Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Veteran JP says, JPs in dire need of proper training

    Veteran JP says, JPs in dire need of proper training

    Veteran Justice of the Peace (JP) Abrahim Ali has voiced significant concerns over the expanded judicial responsibilities being assigned to JPs without the necessary training, oversight, or modern systems in place. Ali, who also serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Justices of the Peace Association (JOPATT), highlighted these issues in an interview with Newsday on November 15, following the Senate’s passage of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (AJIPA). Once signed into law by the President, AJIPA will grant JPs broader powers, including the authority to issue search warrants and grant station bail for indictable offenses.

    Ali emphasized that the JP system has long suffered from structural deficiencies, including a lack of standardized training, record-keeping, and consultation. He noted that JPs, historically appointed through political channels, have never received formal training despite being expected to perform critical judicial functions. While JOPATT has attempted to address these gaps through voluntary training programs, Ali stressed that such efforts cannot replace a mandatory national framework.

    The AJIPA amendments aim to restore and expand powers historically held by JPs, which had been muddled by earlier legislation. Justice Carol Gobin clarified that Parliament had never explicitly revoked JPs’ authority to grant station bail. However, the proposed expansion of JP powers, particularly regarding search warrants, has sparked intense debate. Independent Senators Sophia Chote and Dr. Desiree Murray warned that without immediate reforms, JPs could be thrust into roles requiring legal expertise and accountability mechanisms that are currently absent. Chote described the search powers under Section 5 as ‘draconian,’ while Murray cautioned that the lack of qualifications and oversight could ‘dilute judicial oversight and risk the arbitrary exercise of power.’

    Attorney General John Jeremie assured the Senate that data-seizure powers remain governed by the Data Protection Act and pledged to delay the implementation of search-warrant provisions until training and further reforms are addressed. He also committed to referring the broader issue of JP standards to the Law Review Committee. Ali supported this decision, noting that the concerns raised have long been recognized within the JP community. He emphasized that warrants must never be issued without proper procedures and guidelines, warning against ‘rubber-stamping’ by JPs.

    Acting President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, ASP Ishmael Pitt, welcomed the restoration of JP warrant-issuing powers, particularly from a policing perspective. He highlighted the importance of having access to judicial officers in urgent situations but stressed that the system’s success depends on JP competence matching the gravity of their responsibilities. Ali, a JP for 35 years, reiterated that the JP system still lacks consistent engagement from the judiciary and the Office of the DPP, leaving JPs without adequate guidance as their duties expand.

  • No Jazz on the Greens for 2026

    No Jazz on the Greens for 2026

    In a significant announcement, Production One Ltd (POL) has confirmed the cancellation of the Jazz Artists on the Greens event for 2026. The decision, disclosed on November 15, stems from the lingering uncertainties of the post-pandemic economy, coupled with state policies affecting the entertainment sector and its influence on private sector sponsorship. The company highlighted the minimal uptake of tax incentives for sponsorship by private entities as a contributing factor. Additionally, the recent national budget statement underscored public sector funding shortfalls, prompting a reevaluation of financial management strategies. POL emphasized its commitment to realigning its services and products to adapt to these new economic realities. After 22 successful editions—20 in Trinidad and two in Tobago—the company is rebranding and reassessing its business model. While the live event will not proceed, POL plans to commercialize recorded content from previous productions, pending negotiations with rights holders. The company assured patrons that the legacy of the event will endure through digital platforms, where performances, memorabilia, and branded merchandise will remain accessible. POL reaffirmed its mission to support local and Caribbean artists, focusing on recalibrating the jazz ecosystem and exploring new avenues for talent showcase. The company expressed gratitude to its patrons and partners, urging them to stay updated via its website. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced measures to address noise pollution, including halting fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and introducing enhanced noise pollution legislation by the end of 2025.

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral hosts fundraising golf tourney

    Holy Trinity Cathedral hosts fundraising golf tourney

    The Holy Trinity Cathedral, a cherished heritage site registered with the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, is set to host a unique Fundraising Golf Tournament aimed at supporting its ongoing restoration efforts. The event will take place at the prestigious St Andrews Golf Course in Maraval on November 16, commencing with an 8 am shotgun start. Participants will engage in a Two-Ball Better Ball – 85 per cent format, with registration fees set at $3,500 per team. Organizers are calling on the public, corporate partners, and golf enthusiasts to rally behind this significant initiative, which directly contributes to the preservation of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s historic architectural treasures. For registration or sponsorship inquiries, individuals can contact Christopher Skinner at 680-4110 or Kirby Anthony Hosang at 678-8770. Additionally, email inquiries can be directed to cathedralhtcgolf@gmail.com.

  • Family, friends mourn Alexia Trim – law student hailed for her humility, strength

    Family, friends mourn Alexia Trim – law student hailed for her humility, strength

    The St Francis of Assisi RC Church in Belmont was filled with heartfelt tributes and profound grief as family, friends, and educators gathered to honor the life of Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old UWI law student who passed away in Colombia on October 22. Trim, who was set to graduate with first-class honors in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, succumbed to complications from arteriovenous malformation, a rare condition affecting blood vessels in the brain.

    Her funeral on November 15 was a poignant celebration of her life, marked by eulogies that highlighted her ambition, intelligence, humility, and unwavering faith. Trim’s mother, Marsha Trim, shared a moving tribute through her friends, recounting the joys of her daughter’s birth and her remarkable ability to face life’s challenges with grace and dignity. Despite enduring health struggles during her final year of studies, Trim remained optimistic about her future, eagerly anticipating her graduation and further studies in law.

    Former teachers and peers also paid homage to Trim’s extraordinary character. Lisa Rodriguez, a former teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent, described Trim as a beacon of faith and humility, whose life radiated a divine light. Dr. Timothy Affonso, deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at UWI, praised her civic-mindedness and the positive impact she had on her peers and faculty.

    Fr. Mikkel Trestrail, who delivered the homily, reflected on Trim’s acceptance of her fate, sharing that she had expressed peace with her journey just days before her passing. He likened the mourners to ‘lumps of dough transformed into donuts,’ emphasizing that Trim’s death had left a void in their hearts but also a lasting legacy of love and faith. Trestrail encouraged those present to deepen their relationship with God, assuring them that Trim’s love and the love of Christ would guide them through their grief.

    The funeral concluded with a powerful message of hope, as Trestrail reminded attendees that Trim’s spirit would live on in their hearts and in God’s Kingdom, a testament to the enduring power of love and faith.

  • Post-treaty tensions in Tobago

    Post-treaty tensions in Tobago

    The Treaty of Paris in 1763 marked a significant moment for British control over Tobago, yet the aftermath was far from peaceful. The British administration faced immediate challenges, as France, though subdued at the negotiation table, harbored intentions to reclaim the island. Recognizing the precariousness of their position, the British prioritized security, understanding that their survival hinged on robust defenses. Their initial strategy involved increasing the British landowning population to bolster loyalty and defense against potential French incursions. However, this plan faltered, as the number of resident British landowners remained insufficient. The administration also established a militia to counter external threats, including French privateers and pirates, as well as internal resistance from the growing enslaved population. Despite these efforts, the island’s vulnerability persisted, particularly due to its numerous bays, which served as entry points for slavers and hideouts for pirates. The British sought to enhance security by appointing military ranks to defend the bays, but this proved inadequate given the limited human resources. Simultaneously, the administration focused on land division, creating plantations but neglecting essential infrastructure like roads. This oversight was later addressed through the imposition of a land tax and the enlistment of enslaved laborers for road construction. The ambitious plan aimed to connect the island’s parishes and improve communication, but progress was slow and hampered by resistance from enslaved Africans and the limited availability of qualified white men. Ultimately, the British administration’s inability to fortify Tobago’s defenses and establish effective communication networks left the island vulnerable. In 1781, France capitalized on these weaknesses, recapturing Tobago and dealing a significant blow to the British planting community.

  • Taking a win from the loss

    Taking a win from the loss

    The Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) senior men’s national football team concluded their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica on November 13 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Despite a spirited performance in front of a passionate home crowd, the result left the team with only six points, eliminating any chance of advancing to the World Cup. Their final qualifier match against Bermuda on November 18 will be a mere formality, as they cannot secure a top-two finish in their group. Jamaica opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, but T&T’s substitute Kevin Molino equalized just four minutes before the final whistle. A promising stoppage-time effort by debutant forward Roald Mitchell, a New York Red Bulls player, was cut short due to a hamstring injury. Statistically, T&T dominated the game with 62% possession, 17 shots on goal compared to Jamaica’s six, and 411 passes to Jamaica’s 257. However, their inability to convert opportunities into goals proved costly. Coach Dwight Yorke defended his strategy, emphasizing that it worked as planned despite the lack of goals. He called for a focus on developing a stronger squad and nurturing home-grown coaching talent. Yorke’s first year as coach has revitalized local interest in football, with increased fan attendance and sponsorship support. However, T&T remains at the early stages of building a competitive team. The government’s ‘grandfather clause’ to expand the pool of eligible players is a step forward, but long-term success hinges on investing in youth development programs like the Secondary Schools Football League and improving talent identification processes, such as the poorly handled National Under-17 trials on November 9. Yorke’s experience as a former professional player will be crucial in guiding the next generation of T&T footballers, ensuring a more competitive future World Cup campaign.

  • Michelle Baptiste: Reshaping women’s future

    Michelle Baptiste: Reshaping women’s future

    Michelle Baptiste, a 48-year-old entrepreneur from Chaguanas, Trinidad, is redefining the future of women through her Caribbean shapewear brand, Selecfit. Her journey is one of resilience, independence, and self-belief, inspiring women across the region. Baptiste’s early life was marked by instability and hardship. Growing up in a single-parent household, she faced numerous challenges, including frequent relocations and emotional scars from abuse. Despite these struggles, she found solace in books, which nurtured her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Baptiste’s family background in tailoring and her early ventures into entrepreneurship laid the foundation for her future success. After years of selling internationally made shapewear, she identified a gap in the market for products tailored to Caribbean women’s unique body types. This realization led to the creation of Selecfit in 2009. Despite financial constraints and personal losses, Baptiste persevered, expanding her brand to multiple locations and introducing complementary products like Slim Tea and Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies. Her commitment to quality and authenticity has earned her a loyal customer base, and she now aims to manufacture locally and expand regionally. Baptiste also uses her platform to promote body positivity and mentor aspiring female entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace their potential and take bold steps toward their dreams.

  • Gui’s Garvin Cadogan celebrates first anniversary – Trinis get a taste for Korean food

    Gui’s Garvin Cadogan celebrates first anniversary – Trinis get a taste for Korean food

    Garvin Cadogan, a 61-year-old entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning stock trading in New York to owning one of Trinidad’s most popular Korean BBQ restaurants, exemplifies the art of seizing opportunities. His journey began in Brooklyn, where he taught a Korean student how to trade stocks. Grateful for his mentorship, she encouraged him to open a Korean BBQ restaurant in his homeland, Trinidad. With her support, including menu development and staff training, Cadogan launched Gui Korean BBQ in November 2024 at Ariapita Avenue’s Food Square. The restaurant quickly gained popularity, offering authentic Korean dishes like BBQ meats, rice bowls, and dumplings. Despite initial resistance, Cadogan introduced fried rice to cater to local tastes, leading to the creation of the Gui Fried Rice Factory. The open-concept kitchen allows customers to interact with chefs, customizing their meals. Cadogan’s success has spurred expansion plans, with a new branch in Valpark set to open in December and future locations in Chaguanas, South Trinidad, Arima, and Tobago. His philosophy of seizing opportunities and adapting to customer demands has been key to his thriving business. Cadogan’s daughter, Leah, plays a pivotal role in managing and marketing the restaurant, with plans to diversify into retailing frozen dumplings and wontons. Despite challenges, their commitment to consistency and innovation ensures Gui Korean BBQ remains a beloved culinary destination in Trinidad.

  • Appeal Court: Retired military volunteer must be paid

    Appeal Court: Retired military volunteer must be paid

    The Court of Appeal has reversed a 2023 High Court decision, mandating the State to compensate retired Coast Guard volunteer David Tannis with $346,836.05 for unpaid salary adjustments tied to his post-retirement service. Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, alongside Justices of Appeal James Aboud and Ricky Rahim, ruled that Tannis was contractually entitled to revised pay rates negotiated for established Defence Force ranks, even though these adjustments were finalized after his volunteer service concluded. Justice Rahim, who authored the unanimous decision on November 14, emphasized that an implied contractual term linked Tannis’s remuneration to increases granted to comparable ranks in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), in line with a Cabinet-approved methodology established in 1980. Tannis, who served as a marine surveyor in the Volunteer Defence Force from May 24, 2004, to May 23, 2012, had his pay aligned with that of a petty officer and later a chief petty officer. However, he only received adjustments for the 2005–2007 period, with subsequent increases for 2008–2010 and 2011–2013 approved four years after his contract ended. The Appeal Court found the trial judge ‘plainly wrong’ in dismissing Tannis’s claim, noting the State’s failure to file a defense or challenge key evidence. The court highlighted that the 1980 Cabinet Minute established a methodology linking volunteer pay to TTDF rates, making it clear that Tannis should benefit from comparable pay increases. While the court rejected Tannis’s request for exemplary damages, it awarded general damages of $346,836.05 for breach of contract, with interest at 2.5% per year from June 16, 2016. The Attorney General was also ordered to cover the prescribed costs of the claim.

  • Young parranderos face off in El Dorado

    Young parranderos face off in El Dorado

    The vibrant sounds of parang music filled the air at El Dorado East Secondary School on November 15, as the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the primary school category of its Junior Parang Festival 2025. Under the theme ‘Somos Un Solo Pueblo’ (We Are One Village), 25 primary schools showcased their musical prowess in two key categories: Tribute to Icons and the musical face-off. The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of parang, a traditional Trinidadian music genre, while nurturing the next generation of parranderos. Among the standout performances, Isoke Morgan led the Sacred Heart Girls’ RC School parang band, while Dominic Gooding and the Sacred Heart Boys’ RC parang band captivated the audience with their spirited renditions. The festival also featured a chac chac player, whose rhythmic beats added a dynamic flair to the performances. On November 16, the spotlight shifted to 15 secondary schools competing for top honors in the same categories. The Junior Parang Festival continues to be a celebration of unity, creativity, and cultural pride, fostering a deep appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s musical traditions.