标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Trinidad and Tobago government’s abrupt acceleration of its migrant registration initiative has generated significant apprehension within immigrant communities, prompting leading human rights advocates to step forward with crucial clarifications. Originally scheduled to commence on January 30, the Ministry of Homeland Security unexpectedly announced on January 23 that the Migrant Registration Framework would instead launch on January 26, creating widespread uncertainty about eligibility requirements and procedural details.

The registration process will be conducted across four major sporting venues: Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, and Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago. Successful applicants will receive official migrant registration cards granting legal authorization to reside and seek employment in Trinidad and Tobago through December 31, 2025, upon payment of a $700 registration fee. The government has emphasized that unregistered migrants face potential deportation.

Venezuelan human rights activist Yesenia Gonzalez of the Themis Foundation of the Americas has emerged as a key interpreter of the policy, addressing the confusion that spread through migrant communities via WhatsApp networks and other channels. Gonzalez explained that while the government deliberately avoids using the term ‘amnesty,’ the program effectively functions as a temporary regularization measure. From a legal perspective, it does not constitute a full amnesty as it neither grants permanent residency status nor absolves all previous immigration violations. However, it establishes a temporary suspension of immigration penalties, enabling undocumented migrants to obtain official documentation without fear of immediate prosecution.

Eligibility criteria extend beyond Venezuelan nationals to include any foreign national residing in Trinidad and Tobago without valid immigration status, provided they have no serious criminal convictions and present no demonstrable threat to public safety. This encompasses migrants from Caribbean neighbors, Latin American countries, African nations, and beyond, including asylum seekers, recognized refugees, and individuals who have overstayed visas or otherwise lost their legal status.

Andreina Ventura-Brown of La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre corroborated this assessment, characterizing the registration as a critical opportunity for migrants to transition from precarious legal situations into protected status. Her organization actively encourages participation in the program, framing it as a legitimate pathway toward legal recognition, economic participation, and social inclusion. Through regularization, migrants can reduce their vulnerability, gain access to essential services and education, and contribute openly to their adopted society while fulfilling responsibilities under national law.

Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with public outrage following the release of CCTV footage that contradicts official police accounts of a fatal shooting incident in St. Augustine on January 20. The video evidence shows 31-year-old Joshua Samaroo attempting to surrender before officers opened fire, resulting in his death and critical injuries to his common-law wife Kaia Sealy.

The disturbing footage captures the moment Samaroo’s vehicle crashed during a police pursuit on Bassie Street Extension. Within seconds of the collision, three officers emerged from their SUV and discharged at least 17 rounds toward the disabled vehicle. The recording clearly shows Samaroo rolling down his window and extending both hands in a surrender gesture before being struck multiple times.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Suzette Martin acknowledged public concerns regarding the incident, stating the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) treats any loss of life during operations with “utmost seriousness.” The service has committed to full cooperation with the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) investigation while refraining from public commentary on active proceedings.

The PCA has seized upon this incident to renew demands for body-worn cameras, emphasizing their importance for transparency and accountability. Director David West confirmed an independent investigation would examine whether officers violated use-of-force protocols.

This shooting represents the fourth police-involved fatality in 2026, continuing a troubling three-year trend that saw fatal police shootings increase by 150% since 2023. The escalation coincides with extended states of emergency that granted expanded police powers throughout most of 2025.

The government is currently advancing the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill through the Senate, which would maintain enhanced law enforcement capabilities through targeted operational zones rather than nationwide emergency measures. The legislation faces opposition concerns regarding potential power abuses.

As investigations proceed, the incident has sparked intense social media debate, with some citizens questioning the police narrative while others suggest the couple’s attempt to flee indicated culpability. Family members maintain neither individual was involved in criminal activities.

In a renewed push for justice, prominent attorney Prakash Ramadhar has issued a firm demand for financial compensation from both Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd and LMCS Ltd to the families of four divers who tragically perished in a 2022 underwater pipeline incident. During a press briefing in Curepe on January 24th, flanked by associates Saira Lakhan, Ved Trebouhansingh, and Shane Sinanan, Ramadhar emphasized that legal action would be imminent if the companies continued to deny liability.

This development follows closely after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed $1 million ex-gratia payments to Christopher Boodram, the sole survivor of the catastrophe, and to the families of two deceased divers, Rishi Nagessar and Fyzal Kurban. The tragic event occurred on February 25, 2022, when the five LMCS-employed divers were performing maintenance on a 30-inch pipeline at Berth 6 in Pointe-a-Pierre. They were catastrophically sucked into the line by a powerful differential pressure event, known as Delta P.

A recent Commission of Enquiry report, tabled in Parliament on January 19, 2024, recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions consider corporate manslaughter charges against Paria. The report also cited evidence to prosecute Paria manager Colin Piper and LMCS head Kazim Ali Snr—father of one of the victims—for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

While expressing gratitude for the government’s compensatory gesture, Ramadhar asserted it was insufficient and that the primary responsibility rests with the involved corporations. He revealed that pre-action letters had been repeatedly sent to both companies, whose legal representatives have consistently denied liability, even post-enquiry. To avoid a protracted legal battle that could span years through appeals, Ramadhar has proposed an out-of-court settlement of $5 million for each affected family. He contextualized this figure by comparing it to the multi-million dollar legal fees generated by the enquiry itself.

Highlighting the profound ongoing hardships faced by the families, Ramadhar detailed the case of the Kurban family. The victim’s daughter is accruing significant debt for her education in Canada, while her brothers in Trinidad struggle to find work due to community associations with the disaster. Similarly, distribution of the government’s payment to the family of Yusuf Henry is delayed due to unresolved beneficiary issues among his children from different relationships.

Concluding his appeal, Ramadhar stated his team would dispatch further correspondence to Paria and LMCS, urging a swift and fair settlement to alleviate the families’ burdens without relying solely on state resources, noting that Paria, as a state enterprise, possesses substantial assets exceeding US$1 billion.

In a powerful embodiment of Michelle Obama’s assertion that “women and girls can do whatever they want,” Trinidadian visionary Wendy Lewis has crafted a multidimensional career that defies conventional categorization. At 54, this San Fernando native has merged three decades of expertise across media, entertainment, and social advocacy into a transformative force for Caribbean women.

Lewis’s professional tapestry spans remarkable breadth: an internationally recognized keynote speaker, broadcast professional, and leadership strategist who simultaneously operates as CEO of Khalabash Productions, founder of TT Corporate Training Academy (the Caribbean’s first protocol school), certified counselor, ordained minister, and published author. Her broadcast legacy includes hosting acclaimed programs like “D Khalabash Corner,” “Straight Talk with Wendy,” and “A Woman’s Worth.”

Her groundbreaking achievements include a historic 2001 victory as the first woman to claim the UK Calypso Monarch title—a triumph she successfully defended the following year. This musical prowess complements her status as the region’s longest-serving female artist manager, currently guiding careers of soca artist Roger George and Bollywood vocalist Anuradha Hansraj.

Beyond entertainment, Lewis wields significant influence as Chair and Regional President of Caribbean Women Honors & Empowerment’s Trinidad chapter. Since 2019, she has spearheaded initiatives combating gender-based violence while creating safe spaces for men’s mental health through the “Men We Are Here For You” program. Her 2024 islandwide period poverty campaign addressed menstrual health and youth empowerment through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

Lewis attributes her multifaceted success to spiritual grounding, intentional relationship-building, and refined discernment. “My inner circle became more refined, my purpose grew clearer, bringing greater peace, alignment and fulfillment,” she reflects regarding her ability to balance numerous roles.

Future endeavors include executing “A Woman’s Worth – The Conference,” multiple book releases, and undisclosed projects. Her advice to women navigating multiple roles emphasizes self-prioritization: “Put God first, then yourself, and then anyone or anything else. Give yourself permission to pace your life in seasons and redefine success on your own terms.”