Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • PM defends taxes: Every pot to stand on its own bottom

    PM defends taxes: Every pot to stand on its own bottom

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has mounted a vigorous defense of her government’s controversial tax reforms while delivering a stark assessment of Trinidad and Tobago’s social condition, characterizing the nation as a “lawless dump” in response to opposition criticism.

    The political leader articulated a philosophy of fiscal self-sufficiency, asserting that citizens should directly bear the costs of services they utilize rather than relying on collective taxation. “It is time for every pot to stand on its own bottom,” Persad-Bissessar declared, emphasizing her belief that taxpayers’ money should exclusively benefit those contributing rather than subsidizing services for others.

    Recent implementations include doubled bus-route toll fees, increased birth and death registration charges, and heightened customs fees—measures the Prime Minister justified as essential for governmental entities to achieve operational self-sufficiency. She challenged opposition claims from PNM leader Pennelope Beckles, who warned citizens to prepare for “economic hardship” and identified taxation as the government’s dominant theme leading toward 2026 elections.

    Persad-Bissessar provided pointed examples: “Why should a teacher from Mayaro pay taxes to subsidize bus route maintenance when he doesn’t use it? If you use the bus route, you should pay for it.” She extended this logic to birth registration—”If you make children, you should pay to register them”—and customs fees for importers seeking profit.

    Regarding the extended state of emergency, the Prime Minister adopted an unusually permissive stance: “Everyone is free to do what they want. The SoE is not restricting anyone. Feel free to drive recklessly and kill yourself if you want, feel free to encourage your children to smoke ganja and drink rum if you want.”

    The political leader accused the PNM of neglecting their own constituencies, citing poor garbage collection services despite available funding and describing opposition strongholds as areas with the highest murder rates, unemployment, and poorest infrastructure. “The PNM has never cared about their own supporters,” she stated.

    Persad-Bissessar concluded with a bleak national assessment: “The country is a lawless dump. And everyone contributed to it. That’s the truth,” while maintaining her commitment to improving conditions for law-abiding citizens across political affiliations.

  • High price of fiscal incompetence

    High price of fiscal incompetence

    The Trinidad and Tobago administration under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has unveiled a controversial fiscal strategy that critics are labeling as governance through punitive taxation rather than effective policy solutions. Effective January 1, 2026, the government will implement severe increases in traffic penalties—a move the Prime Minister justifies by citing public “lawlessness” and alleged “sub-par intelligence levels” among citizens.

    This policy reversal marks a stark departure from the administration’s previous stance. While in opposition, Persad-Bissessar vehemently criticized the former government’s demerit system as creating “hardship,” subsequently dismantling the mechanism upon taking office. The return of traffic chaos has now prompted a response that doubles fines rather than addressing infrastructure or transportation system deficiencies.

    Transport Minister Eli Zakour defends the measures as necessary for road safety, though conspicuously absent is any comprehensive mass transit plan or modernization initiative. Concurrently, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has enacted Legal Notices 472 and 473, dramatically increasing customs fees through what the government terms “modernization” efforts.

    The most significant impact falls upon public transport operators, with maxi taxi tolls for the Priority Bus Route doubling to $600 quarterly without prior consultation. Route Two president Brenton Knights confirms that this unilateral decision signals the end of the “honeymoon phase” between transporters and the administration.

    These revenue-generation measures unfold against a troubling economic backdrop: Consolidated Energy Ltd has been downgraded to CCC+ junk-bond status, a $224 million debt maturity approaches, and natural gas supplies show only marginal improvements. Rather than addressing these fundamental economic challenges, the government has chosen to implement widespread fee increases that will inevitably raise consumer prices across all sectors.

    The Prime Minister’s Christmas message emphasizing “compassion” and “service” stands in stark contrast to policies that critics argue demonstrate creative bankruptcy in governance. The administration appears to be taxing citizens into compliance rather than governing them through effective leadership and strategic economic planning.

  • Increased fines a good first step

    Increased fines a good first step

    In a significant policy shift announced on Christmas Day, the Trinidad and Tobago government has enacted Legal Notice No. 471, substantially increasing penalties for traffic violations effective January 1, 2026. The sweeping changes represent the most comprehensive overhaul of traffic fines in recent history, with some penalties increasing tenfold.

    The most dramatic escalation targets uninsured drivers, whose fines jump from TT$1,000 to TT$10,000. The adjustments affect numerous violations outlined in the Ninth Schedule of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, marking a stark departure from previous government positions. Opposition leaders were quick to highlight that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had previously criticized high traffic fines while in opposition and promised reductions.

    This punitive approach arrives amid alarming road safety statistics. Traffic fatalities have demonstrated a troubling upward trajectory, climbing from 96 deaths in 2023 to 117 in 2024, and reaching 122 by late 2024. Current figures for 2025 indicate only marginal improvement with 108 road-related deaths recorded to date.

    The government’s latest action contrasts sharply with its earlier decision to weaken the demerit point system in July 2025, raising questions about the consistency of its road safety strategy. The demerit system, initially implemented in March 2020 and subsequently modified in March 2022, had provided a mechanism for tracking repeat offenses while allowing drivers opportunity to correct behavior before license suspension.

    International research suggests that fine increases below 100% prove relatively ineffective in modifying driver behavior, making Trinidad and Tobago’s substantial hikes potentially more impactful. However, critics note the silent implementation without public consultation and characterize the move as revenue generation disguised as public safety measure.

    The administration has demonstrated similar taxation approaches toward alcohol consumption, smoking, and gambling, positioning traffic fines within a broader pattern of behavioral taxation. Enforcement remains a crucial factor, with historical precedents showing systemic challenges. In 2019, authorities reported approximately 120,000 unpaid fixed penalty tickets from 2011-2015, eventually requiring court intervention and subsequent amnesty programs with 50% discounts.

    The government has signaled strengthened enforcement intentions through recent recognition of Police Constable Keron Sankar, who issued 1,427 traffic tickets during the first half of 2025. Experts emphasize that without consistent enforcement and judicial follow-through, even dramatically increased fines may fail to significantly reduce traffic violations and preventable road deaths.

  • Ryan Gomez, Victoria Seenath confirm title defence at Brechin Castle Open

    Ryan Gomez, Victoria Seenath confirm title defence at Brechin Castle Open

    The 2026 Brechin Castle Open Golf Championships, scheduled for January 9-11 at Sevilla Golf Course, will feature defending champions Ryan Gomez and Victoria Seenath returning to protect their hard-earned titles. Both athletes have officially registered for Trinidad and Tobago’s inaugural major golf tournament of the year, signaling their determination to maintain championship status.

    Gomez, who captured the men’s championship in 2024, has already conducted preliminary reconnaissance of the course, playing a practice round last week to familiarize himself with current conditions. Seenath, last year’s women’s champion, similarly prepares to defend her first title at the Sevilla venue.

    Tournament organizers anticipate robust participation across multiple divisions. Avery Sirju, Secretary of Brechin Castle Golf Club, confirmed that the event typically attracts capacity fields, including promising juniors aspiring to represent Trinidad and Tobago in regional competitions. This year’s tournament will showcase several recent graduates from junior ranks, including 2025 Republic Bank Junior Open champion Ross Ramkissoon, who will compete in the first flight division.

    Notable among emerging talents is Ethan Collier, the 2025 Republic Bank Junior Golf Open champion for boys aged 14-15. Despite his junior status, Collier previously won the first flight at the 2025 TT Golf Open at just 14 years old and will make his competitive debut at Brechin Castle.

    The nine-hole Sevilla Golf Course presents unique organizational challenges for tournament committees. To accommodate anticipated participation exceeding 100 golfers, the club implements a dual-wave system with morning and evening shifts ensuring smooth operations throughout the championship.

    Course maintenance remains optimal despite typical January dryness, thanks to recent intermittent showers and strategic water management from the property’s reservoir. Sirju confirmed that irrigation systems have been inspected and are fully operational, with all greens receiving adequate hydration ahead of the tournament.

    The Brechin Castle Golf Club has significantly elevated its profile over the past decade, with organizers committed to maintaining exceptional standards. ‘We aim to sustain this tournament’s growth as potentially Trinidad’s premier golf event,’ Sirju stated, emphasizing the club’s dedication to course quality and competitive excellence.

    Previous division winners include Ben Martin (professional flight), Hollis George (first flight), Ron Aguillar (second flight), and Aba Bally-Roopchand (third flight), though all eyes remain focused on whether Gomez and Seenath can repeat their championship performances.

  • TTFA says no plan to change programme in 2026: Building with coach Dwight Yorke

    TTFA says no plan to change programme in 2026: Building with coach Dwight Yorke

    Despite failing to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has affirmed its commitment to maintaining the current developmental trajectory of the national men’s senior team. President Kieron Edwards declared the organization will not dismantle the existing football program, expressing satisfaction with the team’s overall progression under coach Dwight Yorke.

    The squad finished third in their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group, trailing behind Curacao and Jamaica, thus missing the opportunity to compete in the upcoming tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Nevertheless, Edwards highlighted positive indicators, particularly noting the remarkable resurgence of public engagement throughout 2025. Stadiums witnessed packed crowds, and corporate sponsorship demonstrated growing confidence in the team’s direction.

    In an official interview with TTFA media, Edwards emphasized the significance of rekindled fan support: “The most important achievement was revitalizing fan involvement in football… witnessing stadiums at full capacity, supporting the team that consistently gave their utmost effort to qualify.”

    Regarding future strategy, Edwards confirmed ongoing discussions with coach Dwight Yorke and his technical staff. Yorke, who assumed leadership in November 2024, faces contractual uncertainty with only months remaining on his current deal. The TTFA president outlined immediate competitive plans, revealing Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in the inaugural FIFA Series during the March international window. This initiative provides matches against nations typically outside their regular competitive calendar.

    The national team is scheduled to confront higher-ranked opponents Uzbekistan (hosts), Gabon, and Iceland. Edwards characterized these fixtures as crucial for development: “This tournament represents a vital next step, aiding our strategic push over the next four years to climb the global rankings. All participating nations are ranked above Trinidad and Tobago, offering invaluable experience.”

    Looking ahead to 2026, Edwards projected optimism, citing an emerging generation of talent. He acknowledged the retirement of influential veteran Kevin Molino, extending best wishes for his post-football endeavors while affirming confidence in the squad’s youthful composition and continued progression under the existing framework.

  • Dr Ronald Henry’s Moses Revealed: When science meets scripture

    Dr Ronald Henry’s Moses Revealed: When science meets scripture

    Dr. Ronald Henry, a 71-year-old distinguished cardiologist and Chaconia Medal (Silver) recipient, has unveiled his interdisciplinary work ‘Moses Revealed’ that synthesizes biblical narratives with archaeological evidence and historical research. The book launch event at Hilton on October 29 featured Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath as keynote speaker, celebrating this unique contribution to religious scholarship.

    Henry’s publication offers a comprehensive re-examination of Moses’ life journey—from his royal Egyptian upbringing to his pivotal role in Abrahamic traditions. Unlike conventional religious interpretations, the 89-page volume employs Egyptological research and hieroglyphic translations to contextualize the biblical account within ancient Egyptian culture and belief systems.

    The cardiologist’s two-decade intellectual journey began during a visit to Egypt where he observed striking parallels between ancient Egyptian concepts of resurrection and Christian doctrines. This realization prompted extensive research into German Egyptologist Jan Assmann’s works, particularly ‘The Search for God in Ancient Egypt,’ which fundamentally reshaped Henry’s understanding of religious evolution.

    A critical COVID-19 infection in December 2023 provided unexpected impetus for completion. During hospitalization, Henry discovered his manuscript’s resonance when a male nurse responded enthusiastically to aloud readings. This experience convinced him to reframe the narrative through Moses’ perspective as ‘an icon of modern man’s dilemma between faith and knowledge.’

    Education Minister Dowlath praised the work as exemplifying lifelong learning, noting its diagnostic precision and human-centered storytelling. Henry characterizes his Moses as ‘more Spiderman than Superman’—a complex figure navigating between Egyptian scientific education and divine calling, mirroring contemporary professionals balancing reason with spiritual seeking.

    The book is available at Paper Based Bookshop (St. Clair), Unique Book Stores nationwide, and Amazon. Henry has already committed to two subsequent publications, maintaining that ‘education should humble us to recognize how much we don’t know.’

  • Mechanical issues halt TT Spirit sailings

    Mechanical issues halt TT Spirit sailings

    Trinidad and Tobago’s inter-island ferry service is facing significant operational disruptions following the abrupt withdrawal of the TT Spirit vessel from service. The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd (TTIT) announced on December 29 that all scheduled sailings aboard the TT Spirit have been canceled indefinitely due to pressing mechanical complications requiring urgent repairs.

    The transportation company confirmed that this development compounds existing service challenges, as the APT James vessel remains concurrently out of operation. To mitigate the impact on inter-island connectivity, TTIT has implemented contingency measures utilizing its remaining operational vessels.

    The Buccoo Reef and Galleons Passage ferries will maintain transportation services between Trinidad and Tobago with revised sailing schedules effective December 29 and 30. These adjustments aim to sustain essential passenger and vehicular movement amid the reduced fleet capacity.

    TTIT officials have urged the traveling public to monitor official channels for schedule updates, arrive at terminals ahead of intended departure times, and adhere strictly to instructions from port and vessel staff. The company has extended apologies for inconveniences caused and expressed gratitude for passengers’ continued patience and cooperation during this service interruption.

    Travelers seeking additional information may contact customer service at Port of Spain: 467-5072 or Scarborough: 467-5330/467-5117 for assistance.

  • Council commends clean THA election campaign so far

    Council commends clean THA election campaign so far

    The Council for Responsible Political Behaviour has issued commendations to political parties participating in Tobago’s January 12 elections for their commitment to maintaining campaign integrity. In a December 28 media release following its first weekly monitoring session, the Council acknowledged the parties’ declared intentions to conduct a clean electoral process.

    Despite the positive assessment, the Council revealed that only two of the four invited political parties attended the live televised signing ceremony of the Code of Ethical Political Conduct held in Tobago on December 23. The organization has maintained an open invitation for all parties to endorse the code regardless of their initial participation.

    The Council identified emerging concerns regarding social media conduct that potentially violates ethical standards. While acknowledging its limited capacity to monitor digital platforms, the watchdog has encouraged public vigilance and reporting of potential code violations through designated channels including WhatsApp (793-4505) and email (info@politicalethicstt.org).

    The established code mandates that parties and supporters adhere to fundamental ethical principles including: prohibition of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, class, or religion; avoidance of false or defamatory allegations against parties or candidates; refraining from character assassination attempts; and respecting the private lives of candidates and their families unrelated to public activities. Comprehensive information regarding the code and potential violations is accessible through the Council’s official website at www.politicalethicstt.org.

  • NEL recovers from loss with $15.3m profit

    NEL recovers from loss with $15.3m profit

    NATIONAL Enterprises Ltd (NEL) has demonstrated exceptional financial resilience by posting a $15.3 million profit after tax, marking a dramatic 104% recovery from previous unrealized fair value losses. The company’s strategic maneuvers have yielded impressive operational efficiencies, reducing expenses by 9% while simultaneously boosting dividend income by 14% to $129 million from $113 million.

    The energy investment firm reported robust cash reserves of $172 million in cash and equivalents, underscoring its strengthened financial position. This turnaround was significantly propelled by the resurgent performance of NGC and TTLNG—formerly components of Atlantic LNG train one—now integrated into the restructured unified ALNG operation encompassing trains two through four.

    Executive Director David Robinson emphasized the company’s steadfast commitment to shareholder value despite persistent global market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and irregular gas supply patterns. “Our sustained resilience against multifaceted challenges validates both the durability of our core assets and our capacity to capitalize on emerging value-creation opportunities,” Robinson stated. He further expressed confidence that this performance breakthrough establishes a foundation for delivering consistent shareholder returns across both immediate and extended timeframes.

    Beyond financial metrics, NEL reinforced its community engagement through comprehensive corporate social responsibility initiatives targeting education, youth development, social welfare, and cultural programs. The company’s strategic investments included financial literacy campaigns, educational fundraising support, and entrepreneurship incubators, reflecting its dedication to empowering future generations and enriching community ecosystems.

    The 2024 dividend distribution reached $156 million, equivalent to $0.26 per share, with a trailing dividend yield of 7.3%—ranking among the most competitive returns on the local exchange and outperforming comparable market benchmarks.

  • The Giving Wave spreads joy this Christmas

    The Giving Wave spreads joy this Christmas

    PORT OF SPAIN – The Giving Wave, a youth-driven community organization, has successfully concluded its 2025 operations with a remarkably successful Christmas toy drive campaign that substantially exceeded its initial objectives. The initiative, which partnered with the Just Because Foundation as primary beneficiary, ultimately delivered gifts to more than 200 children throughout Trinidad and Tobago – doubling its original target of 100 beneficiaries.

    The organization’s recent media release detailed how this grassroots effort demonstrated the powerful impact of community collaboration. Founded just seven months ago in May 2025 by five university friends – Genesis Manswell, Luke Manzano, Zack Aleong, Sierra Hade, and Moi-Marie Marchand – The Giving Wave represents a new generation of civic engagement. The group’s members, who share educational backgrounds at Fatima College and Holy Name Convent in Port of Spain, developed their commitment to service during their tertiary education years.

    Despite operating with limited resources as UWI students balancing academic and work commitments, the organization has maintained consistent community involvement. Their activities have included environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups in collaboration with 868SaveTheEarth, volunteer work at the Immortelle Centre, and the organization of multiple food drives throughout the year.

    The group specifically acknowledged On the Verge Ltd. as their largest sponsor and expressed gratitude to all supporters who contributed to the toy drive’s success. The Giving Wave has encouraged continued community participation through their Instagram presence @thegivingwavett, signaling their intention to maintain momentum into 2026 with further charitable projects.