标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) is under intense scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in its $18 million ambulance procurement. Minority Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Kelvon Morris, and Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) leader Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus have both called for urgent investigations into the matter. The controversy centers around 12 ambulances purchased in 2023 from Biomedical Technologies Ltd (BMT), which are reportedly non-functional despite each costing approximately $1.5 million. Morris has accused officials of ignoring cheaper, reliable options in favor of a supplier with no prior experience in ambulance provision, suggesting potential corruption. The Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) has launched an investigation, appointing three officers to examine the procurement process. Morris has also demanded the resignation of TRHA board members and THA Secretary of Health, Wellness, and Social Protection, Dr. Faith Brebnor, citing a failure to protect public funds. The situation has left Tobago with an unreliable emergency response system, forcing the island to lease ambulances from Trinidad at an additional cost of $7 million. Tsoiafatt Angus described the ambulances as ‘refurbished panel vans’ that required extensive modifications, yet remained unfit for purpose. The scandal has drawn widespread criticism, with both Morris and Angus emphasizing the dire impact on Tobago’s residents, who face prolonged waits for emergency services.

In a groundbreaking debate held by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Eddison Thomas, the stand-in representative for Mt St George/Goodwood, passionately called for the establishment of a one-month paternity leave policy for fathers. The debate, which took place on November 10, was part of the THA’s first Men’s Debate to commemorate International Men’s Day, observed on November 19. Thomas emphasized the need for Tobago to lead the way in recognizing the importance of paternity leave until it is enshrined in law. He also highlighted the broader issue of mental health challenges faced by men in Tobago, urging the THA to implement a sustainable, multi-sectoral programme to address these concerns. Thomas shared his personal experience of being denied paternity leave when his wife gave birth, underscoring the disparity between maternity and paternity benefits. He pointed out that while mothers receive 14 weeks of maternity leave, fathers are only recommended three days of leave. Thomas also criticized the National Insurance Board (NIB) for not providing paternity benefits, despite raising contributions to the National Insurance System (NIS) from January 1, 2026. He called on the NIB to extend a one-time paternity benefit of $3,750 to fathers and advised the THA to establish a men’s group to advocate for gender-related programmes.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour spearheaded a critical safety assessment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway near the Corinth Overpass on November 11, just days after a tragic accident claimed the life of 32-year-old Arvin Williams. The fatal incident occurred on November 8 when Williams, driving his red Nissan Frontier, lost control near the Cipero Bridge, causing the vehicle to crash into the bridge’s walls and plummet 30 feet into a ditch below. Williams, who was en route home after dropping off a friend in Golconda, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was set to celebrate his 33rd birthday on November 11. The assessment tour, part of a broader multi-agency initiative to enhance road safety, included senior officials such as Chief Traffic Engineer Adande Piggott, Civil Engineer Sharaz Hosein, and Police Road Safety Project Co-ordinator Sgt Brent Batson. The team conducted a thorough evaluation of the site to identify necessary improvements and expedite corrective measures. The ministry reiterated its commitment to road safety through infrastructure upgrades, inter-agency collaboration, and public awareness campaigns. Recent efforts include the installation of new safety barriers along the San Fernando Hill roadway. Minister Zakour also expressed his condolences to Williams’ family, noting that the deceased was the son of Winston Williams, the newly appointed head of the Pan American Life Insurance Group for the Caribbean.

The Trinidad and Tobago National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NPTA) has called on parents seeking school transfers for their children to adhere to the established procedures, despite the lengthy and bureaucratic nature of the process. NPTA President Walter Stewart expressed empathy for parents frustrated by the system, which has disrupted students’ education. This issue was spotlighted in a recent Newsday article, which detailed the case of a 14-year-old Arima teenager who had been out of school for two years due to transfer delays. The girl had been bullied by classmates in 2023, and her mother withdrew her from school after officials allegedly failed to intervene. Stewart emphasized that such cases are not isolated, citing another instance in September where a parent waited weeks for a transfer response. He urged parents to ensure their children remain in school while awaiting transfers, warning of potential legal consequences if they do not. Stewart advised parents to follow the proper channels, starting with the school supervisor, and escalating the matter to the Ministry of Education if necessary. He attributed delays to the manual processing of applications, which must physically move from district offices to the Ministry in Port of Spain. Stewart expressed hope that the Ministry’s ongoing digitization efforts would expedite the process. Addressing the persistent issue of bullying, Stewart cautioned parents against taking matters into their own hands, as such actions often exacerbate the situation. He recommended addressing concerns with school principals and following the chain of command. While acknowledging that the presence of police officers in schools has had some positive impact, Stewart stressed the need for stricter implementation of national discipline policies and codes of conduct to reduce violence and disorder. Meanwhile, former president of the TT Association of Psychologists, Kelly Mc Farlane, urged parents to remain attentive to their children’s emotional well-being. She highlighted that many bullying victims may conceal their experiences due to fear of parental reactions. Mc Farlane advised parents to listen to their children, validate their feelings, and collaborate with school officials to address bullying effectively. She also emphasized the importance of providing psychological support to both victims and bullies to tackle the root causes of such behavior.

The adage ‘children learn what they live’ underscores the profound influence of early environmental exposure on their development. From birth to age five, children are highly impressionable, absorbing and mimicking the behaviors and language they observe. This formative period shapes their adult conduct, making it imperative for parents to model appropriate behavior. The 1979 calypso ‘Think About the Children’ by Merchant remains strikingly relevant today, as it highlights the societal decay marked by violence, intolerance, and disrespect. Merchant’s plea to parents Betty-Lou and Sam to foster a stable and nurturing home environment resonates deeply in our current context, where many children are exposed to harmful behaviors. He urged parents to prioritize their children’s welfare, warning that neglecting this responsibility would lead to a generation of maladjusted adults. Today, the prevalence of such neglect is evident, with teachers and the state increasingly tasked with mitigating the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on young minds. The societal reflection on this issue is crucial, as the undisciplined and violent behavior of children often mirrors the actions of adults, including leaders who engage in vitriolic political discourse. The normalization of aggression and hostility in public spheres, amplified by instant communication, sends a dangerous message to impressionable children. Teachers frequently report instances of children mimicking inappropriate adult behavior, underscoring the need for a societal moral overhaul. Addressing this issue requires collective responsibility, as schools alone cannot rectify a problem rooted in broader societal failures. To truly care for our children, we must reevaluate and elevate our moral standards, ensuring behaviors and attitudes that foster their proper upbringing and socialization.

A man has been apprehended in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in Tobago on the morning of November 11. According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the incident unfolded around 6:15 am on Arnos Vale Road in Plymouth. The victim, who was at his workplace in Courland, Black Rock, was approached by an armed individual dressed in black. The suspect fired multiple shots at the victim, leading to a physical altercation before fleeing into nearby bushes. Law enforcement agencies, including officers from the Crown Point Police Station, swiftly responded to the scene. A silver Nissan Note car, matching the suspect’s description, was intercepted in the Black Rock area. The suspect was arrested, and a Glock pistol was confiscated. A coordinated operation led by ASP Bacchus, involving the Shirvan Road Police Station’s CID, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), and the Crown Point Police Station, resulted in the recovery of a magazine from the bushy area near the scene. Later, a search of the suspect’s residence in Plymouth yielded six rounds of nine-millimetre calibre ammunition. The suspect remains in custody at the Shirvan Road Police Station as investigations, led by PC Lewis, continue.

The Steel Workers Union (SWU) has lodged an appeal against the Industrial Court’s dismissal of their complaint against the Desalination Company (Desalcott) regarding actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a September 26 ruling, the court’s vice president, Hubert Soverall, and chairman of its Essential Services Division, Larry Achong, upheld Desalcott’s enforcement of pandemic-related measures, deeming it lawful. However, court member Gregory Rousseau dissented, arguing that Desalcott unlawfully locked out workers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine and breached Section 63 of the Industrial Relations Act by implementing a ‘rotation’ policy that sent employees home without pay. Rousseau ordered Desalcott to reinstate affected workers by November 10 and compensate them for lost wages and benefits dating back to June 17, 2021, while also imposing a $20,000 fine. The case originated from a July 2021 union complaint after unvaccinated employees were indefinitely sent home. Rousseau criticized Desalcott for failing to consult workers before making unilateral decisions and replacing their positions in October 2021, effectively terminating their employment without notice. He emphasized that no law authorized employers to place workers on unpaid leave, highlighting the lack of legislative clarity during the pandemic. In contrast, Soverall and Achong ruled that Desalcott acted in compliance with existing laws and government directives, prioritizing public health and worker safety. They acknowledged the challenges posed by rapidly evolving regulations and concluded that Desalcott’s actions were reasonable and consistent with good industrial relations practices. The case underscores the complexities of navigating employment laws during unprecedented public health crises.

In a historic and unanimous decision on November 10, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) endorsed a private motion aimed at improving the mental health and overall well-being of men and boys on the island. The motion, introduced by stand-in Minority Leader Keigon Denoon, was deliberated during the THA’s inaugural International Men’s Day Debate held in Scarborough. This landmark event, commemorating International Men’s Day on November 19, featured young boys and men assuming the roles of assemblymen and councillors in a dynamic and insightful three-and-a-half-hour session, presided over by Akeil Andrews. The motion advocates for the creation of sustainable, multi-sectoral programs to tackle critical issues such as mental health, positive male identity, and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations to strengthen Tobago’s social fabric. Denoon passionately urged members to prioritize the welfare of men and boys over political affiliations, warning of the dire consequences of inaction. He highlighted the systemic neglect of men, calling for gender-specific interventions, including district-based mental health clinics, community mentorship programs, and annual scorecards to track progress. Stand-in THA Chief Secretary Akinlabi Holder supported the motion, stressing the importance of public education campaigns to dismantle harmful societal conditioning and improve men’s mental health. Holder underscored the societal benefits of raising healthy boys rather than repairing broken men, citing international studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of such initiatives.