标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The 2025 national budget marks a historic milestone by addressing period poverty, a critical issue that has long been overlooked. This groundbreaking inclusion is the culmination of relentless global and local feminist activism, which has successfully framed menstruation as a matter of public health, human rights, and gender equity. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo emphasized that period poverty severely impacts the health and educational opportunities of individuals who cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, thereby denying them equitable access to empowerment and confidence in daily activities such as attending school or participating in sports. Recognizing this, St Lucia has taken a pioneering step by allocating US$250,000 to support students struggling with the cost of feminine hygiene products. In his October 13 presentation, Minister Tancoo proposed the establishment of a Women’s Health Fund with an initial capital of $5 million, aimed at sustaining initiatives through tax-incentivized individual and corporate contributions. This fund will launch a pilot program to distribute free menstrual kits in educational institutions and provide comprehensive menstrual health education, targeting various groups including men and boys to foster inclusivity and dismantle stigma. The removal of VAT on pads and tampons in 2001 was a significant step, acknowledging these products as basic necessities for approximately half the population. However, period poverty extends beyond the cost of menstrual products; it encompasses the need for menstrual health education, safe and accessible sanitation facilities, and the elimination of stigma. The issue is particularly acute in disaster-affected areas, where the spectrum of sexual and reproductive health and rights must be integrated into disaster management. Addressing period poverty also requires robust health and family life education in schools, enabling adolescents to ask questions about their bodies, reproduction, and anxieties. Organizations like Feminitt have been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for legislative changes, increased research, and gender-responsive solutions that acknowledge the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities. Crown Her TT, founded by medical and legal professionals, has amplified these efforts through a national campaign. The 2025 budget represents a significant victory for people who menstruate, girls, and women, and underscores the importance of mentoring and supporting youth-led peer activism.

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has been mandated by the High Court to disclose its policy on installing high-tension power lines over private property within 14 days. Justice Frank Seepersad issued the ruling on October 15, 2024, following a legal challenge by Dr. Fayard Mohammed, who accused T&TEC of breaching its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Dr. Mohammed initiated the case after T&TEC installed power lines on his private property without providing the policy justifying such actions. Despite his initial request for information, T&TEC failed to respond within the legally required 30-day period, prompting Dr. Mohammed to seek judicial review. Justice Seepersad found T&TEC’s delay and subsequent refusal, citing the sub judice rule and allegations of a ‘fishing expedition,’ to be unlawful and unsupported by valid exemptions under the FOIA.

The judge emphasized that administrative inefficiency or resource constraints cannot excuse non-compliance with statutory obligations. He declared that T&TEC violated Sections 13, 15, and 23 of the FOIA by failing to notify Dr. Mohammed of its decision, provide written reasons for refusal, and uphold his legitimate expectation of lawful and fair processing of his request. Justice Seepersad also dismissed T&TEC’s claims of procedural abuse and nondisclosure, labeling them as disingenuous deflections.

In his ruling, Justice Seepersad underscored the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that the FOIA is designed to empower citizens to access information held by public bodies. He ordered T&TEC to pay Dr. Mohammed’s legal costs, reinforcing the principle that such requests are fundamental rights, not litigation tactics. Dr. Mohammed was represented by attorneys Farai Hove Masaisai and Chelsea Edwards, while T&TEC’s legal team included Senior Counsel Keith Scotland, Asha Watkins-Montserin, and Keisha Kydd-Hannibal.

In a significant move to support animal welfare, the Trinidad and Tobago government has announced tax concessions for corporate and individual contributions to registered animal shelters. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled this initiative during the national budget presentation on October 13 at the Red House. The proposal includes amendments to the Corporation Tax Act and the Income Tax Act, allowing companies and individuals to claim deductions for their donations to approved shelters. Companies can deduct up to 15% of their chargeable profits or $100,000 annually, while individuals can claim up to 20% of their total income or $20,000 per year. These changes, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aim to bolster the efforts of shelters in controlling stray populations, promoting spaying and neutering, and enhancing public health and environmental sanitation. Sita Kuruvilla, chairman of the TT Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA), expressed optimism about the new policy, highlighting its potential to attract more support and reduce the financial burden on shelters. The TTSPCA, which faced imminent closure in September 2024 due to funding shortages, hopes this initiative will encourage more donations and ensure the sustainability of their operations.