标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Jack Warner, the 82-year-old former FIFA vice president, has added another milestone to his diverse career by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies. The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) conferred the degree on November 18 during its 2025 graduation ceremony held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain. Warner’s doctoral thesis, titled ‘Corporate Entrepreneurship and Disruptive Business Model Innovation for Adoption in the Local Print Media,’ explored the challenges faced by the print media industry in adapting to digital transformation. Drawing from his experience as the publisher of the weekly Sunshine newspaper, Warner proposed innovative strategies to help traditional media remain competitive in a digital-first era. His research emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue streams and maintaining credibility in an evolving media landscape. Warner’s academic journey was supervised by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, and Professor Pooran Bridgemohan. Accompanied by his supervisors, Warner received a warm reception from President Christine Kangaloo and acting UTT president Rean Maharaj. He was among seven PhD graduates during the morning session and made history as UTT’s oldest doctoral recipient. Warner, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, expressed his elation, stating that his achievement proves ‘education does not have a shelf life.’ He credited his professors, family, and colleagues for their unwavering support during challenging moments. Warner also shared his hope that his accomplishment would inspire young people in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Currently studying law, Warner continues his educational journey, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. His son, Daryll, expressed pride in his father’s determination and success, vowing to follow in his footsteps. Warner’s academic triumph comes after a decade-long extradition case related to corruption charges during his FIFA tenure collapsed in the High Court on September 23. Justice Karen Reid ruled that the extradition process was ‘flawed,’ marking a significant legal victory for Warner. Reflecting on his journey, Warner emphasized his mission to rebuild his life and reputation.

A recent flight experience on Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has sparked criticism from a passenger, highlighting significant issues with in-flight service. The incident occurred on Flight BW481 from Fort Lauderdale to Piarco on November 2, 2025. Despite a two-hour delay, the passenger noted that airport and desk staff were courteous and apologetic. However, the situation deteriorated once onboard. A flight attendant’s inappropriate remark about passengers using the restroom caused embarrassment, particularly among elderly travelers. Throughout the flight, the attendant displayed a belligerent attitude, including mocking passengers struggling with overhead bins and dismissing inquiries about meal options. The passenger, a frequent flyer with 50 years of experience, described the attendant’s behavior as the worst they had encountered. Despite CAL’s accolades, including being named the Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand for the ninth consecutive year and receiving the APEX Five-Star Major Airline rating, the passenger urged the airline’s management to address these service shortcomings to maintain its esteemed reputation.

In a landmark ruling, Justice Westmin James of the High Court has delivered a verdict against a couple involved in unauthorized construction works at East Park Villas, a townhouse development located on Maruana Road in Valsayn. The judgment, issued on November 17, prohibits the defendants from further construction or interference with the property or its common areas. Additionally, the court has mandated the removal of any unauthorized structures, restoration of the affected land, and clearance of all rubble and materials at the defendants’ expense.

The case was brought forward by East Park Villas Ltd and Charlievillage Service Station Company Ltd, who accused the defendants of breaching restrictive covenants outlined in the head lease. The claimants argued that the defendants had commenced construction without obtaining the necessary permissions from the lessor, the management company, or the Town and Country Planning Division. The unauthorized works, which began in September 2024, included the demolition of an existing annex and the initiation of new construction that extended beyond the original footprint, impacting adjacent properties.

Despite the defendants’ claims that the construction was remedial and aimed at addressing safety concerns, the court found their actions to be in violation of the lease and disruptive to the community. The defendants were also ordered to restore common areas and pathways within three months, with the claimants authorized to undertake the work and recover costs if the defendants fail to comply. Furthermore, the couple was ordered to pay nominal damages of $10,000 to East Park Villas Ltd and cover the claimants’ legal costs, assessed at $14,000 each.

The defendants, represented by attorneys Kent Samlal, Shirvan Ramdhanie, and Nadia Hassan-Mohammed, had argued that the works fell under an exception in the Town and Country Planning Act, being interior or non-material alterations. However, the court dismissed their counterclaim, emphasizing the importance of adhering to lease agreements and community standards.