标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Trinidad and Tobago government has initiated a nationwide infrastructure rehabilitation program targeting deteriorated road networks and public utilities. Works Minister Jearlean John revealed that the Highways Division maintains systematic oversight through biweekly inspections across all eight operational districts, prioritizing interventions based on deterioration severity, traffic volume, and potential risks to public safety.

Minister John detailed specific maintenance challenges, identifying approximately 113 defective manhole covers and over 223 linear meters of damaged pavement along the Southern Main Road corridor alone. The ministry is currently prioritizing procurement of materials for comprehensive repairs while maintaining inventories of missing bridge handrails for future installation as funding becomes available.

Simultaneously, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced an aggressive street light restoration initiative following a comprehensive national audit. The audit revealed widespread aging and outdated lighting infrastructure inherited from previous administrations. Padarath credited newly appointed T&TEC General Manager Ian Ramrattan, who rejoined the organization from Canada’s power sector, with driving rapid improvements in utility infrastructure.

The government acknowledges inherited challenges including outdated power lines causing recent outages in Central and East Coast regions. Officials emphasize shifting focus from loss-yielding mega projects to practical infrastructure upgrades, with both ministries coordinating technical support and funding allocation for nationwide improvements.

Despite the implementation of a State of Emergency (SoE), Trinidad and Tobago continues to grapple with an unrelenting surge in violent crimes, including homicides, kidnappings, and home invasions. Criminologists assert that the government’s reliance on emergency measures constitutes an ineffective, one-dimensional strategy that fails to address the complex nature of criminal activity in the nation.

Official statistics reveal a murder toll of 76 as of 2026, showing only a marginal decrease from 85 recorded during the previous year. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has implemented two States of Emergency since assuming power in April 2025, citing escalating threats from organized criminal networks. This approach follows a similar emergency declaration by the preceding PNM government in December 2024.

Dr. Randy Seepersad, a prominent criminologist, explains that the SoE primarily targets gang-related violence, which accounts for approximately 40% of homicides. ‘The operational methodology involves saturating high-crime zones with joint police and military personnel, which can suppress retaliatory gang killings,’ Seepersad noted. However, he emphasized that 60% of murders—including those stemming from domestic disputes, altercations, and robberies—remain largely unaffected by emergency measures.

Fellow criminologist Daurius Figueira presented a more critical assessment, characterizing the SoE as fundamentally irrelevant to Trinidad’s evolving criminal landscape. He highlighted that emergency measures primarily instill fear in law-abiding citizens rather than deter hardened criminals. ‘In situations of extreme passion or organized criminal disputes, SoEs provide no persuasive deterrent,’ Figueira stated. ‘Transnational criminal operations continue unimpeded, with professional contract killers (sicarios) reemerging as significant threats in 2026.’

Both experts concur that the government’s repetitive use of emergency declarations without accompanying structural reforms represents a ‘dance of futility.’ Figueira particularly criticized the outdated national security apparatus and prison system, warning that correctional facilities risk being overtaken by organized crime. ‘The national security apparatus we have is the creation of politicians—it works for politicians but not for the average citizen,’ he concluded, describing the situation as a ‘deep crisis of civilization.’

The criminologists urge authorities to develop multifaceted strategies that address the diverse causes of violence beyond gang-related activity, emphasizing that sustainable solutions require modernization of security institutions and targeted interventions for domestic violence and other non-gang-related crimes.

Trinidad and Tobago’s telecommunications regulator has launched a formal review of recent television broadcasts containing derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, signaling potential enforcement actions against violators. The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) issued dual communications—a public statement and a direct letter to Guardian Media Ltd—emphasizing broadcasters’ legal obligations to maintain decency standards.

The controversy emerged from a political exchange in Parliament where Persad-Bissessar alleged criminal financing behind opposition headquarters, prompting former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to respond with what many consider gender-based slurs during a CNC3 news broadcast on March 17. The term ‘jamette,’ historically denoting women of low social standing, has sparked widespread condemnation from government officials and civil society groups.

TATT specifically referenced Clause D9(a) of broadcast concessions, which prohibits content that ‘degrades or portrays in negative manner any person or group by reason of race, origin, class, religion or sex.’ The authority highlighted concerns about children potentially witnessing the derogatory remarks during broadcast hours, amplifying the negative impact on perceptions of the Prime Minister’s office.

Guardian Media Ltd’s CNC3 station received formal caution regarding its oversight responsibilities as a national broadcaster. TATT emphasized the necessity for ‘greater monitoring and due diligence’ to prevent offensive language violating concession agreements. The regulator confirmed ongoing examination of the contentious broadcast segments obtained through its Broadcast Content Monitoring system.

This incident has ignited broader discussions about media ethics and political discourse standards in Trinidad and Tobago. TATT maintains that upholding broadcasting standards is essential for fostering a ‘fair and respectful’ media environment reflective of national values.

In a powerful address to graduating students of Morvant Laventille Secondary School, Justice Frank Seepersad delivered a compelling message about personal agency and character development. Speaking at the school’s graduation ceremony held in Morvant on Thursday, the judge emphasized that geographical origins should never limit one’s potential, declaring that individual choices rather than environmental circumstances ultimately determine life trajectories.

Justice Seepersad articulated that sustained success emerges from daily practices of honesty, punctuality, and respect—qualities that form the bedrock of personal integrity. While acknowledging the value of ambitious dreaming, he cautioned that aspirations must be coupled with disciplined effort and conscientious work ethic to yield tangible results.

The judicial figure highlighted the transformative power of personal example, noting that graduates now serve as role models within their communities. He referenced Laventille’s remarkable cultural legacy, including the invention of the steelpan from discarded oil drums by pioneers like Winston “Spree” Simon, as evidence of extraordinary innovation emerging from challenging circumstances.

Celebrating the academic perseverance demonstrated by graduates who balanced domestic responsibilities and navigated difficult environments, Justice Seepersad nevertheless clarified that graduation signifies a commencement rather than conclusion. He warned that forthcoming decisions regarding education, employment, and social associations would carry profound lifelong implications.

The address concluded with an empowering charge: graduates were encouraged to perceive themselves not as products of their environment but as architects of their destiny, capable of transforming personal circumstances into meaningful achievements just as earlier generations transformed scrap metal into internationally celebrated musical instruments.

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago are maintaining their investigative efforts regarding the destructive fire and subsequent explosion that completely devastated the Mitsuda Superstore located in Enterprise. Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste has provided an official update, confirming that while investigations are actively progressing, it remains premature to assign a definitive cause to the incident.

In a recent communication with the Express, Minister Baptiste detailed the collaborative approach being undertaken by two key agencies: the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service. He clarified that while the Fire Service currently holds the primary jurisdictional authority over the investigation, both entities are working in a coordinated manner to ascertain the facts.

The Minister relayed a statement from the executive director of the OSH Agency, which confirmed that safety inspectors are presently on-site conducting thorough enquiries as an integral component of the standard investigative procedure. This process is designed to methodically gather evidence and information.

Concurrently, the OSH Agency has seized the opportunity to reiterate to all employers their statutory obligations under the OSH Act. This mandate includes the critical necessity of maintaining operational fire extinguishers, possessing valid fire certification, and ensuring the completely secure storage of any hazardous materials or chemicals on business premises.

Minister Baptiste further elaborated on the Agency’s broader mission, noting, “OSHA confirms that inspections of warehouses and other facilities are conducted to foster safety. These inspections are executed both proactively and reactively to identify potential risk factors. Our inspectors routinely require industrial establishments to present a valid fire certificate during any investigation process.”

Emphasizing the preliminary stage of the investigation, Baptiste stated that the outcome of these detailed enquiries is expected to yield necessary clarity and information in the coming days.

The tragic event unfolded shortly after midday last Thursday on Longdenville Old Road. The initial fire was followed by a significant explosion, which led to the total destruction of the superstore. The repercussions were severe, resulting in the displacement of dozens of employees and causing damage to several nearby residences, which necessitated the evacuation of multiple residents.

In the aftermath, Mitsuda has announced that its branch in St. Augustine remains operational and continues to serve its customer base.

ENTERPRISE, TRINIDAD — While firefighters continue investigating the origin of Thursday’s catastrophic blaze that destroyed the Mitsuda Superstore on Longdenville Old Road, shell-shocked residents are counting their blessings that no fatalities occurred even as they face substantial property damage.

As cleanup operations persisted through Friday, affected homeowners issued urgent calls for the business owners to convene compensation discussions for their losses. The explosion accompanying the fire inflicted severe structural damage to at least eight neighboring residences, with shattered windows and torn roofing sheets littering properties throughout the community.

Resident Ishwar Lalsaroop, whose home sits directly behind the commercial compound, described the terrifying moment of detonation: “I was behind my truck when suddenly there was a loud boom like something from the movies. Then all the windows shattered simultaneously. If I didn’t know better, I would have said it was a bomb.” The carpenter reported significant damage to his professional equipment and property.

The human impact extended beyond physical damage. Wendell Grimshaw, another resident, revealed his two children—aged 21 and 15—were traumatized while home during the incident. “They had to duck to the ground as glass exploded inward,” Grimshaw recounted. “They were scared and panicked, not knowing what was happening.”

Despite the chaos, the community faced additional challenges as looters attempted to plunder the devastated compound before dawn on Friday. According to watchmen stationed nearby, two separate groups—including one using a child as lookout—attempted to scavenge merchandise from the still-smoldering ruins before being intercepted by authorities.

Fire officials confirmed the blaze initially erupted around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, requiring fourteen continuous hours to contain. While the exact cause remains undetermined, preliminary assessment suggests the fire originated in the western sector housing meats and household items. Reigniting embers necessitated return visits from fire crews throughout Friday.

The business addressed the catastrophe via social media, posting on Facebook: “We are incredibly grateful to confirm that no one was hurt, and the safety of our staff and customers remains our top priority. Mitsuda is more than just a store—it’s a community. With your continued support, we will rebuild and come back stronger than ever.”

Multiple residents and employees received treatment for smoke inhalation after thick plumes engulfed the neighborhood, prompting evacuations of vulnerable residents including children, elderly citizens, and one individual with special needs. Several vehicles sustained damage, and one adjacent residence suffered roof fires.

In a significant address during Eid celebrations at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar drew powerful parallels between the core values of Ramadan and the essential qualities of effective public service. The national leader commended government officials for their dedicated service, emphasizing how their professional contributions reflect the spiritual principles celebrated during the holy month.

Persad-Bissessar articulated the profound connection between Ramadan’s teachings and national development, stating: “Just as Ramadan teaches discipline, consistency and care for others, those same qualities are reflected in the service that you do.” She characterized public service as fundamentally vital work that, while often performed quietly, remains essential to national prosperity and citizen welfare.

The Prime Minister extended her philosophical framework to encompass Trinidad and Tobago’s celebrated multicultural identity, recalling how citizens collectively embrace diverse religious and cultural observances including Divali, Christmas, Carnival, and Eid as “shared national experiences” that strengthen social cohesion rather than separate communities.

Persad-Bissessar particularly highlighted the Muslim community’s longstanding contributions to national development through charitable works, entrepreneurial initiatives, and deep commitment to family values. She framed these contributions as essential threads in the nation’s social fabric, noting that Islamic principles of compassion and service provide crucial guidance during challenging times.

In her concluding remarks, the Prime Minister issued a compelling call to action, urging all citizens to integrate Ramadan’s spiritual lessons into their daily lives and work environments. She emphasized that the values of discipline, integrity, and compassion should transcend religious observance periods to become foundational principles for national building and global citizenship.

The address culminated with traditional Eid blessings for the Muslim community, expressing hope that their devotion would receive divine recognition and multiplied blessings.