标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The story of British West Indian Airways (BWIA) is a testament to the resilience and strategic foresight of the Caribbean aviation industry. Established in 1941 during the tumultuous years of World War II, BWIA emerged as a vital lifeline for the British colonies in the West Indies, which were isolated due to the suspension of air services by major international carriers like Pan American World Airways and Royal Dutch Airlines. The UK Air Ministry proposed the creation of a regional airline based in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), a vision that materialized with the involvement of Lowell Yerex, founder of Transportes Aeros Centro Americanoes (TACA).

Yerex, with the support of Lady Young, wife of Governor Sir Hubert Young, initiated BWIA as a public limited liability company in 1943. The airline began operations with two Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar aircraft, offering daily services from TT to Barbados. The initial share capital of $1 million was allocated with 60% to Yerex, 20% to TT, and 20% to the West Indian public. Over time, the shareholding structure evolved, with Yerex selling 40% of his stake to American interests in TACA, prompting a strategic decision to ensure British control over the airline.

BWIA rapidly expanded its route network, connecting islands across the Eastern Caribbean and extending services to Dominica, Jamaica, and Belize by 1944. The airline also secured contracts with the United States Army Engineer Department, operating flights between Miami and Trinidad. Airmail services were introduced, charging five cents per half-ounce letter, further solidifying BWIA’s role in regional connectivity.

In 1947, British South American Airways Corporation (BSAA) acquired BWIA, restructuring it as a private limited company in 1948. The new entity, British West Indian Airways Ltd, inherited exclusive rights to operate inter-island services and carry mail, supported by government subsidies and infrastructure provisions. The merger of BOAC and BSAA in 1949 further strengthened BWIA’s position, integrating operations with British Caribbean Airways Ltd and establishing navigation and engineering schools in Trinidad to enhance technical standards.

By the 1950s, BWIA had fully paid up its issued capital of $2.5 million and expanded its services to include routes between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, marking a significant milestone in its evolution as a regional aviation leader. The story of BWIA continues in Part II, highlighting its enduring legacy in Caribbean aviation.

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal has reinstated NOVO Technology’s multimillion-dollar claim against the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT), overturning a High Court decision that had dismissed the case as an abuse of process. The appeal, presided over by Justices Peter Rajkumar, Ronnie Boodoosingh, and James Aboud, unanimously found that NOVO’s second claim, filed after the termination of a contract during the COVID-19 pandemic, was legitimate and not an abuse of process. The judges criticized the High Court’s earlier decision, stating that it had erred in striking out the claim. NOVO is seeking over $50 million in damages for alleged breach of contract and non-payment, following what it claims was an unlawful termination by the AATT under a force majeure clause. The Court of Appeal emphasized that the doctrine of abuse of process should only apply where a defendant can demonstrate oppression or harassment, which the AATT failed to prove. The court ordered the consolidation of NOVO’s first and second claims, remitting the case to a new High Court judge for case management and trial. The ruling also highlighted that the matters in dispute arose after the initial suit was filed, making the second claim a genuine subject of litigation. Additionally, the court ordered the AATT to pay NOVO’s legal costs, totaling $262,500. This decision paves the way for the continuation of the airport modernization project, which includes the installation of eGates, boarding gates, and automated kiosks designed to streamline immigration processing and reduce passenger wait times. NOVO has previously implemented similar border control systems in Guyana, significantly improving efficiency and traveler convenience.

The longstanding partnership between Nutrien, the world’s largest upstream fertilizer producer, and Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is now at risk due to a financial impasse with the state-owned National Gas Company (NGC). The dispute, centered around a $610 million debt owed by companies using the Point Lisas port, has forced Nutrien to initiate a phased shutdown of its operations in the region. This development threatens not only the company’s future but also the livelihoods of hundreds of workers and TT’s reputation as a global leader in the petrochemical sector.

Nutrien, formed in 2018 through the merger of PCS and Agrium Inc., has been a key player in TT’s economy, leveraging the country’s natural gas resources to produce ammonia and urea for global markets. However, declining natural gas production, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has strained operations. In 2020, Nutrien announced the indefinite closure of one of its four ammonia plants, and production levels have since fallen significantly from their peak.

Despite these challenges, Nutrien has shown commitment to TT, investing $130 million in 2024 for facility upgrades and maintenance. However, the recent shutdown announcement on October 21, set to take effect on October 23, has raised concerns among local business and energy chambers. The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham TT) and the Energy Chamber have called for collaboration to resolve the issue, emphasizing the need to maintain TT’s attractiveness as an energy investment destination.

NGC’s subsidiary, the National Energy Corporation (NEC), has issued formal notices to companies with significant arrears, warning of suspended access to port facilities if payments are not cleared. NEC has also mandated that service tariffs be paid exclusively in US dollars, a move that has added to the financial pressure on operators.

Minister of Energy Roodal Moonilal confirmed ongoing discussions with Nutrien and other stakeholders, but no resolution has been reached. The shutdown’s potential impact on TT’s economy and employment has sparked calls for urgent negotiations to avert a crisis. As the situation unfolds, the fate of Nutrien’s operations in TT remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the country’s petrochemical ambitions.

The Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Skills Certificate has emerged as a transformative tool for skilled Caribbean nationals, enabling them to live, work, and thrive across member states without the need for a work permit. This initiative, formally known as the Certificate of Recognition of Caricom Skills Qualification, has empowered hundreds of individuals to pursue careers, establish businesses, and maintain family unity while relocating to another Caribbean country.

The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) recently hosted members of the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (TTIFMA) for an insightful tour of its Macoya headquarters on October 22. The visit underscored the critical role of standards, testing, and measurement in ensuring safe and efficient facilities nationwide. Participants explored various laboratories, including chemical, electrical, fibre, and materials testing units, as well as the metrology division, which offers calibration services for mass, pressure, temperature, and electrical measurements. The tour emphasized the application of international standards, such as ISO 15189:2022, to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness in facility management. Acting TTBS Executive Director Karlene Lewis described the event as a vital link between science, standards, and sustainability, highlighting the importance of integrating technical standards into everyday operations to enhance safety, efficiency, and quality of life. TTBS and TTIFMA also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s national quality infrastructure and ensuring compliance with global standards. Edward Kacal, Chair of the National Mirror Committee, praised the collaboration for fostering professional practice and operational excellence in the country.

In a strategic move to consolidate its presence in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Andean region, Philip Morris International (PMI) has established the new Philip Morris CCA (Caribbean, Central America, and Andean) cluster. This initiative aims to unify over 30 countries under a single operational framework, enhancing market development and regional integration. PMI emphasized that this decision underscores its dedication to fostering growth and opportunities within these diverse markets. The newly formed cluster will leverage PMI’s extensive multi-category portfolio, positioning Trinidad and Tobago (TT) as a pivotal hub for the Caribbean community. Concurrently, PMI announced the appointment of Dominic Lau as the new commercial manager for TT and the Caribbean Community (Caricom). Lau will spearhead the expansion of Philip Morris TT Ltd’s (PMTT) product portfolio, focusing on offering reduced-harm alternatives for adult smokers and ensuring responsible commercialization practices. This dual announcement highlights PMI’s commitment to innovation and regional development.