Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Tough love not enough

    Tough love not enough

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement of a temporary grace period for traffic violators has failed to alleviate the widespread disorder surrounding the implementation of stringent new road traffic penalties. While expressing compassion for motorists, the Prime Minister’s January 7th declaration highlights the administration’s inadequate preparation for the logistical challenges that accompanied the enforcement of heightened fines.

    The editorial analysis reveals fundamental systemic failures within the licensing division, Ministry of Works, and law enforcement agencies. Despite supporting enhanced road safety measures and stricter penalties for traffic offenses, critics question the government’s prioritization of traffic infringements over more severe crimes including murders and kidnappings.

    Eli Zakour’s assertion that lawlessness exceeded governmental expectations appears contradictory given the United National Congress’s (UNC) earlier dismantling of the demerit points system designed to penalize repeat offenders. This action, executed without consultation and against warnings from road safety advocates, raises questions about whether transport officials and cabinet members had reviewed comprehensive data before making this decision.

    The government’s claim of sufficient public notice through parliamentary debates on December 5th and 9th has been widely criticized as inadequate. The publication of the enforcement notice on December 25th—mere days before Christmas—directly contradicted transparency principles, creating unnecessary public confusion.

    The resulting administrative chaos included incorrect fine applications due to ministerial errors, overwhelmed licensing offices in Port of Spain and Caroni, and documented inefficiencies in traffic enforcement presented to parliamentary committees. This problematic implementation has effectively penalized law-abiding citizens attempting to comply with new regulations, suggesting that governmental inefficiency itself contributes to perceived lawlessness despite the administration’s tough-love approach to governance.

  • TTMB, TTUTA sign MOU for special rates, benefits

    TTMB, TTUTA sign MOU for special rates, benefits

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s education sector, the Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank (TTMB) has forged a strategic alliance with the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) through a formal Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, finalized on January 8, establishes preferential financial arrangements for the union’s 11,000 members, encompassing special mortgage rates and additional benefits specifically designed for education professionals.

    The ceremonial signing witnessed participation from key representatives including TTUTA President Crystal Ashe, Treasurer Dillon Harracksingh, and TTMB’s Acting CEO Brent Mc Fee. Both institutions articulated their commitment to enhancing the socioeconomic standing of educators through this collaborative initiative.

    This partnership framework guarantees equitable access to tailored financial products, housing opportunities, and educational resources for TTUTA members. The arrangement aligns with TTMB’s broader mission to promote financial literacy, facilitate generational wealth accumulation through property ownership, and bolster support for the nation’s workforce.

    Mc Fee emphasized the symbolic importance of the agreement, stating: ‘This covenant demonstrates TTMB’s dedication to serving the educators who mold our future generations. Our collaboration with TTUTA reinforces our commitment to creating substantive opportunities that both empower individuals and strengthen community foundations.’

    The MOU represents TTMB’s continuing expansion of institutional partnerships with major organizations, consolidating its position as a pivotal contributor to national development and community advancement initiatives across Trinidad and Tobago.

  • WI pace duo in line for T20 World Cup

    WI pace duo in line for T20 World Cup

    In a significant development for West Indies cricket, the Caribbean team’s T20 World Cup prospects have received a substantial uplift with confirmation that pace spearheads Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are progressing optimally toward full fitness for the upcoming global tournament.

    Dr. Donovan Bennett, Head of Cricket West Indies’ Medical Panel, delivered an encouraging assessment on January 6th, particularly highlighting Shamar Joseph’s remarkable recovery from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him since September. “The latest that I saw on Shamar is that he is fit and ready to go,” Dr. Bennett affirmed. “He was bowling pretty fast, in the 140s (kph) without any discomfort.”

    This medical update concludes an anxious period for West Indies supporters, as Shamar missed both the Test tour of India and the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh. His rehabilitation journey included specialized consultation in England, which has yielded successful outcomes.

    Meanwhile, Alzarri Joseph, who missed the India Tests with a lower-back concern, is following a slightly delayed but positive recovery trajectory. Dr. Bennett confirmed: “Alzarri has resumed return-to-play protocols and is currently hitting his required fitness targets. Based on what I am seeing, both of them should be ready for the World Cup.”

    The return of both pacemen, who last competed in September 2025, substantially bolsters the West Indies’ bowling arsenal ahead of the prestigious event. CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow disclosed that a provisional squad has already been selected, with the final 15-player roster to be formally ratified following the West Indies’ T20I series against Afghanistan in India from January 18-22.

    Subsequent preparations will include a three-match T20I tour of South Africa in late January. The two-time champions will commence their World Cup campaign in Kolkata on February 7 against Bangladesh, competing in Group C alongside England, Nepal, and Italy.

  • Penny: Tell government you have had enough

    Penny: Tell government you have had enough

    In a vehement public address delivered at a PNM rally in Sangre Grande on January 7, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles launched a comprehensive critique against the current UNC administration’s performance since assuming office in April. The political gathering, attended by prominent PNM figures including Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert and Lopinot/Bon Air MP Marvin Gonzales, served as a platform for Beckles to articulate growing discontent with public service delivery.

    Beckles highlighted severe water supply disruptions affecting multiple constituencies including Arima, Malabar, D’Abadie/O’Meara, and St Ann’s East, particularly during the Christmas period. She emphasized the irony of these shortages occurring despite previous substantial investments in water infrastructure, characterizing the situation as “wicked and oppressive” governance.

    The Opposition Leader detailed widespread job losses resulting from the government’s termination of several youth employment and training initiatives. Beckles specifically referenced the closure of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme (YAHP), Military-led Academic Training Programme (MILAT), and the Military-led Youth Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training (MYPART). She further noted significant employment reductions in the Cepep, URP, and Reforestation Programme, particularly impacting the agriculturally significant Sangre Grande region.

    Beckles accused the UNC of making extravagant campaign promises including distribution of “ham, lamb and jam” that remained unfulfilled, while simultaneously distancing themselves from constituents who had supported their election. She encouraged citizens to directly contact government officials regarding service deficiencies rather than relying on opposition figures.

    The address concluded with Beckles urging supporters to maintain political awareness despite potential offers of material incentives from the governing party, emphasizing the need for the PNM to reclaim control of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. She framed the current administration’s policies as detrimental to both cultural preservation and small business sustainability across communities.

  • Paris Coutain shows off his versatility in new releases

    Paris Coutain shows off his versatility in new releases

    At just 22 years old, Trinidadian artist Paris Coutain is demonstrating extraordinary artistic range through his latest musical releases and compelling stage presence. His newest soca single “Brush” represents a deeply personal project, produced by Richard Gosine with mixing and mastering handled by Nikholai Greene. Coutain co-wrote the track alongside Emmanuel Rudder and Yohann Niles, describing it as “a smooth, sweet melodic vibe that invites someone to hold and dance with.”

    Simultaneously, Coutain showcases his versatility with the chutney soca track “Magic in the Air” on the Soca Love Story Riddim, which he composed with production by Motto. This dual-genre approach reflects his fundamental artistic philosophy: “I could never envision myself confined to a single genre. My passion spans across multiple genres, so versatility is my goal as an artist.”

    Hailing from Arouca, Coutain credits his mother’s protective upbringing and musical influence as foundational to his development. “My mother is a huge Michael Jackson fan,” he shared, “so from the moment I learned about him at the age of five, I decided that I wanted to be an artiste and performer.”

    This early inspiration was formally cultivated through his education, culminating in a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2024. His academic training taught him “to fully commit to my performances and to be adequately prepared for shows.”

    Coutain’s competitive achievements include winning both Mr NGC Sanfest in 2019 and the Junior Chutney Soca Monarch in 2020, followed by placements in the Intellectual Chutney Monarch (5th in 2024) and Ultimate Soca Champion (4th in 2025). He views these competitions as strategic platforms for exposure and growth rather than mere contests.

    Beyond music, Coutain has built a substantial digital presence with over 164,000 TikTok followers through comedy skits and musical content. “It all began when I was quite young; I aspired to be an artiste, so I started creating skits and building a fanbase,” he explained, noting that making others laugh brings him “immense joy.”

    Looking toward Carnival 2026, Coutain plans to audition for the Chutney Soca Monarch while preparing additional releases, including a collaborative track with another artist. His long-term vision extends beyond Trinidad’s shores: “Becoming an international artist is my aspiration,” he stated, aiming to break into global markets with pop, R&B, and hip-hop while remaining true to his Caribbean roots.

  • Farley: PNM spreading fear, falsehoods

    Farley: PNM spreading fear, falsehoods

    In a fiery campaign address delivered on January 6 in Mt St George, Tobago People’s Party (TPP) leader Farley Augustine launched a scathing critique against his political rivals, accusing them of waging an election campaign rooted in fearmongering and deception rather than substantive governance issues.

    With the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12, Augustine drew stark contrasts between competing campaign philosophies. “They are running a campaign based on fear, we are running a campaign based on hope,” he declared before a gathered audience. “They are running a campaign based on allegations, we are running a campaign based on aspiration. They are running a campaign based on fiction, we are running a campaign on facts.”

    The political leader promised to publicly expose what he characterized as systematic disinformation before the campaign concludes, vowing to present documented evidence of fake social media pages and malicious slander allegedly propagated by opponents.

    Augustine positioned his party as fundamentally different in both substance and style—a institution dedicated to policy ideas, youth education, and vulnerable population support rather than personal attacks. “This party is not about bacchanal and commess, that is for the PNM,” he asserted, using local terms for scandal and chaos. “This party is about Tobago people’s business.”

    Addressing youth voters directly, Augustine acknowledged the challenges facing younger generations but cautioned against short-term thinking. He urged logical assessment of campaign promises rather than emotional reactions to last-minute offerings, questioning why benefits were suddenly available after years of unmet needs under previous administrations.

    The TPP leader concluded with a stark warning to voters: “Don’t throw caution to the wind and don’t be deceived in this election,” framing the upcoming vote as a choice between substance and empty promises.

  • US military seizes third oil tanker

    US military seizes third oil tanker

    The United States military has escalated its maritime enforcement operations with the capture of a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. US Southern Command (USSouthCom) officially confirmed the seizure of the M/T Sophia on January 7th, describing the vessel as a “stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker.

    The operation was conducted collaboratively between the Department of War and Department of Homeland Security forces, resulting in the apprehension without incident. According to military authorities, the Sophia was intercepted in international waters while engaging in prohibited activities. The US Coast Guard is currently escorting the captured tanker to American territory for final disposition.

    This strategic action forms part of Operation Southern Spear, which the Department of War characterizes as an unwavering mission to eliminate illicit activities throughout the Western Hemisphere. The operation reinforces the US commitment to homeland security and regional stability across the Americas.

    US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized the continuing enforcement of blockade measures against dark fleet vessels attempting to illegally transport Venezuelan oil. “Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce – as determined by the US – will be permitted,” Hegseth stated, highlighting that prohibited shipments effectively steal resources from the Venezuelan people to finance illegal operations.

    This development marks the third tanker interception within a month, following previous seizures of the M/T Skipper and M/T Centuries suspected of carrying oil subject to US sanctions. The intensified maritime operations coincide with extraordinary political developments in Venezuela, where deposed President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores recently pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in a New York court. Their extraction from the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas by Delta Force operators on January 3rd preceded the installation of former vice president Delcy Rodriguez as interim president.

  • Port of Spain vendors call for more days to ply trade

    Port of Spain vendors call for more days to ply trade

    Street vendors in Port of Spain are mounting opposition against the city’s proposed sanitation initiative while demanding expanded working rights and protection from illegal competitors. The conflict emerged during a tense meeting between vendors and Port of Spain City Corporation officials at City Hall Auditorium on January 6, where representatives from Charlotte Street, Frederick Street, and other commercial areas voiced their concerns.

    The corporation’s $18 million clean city initiative, announced in October 2025, involves acquiring garbage compactors and amending public health regulations. Deputy Mayor Abena Hartley cited warnings from multiple government agencies about severe public health and safety concerns caused by current vending practices, exacerbated by the absence of comprehensive legislation.

    Proposed regulations would require vendors to completely remove all merchandise from streets daily, prohibiting overnight storage in stalls or on pavements. Corporation engineering assistant Sinclair Collis emphasized the cleaning challenges posed by leftover crates and produce, which contribute to drainage clogging, urban flooding, food decomposition odors, and expanding rat infestations in underground systems.

    Vendor representatives called the proposals impractical. Junior Lewis, vice president of the Charlotte Street Vendors Association, argued that moving heavy produce daily would create physical and logistical impossibilities for many operators. Female vendors particularly highlighted the excessive physical demands and additional costs involved.

    Beyond sanitation concerns, vendors challenged the fundamental structure of their operating permissions. Currently limited to Thursday through Saturday sales, vendors described the three-day work week as economically unsustainable. Petra Cayman, a Frederick Street jewelry vendor, called the arrangement “a death sentence” in Trinidad’s high-cost living environment, noting that missed opportunities during cruise ship season further diminish earnings.

    Vendors also identified illegal operators as a significant problem, with unregistered competitors undercutting prices without paying fees or rents. Additional complaints included inadequate street lighting affecting safety during high crime periods, noise pollution from adjacent businesses, and unreliable garbage collection services that exacerbate sanitation issues.

    Deputy Mayor Hartley acknowledged the corporation’s constrained resources, revealing drastic budget cuts from $19 million to approximately $4 million for infrastructure maintenance. This reduction has impacted the vending management team’s capacity to provide support. Vending program manager Deon Samm encouraged stricter adherence to fee payments, rental agreements, and health regulations to maintain operational continuity.

    Further consultations are planned with vendors, the Works and Infrastructure Ministry, and the Fire Service to develop updated vending contracts that balance public health concerns with vendor livelihoods.

  • MOWT corrects ‘error’: Late permit fees actually higher

    MOWT corrects ‘error’: Late permit fees actually higher

    The Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) in Trinidad has addressed mounting public dissatisfaction regarding recent fee increases for late permit renewals, revealing that an administrative miscalculation resulted in some drivers being undercharged during processing on December 6.

    The discrepancy came to light during an internal review conducted on the evening of January 5, prompting immediate corrective measures. Ministry officials confirmed that the updated fee structure has been properly implemented on the MOWT’s official portal to ensure transparency and accuracy moving forward.

    According to the revised fee schedule, motorists with permits expired for periods not exceeding six months will now incur a late penalty of $650, representing a $50 increase from the previously charged amount. For more significant delays involving permits that have lapsed for over six months but remain within a three-year threshold, the financial penalty has been substantially elevated to $1,750—a dramatic 75% surge from the former $1,000 charge.

    The ministry’s announcement follows widespread digital protests from drivers across the nation who expressed frustration through various online platforms regarding the increased financial burden. Despite the public discontent, transportation authorities maintain that the corrected fees reflect the actual costs associated with administrative processing of delinquent permit renewals.

    Officials emphasize that the updated fee structure aims to encourage timely renewal compliance while ensuring the proper allocation of resources within the transportation regulatory system. The ministry has encouraged all drivers to verify their permit status and review the updated fee schedule available through official channels to avoid unexpected charges during renewal procedures.

  • Judge dismisses challenge to DPP’s decision to continue firearms charges against 2 minors

    Judge dismisses challenge to DPP’s decision to continue firearms charges against 2 minors

    In a significant ruling with implications for juvenile justice, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has rejected a judicial review petition contesting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) determination to pursue firearms charges against two individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged offense.

    The case originates from an August 6, 2015 incident where the claimants—then aged 11 and 13—were present at a property where another minor tragically lost his life. The half-brothers, along with an adult co-accused, initially faced manslaughter and firearm possession charges. While manslaughter charges were subsequently dismissed in Children’s Court, the DPP elected to proceed exclusively with the firearms allegations, triggering the legal challenge.

    The claimants contended that continued prosecution violated legal principles, arguing insufficient evidence to overcome the presumption of doli incapax—the legal doctrine presuming children incapable of forming criminal intent. They further maintained that pursuing the case contradicted public interest considerations given their youthful ages at the time, the specific circumstances of the alleged possession, potential minimal sentences, and substantial procedural delays.

    Citing the Privy Council’s 2024 guidance on prosecutorial discretion, the defense team asserted the DPP’s decision failed to meet evidentiary and public interest thresholds outlined in prosecution guidelines.

    The DPP’s legal representatives countered that the appropriate venue for challenging evidence sufficiency was the magistrates’ court through a stay application, emphasizing established jurisprudence that discourages judicial review courts from evaluating evidence adequacy or infringing upon prosecutorial discretion.

    Justice Ramcharan determined that the magistrates’ court remained the proper forum for evaluating whether the doli incapax presumption had been adequately rebutted, noting that while related manslaughter charges had been dismissed, the firearms matter required independent judicial assessment.

    The court did criticize the DPP’s office for repeated procedural delays and poor communication practices, describing these shortcomings as “completely unacceptable.” However, the ruling clarified that the DPP bears no legal obligation to provide justification for continuing prosecutions.

    The judgment acknowledged that societal concerns regarding illegal firearms could legitimately influence the decision to pursue prosecution, adding that issues regarding trial delays and procedural fairness could be properly raised before the presiding magistrate.

    The court dismissed the judicial review application without awarding costs.