling a firearm before hearing explosions. However, the court noted that no firearm, ammunition, or spent shells were recovered, and there was no ballistic, medical, or forensic evidence to support the allegations. Additionally, a police search of Jaggernauth’s home yielded no weapons or clothing described in witness statements. Master Hosein emphasized that the witness’s account was inconsistent and lacked credibility, as he admitted to never seeing Jaggernauth fire anything. She concluded that the evidence, even at its highest, could not support a conviction. The court ordered Jaggernauth’s discharge on all counts under Section 24 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act. Defence attorney Yves Jacques Nicholson welcomed the ruling, stating that it reaffirms the importance of sufficiency hearings as a procedural safeguard in the criminal justice system. He emphasized that no one should stand trial based on conjecture or inference without a proper evidential foundation.

In a heartfelt tribute, Arthur Dash, a junior counsel who has worked alongside Senior Counsel Israel Khan for over 24 years, celebrates Khan’s recent accolade—an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree from the University of TT. This prestigious honor recognizes Khan’s exceptional contributions to the legal profession, particularly his distinguished advocacy at the Criminal Bar of TT and his 38-year tenure as a tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS).

Khan, a 1979 graduate of HWLS, was appointed Senior Counsel in 2000. His career has been marked by brilliance, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice. In 2024, HWLS honored him as one of seven distinguished Caribbean luminaries during its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Dash, who has witnessed Khan’s legal prowess firsthand, describes him as a shining example for young attorneys. Khan’s dedication to justice and his profound impact on the legal field make this honorary degree a well-deserved recognition. Dash extends his heartfelt congratulations to Khan for this remarkable achievement.

The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that had dismissed disciplinary findings and lifted the suspension of Dr. Dion Koonoolal, a dentist accused of violating the Dental Council’s advertising regulations. The case has been remitted to a newly constituted appeal tribunal for a full rehearing. Justices Charmaine Pemberton, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Carla Brown-Antoine ruled that Justice Carol Gobin, acting as the appeal tribunal, failed to conduct the case as a true rehearing, as mandated by Section 37 of the Dental Profession Act and Part 60.8 of the Civil Proceedings Rules (CPR).

Justice Pemberton, who authored the unanimous judgment, stated that this procedural lapse prevented the proper examination of evidence, including cross-examination, rendering the earlier decision “plainly wrong.” She emphasized that the appeal judge did not ensure all necessary evidence was presented, relying instead on statements from counsel and personal opinions. This approach, the court found, led to factual errors and an incorrect dismissal of the Dental Council’s statutory role as the profession’s primary regulator.

The Court of Appeal underscored the importance of appellate courts respecting the expertise of professional disciplinary bodies, particularly in specialized fields. It concluded that the High Court had undermined the role Parliament intended for the Dental Council in maintaining professional standards. While Dr. Koonoolal had challenged the fairness of the disciplinary process, the court declined to rule on these issues, noting they were not properly examined during the initial appeal.

The court also clarified that the regulatory framework explicitly prohibits unauthorized advertising by dentists, subject to specific exceptions. It rejected any interpretation suggesting ambiguity in the law, stating that the policy documents complement rather than contradict the legislative provisions. The court emphasized that debates about modernizing professional codes should not interfere with judicial obligations to base decisions on evidence and legal frameworks.

The appeal was allowed, the High Court’s decision was set aside, and the case was ordered to be reheard by a different tribunal. Dr. Koonoolal was also directed to pay the Dental Council’s legal costs. The Dental Council was represented by Ian Benjamin, SC, Anil Maraj, and Nicole de Verteuil-Milne, while Dr. Koonoolal was represented by Anand Ramlogal, SC, and Jared Jagroo.

Former Trinidad and Tobago Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has urged an investigation into a Central Trinidad caterer following reports of dead lizards discovered in roti intended for school meals. The incident, reported by the Trinidad Guardian on November 25, involved rotis supplied by a Freeport-based roti maker to a company contracted under the National School Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL). The contamination was reportedly detected before the meals reached students. This is not the first time the caterer has faced scrutiny; their services were previously suspended due to concerns over water quality at their facility. Dr. Gadsby-Dolly expressed deep concern, emphasizing that over 62,000 students across Trinidad and Tobago rely on state-provided breakfast and lunch. She called for updated protocols and a thorough investigation, noting that the supplier had allegedly faced similar issues in the past. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has pledged to follow up on the matter. The NSDSL’s School Nutrition Programme (SNP) serves approximately 54,000 breakfasts and 79,000 lunches daily to over 800 schools, relying on 68 caterers nationwide. The programme aims to provide a significant portion of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of nutrients through structured menu planning and strict adherence to food safety guidelines.

Israel Khan QC, a renowned Senior Counsel and esteemed tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by the University of TT. This prestigious accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to the legal profession, particularly in criminal law, rather than academic achievements alone. Khan, a graduate of the HWLS Class of 1979, has been a pivotal figure at the institution for 38 years, mentoring countless aspiring lawyers. In 2024, he was celebrated as one of the six distinguished Caribbean luminaries during HWLS’s 50th anniversary. Appointed Senior Counsel in 2000, Khan has demonstrated unparalleled brilliance, moral courage, and dedication to justice throughout his career. Ulric Skerritt, a junior counsel who collaborated with Khan for over 24 years, praised his integrity and unwavering commitment to fairness. Khan’s legacy continues to inspire young attorneys, and this honorary degree is a testament to his enduring impact on the legal field.