标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) is set to engage in crucial discussions with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development on November 21, following the government’s recent ban on major venues for Carnival fetes and concerts. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, targets government-managed sporting facilities, including the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Hasely Crawford Stadium, and Jean Pierre Complex, restricting their use to a nine-day window during Carnival week. The move aims to mitigate noise pollution, with events now mandated to operate strictly between 12 noon and 10 pm. Carnival 2026 is scheduled for February 16 and 17. TTPA president Robert Thompson revealed that a membership meeting will precede the government discussions to consolidate promoters’ perspectives, with a public media release expected thereafter. Prominent figures like Randy Glasgow have advocated for dialogue with the Prime Minister, proposing financial bonds as a deterrent against noise violations. Meanwhile, private venues such as Queen’s Park Oval (QP) have expressed willingness to collaborate with promoters. QP president Dr. Nigel Camacho emphasized the venue’s commitment to accommodating events within regulatory frameworks, despite challenges like residential proximity and parking constraints. Camacho highlighted the need for a balanced approach, respecting both Carnival traditions and community well-being, while ensuring competitive pricing for venue rentals. This development presents an opportunity to harmonize cultural festivities with environmental and social considerations.

Nestled in the picturesque hillside above the authentic Caribbean fishing village of Castara, Tobago, Castara Retreats offers more than just a scenic escape. This boutique eco-lodge, established 25 years ago, has evolved into a model of regenerative tourism, blending sustainability with community engagement and environmental restoration. With 17 self-catering units, a Caribbean Kitchen restaurant, and a wellness space connected by tropical garden footpaths, the retreat provides a unique experience that immerses visitors in nature and local culture. Accommodations, crafted from local cypress and cedar, resemble treehouse sanctuaries, offering panoramic views of Castara’s Big Bay and the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. At its core, Castara Retreats is not just about hospitality; it’s about fostering meaningful connections between visitors, the environment, and the community. Regenerative tourism, a concept gaining traction globally, goes beyond sustainability by actively improving destinations. Castara Retreats exemplifies this through initiatives like interpretive walks led by local guides, pollinator sanctuaries, and partnerships with community entrepreneurs. The retreat’s ‘no fences’ policy encourages guests to explore the village, support local businesses, and engage with traditions like handmade fishing nets and communal bread baking. Additionally, Castara Retreats collaborates with the Environmental Research Institute of Charlotteville, channeling tourist dollars into conservation and community projects. Recognized with the Green Key eco-label for its transparency and commitment, Castara Retreats is setting a benchmark for ethical tourism in an era of climate risk and shifting consumer values. By prioritizing small-scale, eco-friendly, and community-rooted practices, Castara Retreats is not only preserving Tobago’s natural beauty but also ensuring its sustainable future.

The promotion processes within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) remain in a state of uncertainty as appellate courts deliberate on two separate cases involving senior and junior officers. On November 18, Justices of Appeal Prakash Moosai, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell reserved their decision on an appeal challenging a 2024 High Court ruling. The court had found that the TTPS unlawfully used a departmental order in promotion assessments for at least 30 constables and unreasonably delayed interviews for advancement to corporal. A separate appeal, impacting inspectors seeking promotion to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), has been adjourned indefinitely. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged the adverse effects of these stalled promotions in a November 19 media statement. He emphasized the loss of hundreds of years of combined expertise and millions of dollars in succession planning investments, as experienced officers reach mandatory retirement age without promotion opportunities. Guevarro expressed empathy for affected officers and citizens, stating that the nation is deprived of their skills and experience during a critical time. Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed the TTPS’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice. The legal disputes stem from a 2024 ruling by Justice Westmin James, who condemned the Promotion Advisory Board for improperly applying criteria outside the Police Service Regulations and delaying interviews for over a decade. James ordered the board to create a revised Order of Merit List using lawful criteria and awarded damages to affected officers. The ongoing appeals continue to disrupt the TTPS’s ability to address staffing and leadership needs effectively.