Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Lee unaware of HDC policy to regularise squatters

    Lee unaware of HDC policy to regularise squatters

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Housing Minister David Lee has publicly denied knowledge of a controversial proposal by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to regularize squatting on state properties. The minister’s statement came in response to media inquiries on December 29, following earlier reports that HDC chairman Feroze Khan was considering a program to legitimize unauthorized occupants of vacant government housing.

    Minister Lee emphasized that the potential policy had not been discussed with his office, stating, ‘These questions should be addressed to the HDC chairman as I am not aware of this policy. Maybe this is a board decision by this present board, but as line minister this was not discussed with myself or any of my other ministers.’

    The reported initiative would have encouraged squatters who could afford mortgage payments to begin formal acquisition processes for properties they currently occupy illegally. This proposal emerged amid growing concerns about housing shortages and unauthorized occupation of government properties across the nation.

    Prime Minister Keith Rowley, when questioned about the potential contradiction between such a policy and her recent characterization of Trinidad and Tobago as a ‘lawless dump’ due to citizens’ ‘entitled attitudes,’ advised journalists to directly interview Chairman Khan for accurate information rather than relying on media reports.

    Khan, when contacted by news organizations, indicated he was in meetings and would provide clarification later in the week, leaving the status and authenticity of the proposed regularization program uncertain. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in housing policy and governance coordination within the Caribbean nation.

  • Health Minister to review ruling on Zika case

    Health Minister to review ruling on Zika case

    In a significant policy shift, Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has committed to reevaluating the ministry’s stance regarding a pivotal 2023 High Court ruling concerning state support for children disabled by the Zika virus. This development follows public appeals from the Zika Foundation of TT and affected families.

    The case centers around Davyn Ragoo, born in February 2017 with microcephaly resulting from Zika virus infection. In May 2023, High Court Judge Joan Charles delivered a landmark 34-page judgment upholding a judicial review lawsuit filed by Davyn’s mother, Kavita Ramkissoon-Ragoo. The ruling declared that the State had failed in its constitutional duty to provide adequate support and specialized healthcare for disabled children, specifically violating Section 4(a) of the Constitution guaranteeing the right to life.

    Justice Charles’s judgment mandated several immediate actions: provision of urgent specialized healthcare for Davyn, financial assistance to the family, implementation of proper disability management protocols within three months, and payment of damages including aggravated damages for constitutional rights violations.

    The previous Health Minister, Terrence Deyalsingh, had announced intentions to appeal the judgment but reportedly took no subsequent action. Families affected by Zika-related birth defects reported receiving none of the court-ordered compensation or support services.

    Dr. Karen Sohan, head of the Zika Foundation, emphasized that affected families seek not financial assistance but practical support measures. “These are modest needs,” she noted, “but they carry immense significance in easing daily burdens and preserving dignity” for families caring for children who cannot walk or talk.

    Minister Bodoe responded via WhatsApp message, stating: “The health and well-being of our nation’s children remains very high on the agenda of this government and the Honourable Prime Minister. I will review this matter with the legal team to determine whether any further course of action is indicated.” His statement referenced the recent rededication of the Couva Children’s Hospital as evidence of the government’s commitment to children’s healthcare.

  • Caricom is a pointless enemy

    Caricom is a pointless enemy

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has dramatically intensified her criticism of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), characterizing the regional bloc as an “unreliable partner” and condemning it as a “dysfunctional and self-destructive” organization. This sharp rebuke emerged on Monday following CARICOM’s Bureau of Conference of Heads of Government suggesting diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. government after President Trump’s decision to restrict entry for citizens from Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

    The Prime Minister controversially connected this call for discussion regarding altered U.S. access for Caribbean nationals with an implicit alignment to Nicolas Maduro’s Venezuelan government. This latest denunciation significantly amplifies her previous stance of reproaching CARICOM for its insistence on maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Her accusations were notably more blunt and direct than in prior statements.

    In a remarkable declaration, PM Persad-Bissessar asserted that “the organization is deteriorating rapidly due to poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, destabilising policies, private conflicts between regional leaders and political parties, and the inappropriate meddling in the domestic politics of member states.” This criticism is particularly striking given Trinidad and Tobago’s current role as CARICOM’s lead nation on energy, security, and cricket matters.

    The nation’s historical significance to CARICOM adds further weight to these comments. Trinidad and Tobago was among the original signatories to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, effectively establishing the country as the birthplace of the CARICOM concept, and most recently hosted the organization’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2023. This represents a dramatic reversal in position that member states are reportedly struggling to assess and address appropriately.

    Initial responses from regional leaders have been notably cool. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted that Trinidad and Tobago is a major regional trade partner, with estimated earnings exceeding US$1.1 billion from CARICOM trade in 2024 alone, positioning it second only to the United States. PM Browne pointedly noted that “Trinidad and Tobago faces some of the highest levels of organised crime in the Caribbean, and regional cooperation through CARICOM security mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law-enforcement initiatives has been an essential pillar of the response.”

    Barbados’ Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds has called for CARICOM leaders to convene “behind closed doors” to discuss the current diplomatic tension. Referring to the “uncompromising voice” within CARICOM discussions, Minister Symmonds advocated for dialogue amid regional uncertainty, though it appears unlikely he expects Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister to participate.

    This development raises significant questions about regional cooperation dynamics. As the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is ultimately temporary, analysts suggest that Trinidad and Tobago should not predicate its economic future exclusively on increasingly unpredictable U.S. government relations. The current administration’s approach has demonstrated unreliability to its closest regional trade partners, a factor that will inevitably influence future diplomatic and economic negotiations within the Caribbean community.

  • High Court to hear injunction bid against cycling federation on December 30

    High Court to hear injunction bid against cycling federation on December 30

    A significant legal confrontation has emerged within Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling community as the High Court considers an injunction against the national sporting federation. The Just Living Daily (JLD) Cycling Academy, Heatwave Cycling Club, and prominent cyclists Njisane Phillip, Alexi Costa-Ramirez, and Makaira Wallace have jointly filed legal proceedings against the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF).

    The dispute centers on the federation’s planned January 17, 2026 selection trials for the Pan American Track Cycling Championships scheduled for February in Santiago, Chile. The claimants argue that the timing and structure of these trials directly contradict the TTCF’s officially published selection policy and procedures.

    According to court documents, the conflict began when the TTCF distributed an email on November 10, 2025, announcing mandatory track trials exclusively for elite and under-23 cyclists in both sprint and endurance events. The plaintiffs immediately raised concerns through written requests for clarification and review of the selection process.

    Despite extensive correspondence throughout November and early December—including an emergency council meeting and formal communications between legal representatives—the federation maintained its position regarding the January trials. This stalemate prompted the filing of a claim form and statement of case on December 1, 2025, followed by the interim injunctive relief application on December 22.

    The virtual hearing before Justice James is set for December 30 at 9 am, where the TTCF will present its response to the allegations. The outcome of this legal proceeding could significantly impact Trinidad and Tobago’s representation at the upcoming Pan American Championships and potentially reshape athlete selection protocols within national cycling governance.

  • Plea to Health Minister – Drop appeal in Zika child case

    Plea to Health Minister – Drop appeal in Zika child case

    The Zika Foundation has issued a compelling appeal to Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe, urging the immediate cessation of the government’s planned appeal against a landmark 2023 High Court judgment. The ruling had affirmed the constitutional rights of children born with Zika-related disabilities, mandating state support for their specialized care needs.

    Dr. Karen Sohan, Head of the Zika Foundation and former Chief of Staff at Mt Hope Women’s Hospital, emphasized that affected families seek only practical measures to manage their children’s complex care requirements. “These are modest needs, but they carry immense significance in easing daily burdens and preserving dignity,” Dr. Sohan stated, citing examples such as covered parking facilities to protect vulnerable children during hospital transport in inclement weather.

    The case centers on eight-year-old Davyn Ragoo, one of 17 Trinidadian children born with congenital Zika syndrome during the 2017 outbreak. Born with microcephaly, Davyn is non-verbal and immobile, requiring round-the-clock care including specialized nutrition, constant physiotherapy, and mobility assistance. His mother, Kavita Ramkissoon-Ragoo, has developed an intricate system of gestures to communicate with her son—mouth opening indicates hunger, tongue twiddling signifies thirst, leg stretching suggests abdominal pain, and leg rubbing signals the need for diaper changes.

    The original lawsuit, filed in 2019 against former Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, resulted in Justice Joan Charles’s groundbreaking 34-page judgment. The court found the state had violated Davyn’s constitutional right to life by failing to provide appropriate healthcare, ordering immediate specialized medical provision, financial assistance, and protocol implementation within three months. The state was also mandated to pay damages for constitutional breaches.

    Despite the court’s clear directive, Ramkissoon-Ragoo reports receiving no communication regarding the appeal process nor any state assistance. Families continue to shoulder enormous financial burdens, often abandoning employment to provide full-time care while relying on charitable support.

    While expressing confidence in the government’s commitment to children’s welfare, affected parents urgently request implemented procedures rather than prolonged legal battles. “Our kids were born with lifelong disabilities,” Ramkissoon-Ragoo emphasized. “My dream is for them to receive first-world treatment. We make it look easy, but I admit it is overwhelming at times.”

    Minister Bodoe has acknowledged the inquiry but requested additional time to respond substantively to these critical concerns affecting some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

  • UWI’s Institute of Gender and Development Studies – Advocating for women’s equality, empowerment in TT

    UWI’s Institute of Gender and Development Studies – Advocating for women’s equality, empowerment in TT

    For four decades, The University of the West Indies’ Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) has served as a beacon of progressive change throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region. What began as the Women and Development Studies Group in 1982 has evolved into a premier institution driving gender justice, equality, and research-informed advocacy.

    Under the guidance of Dr. Sue Ann Barratt, the institute’s director and senior lecturer, IGDS brings together academic, professional, and technical teams to advance meaningful dialogue, scholarly investigation, and community engagement. Their work illuminates how gender dynamics influence both visible and concealed challenges affecting diverse populations across the nation.

    The institute’s intellectual foundations rest upon the pioneering work of Caribbean feminist scholars Professors Patricia Mohammed and Rhoda Reddock, now emerita faculty members. Their extensive scholarship—spanning over 100 publications—has fundamentally shaped Caribbean feminist discourse and women’s movements, providing critical insights into the intersecting identities and experiences of women throughout the region.

    Dr. Angelique Nixon, senior lecturer and researcher at IGDS, emphasizes the necessity of intersectional analysis: ‘We do not just exist as one aspect of our identity. These dimensions—race, sexuality, class background, and others—overlap and mutually influence one another.’ This framework reveals how socioeconomic status, education, geographic location, and access to resources collectively determine social positioning and experiences of privilege or oppression.

    IGDS has launched numerous transformative initiatives that created tangible societal impact. The groundbreaking ‘Break the Silence’ campaign brought national attention to child sexual abuse and its connections to HIV transmission. Another flagship program, ‘A Sexual Culture of Justice’ led by Dr. Nixon, addressed gender-based violence, homophobia, and bullying through its influential #PullUpYuhBredren awareness movement.

    The institute’s reach extends beyond traditional academia through youth empowerment programs like the Reach for Rights camp and a global Massive Open Online Course on feminist transformational leadership that attracted participants from over 80 countries. Current research priorities include climate justice, aging populations, and gender-responsive policy development that informs national planning strategies.

    Recently, IGDS commemorated its 40th anniversary alongside the Department of Creative and Festival Arts at their new Gordon Street location in St. Augustine. The institute continues its advocacy through international campaigns such as the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, hosting walks, student exhibitions, and collaborative events with organizations like the Hindu Women’s Organisation.

    Through its integrated approach combining scholarship, education, and community engagement, IGDS remains at the forefront of efforts to bridge social divisions, challenge systemic inequalities, and foster a more equitable society for all Caribbean people.

  • NAAATT seeks new alternatives amid NGC’s sponsorship cuts

    NAAATT seeks new alternatives amid NGC’s sponsorship cuts

    Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic future faces unprecedented challenges as the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAATT) confronts a devastating $4.15 million sponsorship reduction from the National Gas Company (NGC). This substantial funding withdrawal has compelled the nation’s premier athletic organization to dramatically scale back critical development programs and completely restructure its operational framework for the upcoming competitive season.

    The comprehensive financial cuts, formally disclosed in a December 27th report, impact virtually every tier of Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic ecosystem. The most significant reductions include a $1.5 million decrease for track and field development and youth elite programs, followed by a $750,000 cut from CARIFTA Games support, and a $600,000 reduction for district and Moruga zonal primary school competitions.

    Additional program cuts reveal the sweeping nature of the financial crisis: $500,000 eliminated from the Right on Track initiative, $350,000 withdrawn from Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships, $300,000 removed from Primary School Championships, and $150,000 cut from the Youth Elite Program that provides vital university scholarships through partnership with the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

    NAAATT President Ephraim Serrette expressed profound disappointment at the development, emphasizing that athletics has historically delivered 15 of the nation’s 19 Olympic medals. “It is very unfortunate,” Serrette stated, “and I keep saying track and field athletics is the most successful sport in TT.”

    The association has immediately implemented contingency measures, including scaling down event scope and operational capacity while aggressively pursuing alternative funding sources. Serrette confirmed that numerous proposals have been distributed to potential sponsors, though responses remain pending. The president declined to specify exact impacts on early 2026 competitions, citing sensitivity regarding current negotiations.

    This athletic funding crisis parallels similar cuts to other sports organizations, with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association experiencing approximately $3 million in reduced sponsorship, including $300,000 for community football and $250,000 for Secondary Schools Football League.

    Despite the severe financial blow, Serrette maintains determined optimism regarding the association’s ability to adapt and eventually recover. “We just pivoted and tried to move in the right direction,” he affirmed, while acknowledging the challenging road ahead for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic development.

  • [UPDATED] Beckles: PM squeezing TT with hike in fines, fees

    [UPDATED] Beckles: PM squeezing TT with hike in fines, fees

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has erupted in conflict as Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration over sweeping fee increases set to take effect January 1. The controversial measures, published through legal notices on Christmas Day, encompass dramatic escalations in traffic penalties, customs declarations, and civil registry services.

    Beckles characterized the government’s approach as a ‘reckless revenue-raising exercise’ designed to compensate for what she described as a ‘gaping revenue shortfall’ resulting from flawed oil price projections in the 2025/26 national budget. ‘The Government misled the nation on oil price projections, inflating expectations to US$70 per barrel when global prices now stand at US$56 per barrel,’ Beckles stated in her December 28 declaration.

    The opposition leader particularly targeted the administration’s abandonment of its campaign commitments, noting that Persad-Bissessar had explicitly promised to reduce traffic fines while in opposition during a UNC cottage meeting in April 2024. ‘In 2024, while in Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised the people a reduction in traffic fines. Now in government, she has done the exact opposite, betraying that promise and burdening citizens even further,’ Beckles emphasized.

    The revised penalty structure demonstrates substantial increases across multiple categories. Traffic fines have predominantly doubled, with offenses such as seatbelt violations, helmet non-compliance, and mobile phone usage while driving now carrying $2,000 penalties instead of $1,000. Most strikingly, driving without valid insurance skyrockets from $1,000 to $10,000—a tenfold increase. Speeding penalties now feature tiered structures reaching up to $6,000 for exceeding limits by more than 31 km/h.

    Beyond traffic enforcement, customs declaration fees jump from $40 to $80 per import entry, while container examination fees increase from $375 to $750 and $525 to $1,050 respectively. Civil registry services also face revised pricing, with late birth registration fees increasing to $40-$50 for children between 3-12 months and $100-$150 for registrations beyond one year.

    Beckles dismissed the Prime Minister’s public safety justification for the traffic fine increases as ‘flimsy, baseless and misleading,’ arguing that the administration had deliberately abandoned the demerit points system designed to improve driver behavior in favor of purely financial penalties. She maintained that the timing and manner of implementation—during the holiday season and without legislative debate—demonstrated ‘poor governance and a disregard for the people.’

    The opposition leader concluded with an urgent appeal for reversal, stating that ordinary families already struggling with economic pressures would bear the brunt of these measures. She demanded transparency regarding the nation’s financial status and called for the Prime Minister to ‘come clean with the nation about the true state of the country’s finances.’

  • Coryn Clarke making TT proud – 10-year-old crowned St Kitts and Nevis’ Junior Calypso Monarch

    Coryn Clarke making TT proud – 10-year-old crowned St Kitts and Nevis’ Junior Calypso Monarch

    In an extraordinary display of talent and advocacy, 10-year-old Coryn Anaya Clarke has been crowned St Kitts and Nevis’ Junior Calypso Monarch, marking another milestone in her remarkable journey as a published author and literacy champion. The Trinidad-born prodigy secured her victory on December 14 with a powerful performance that resonated across the Caribbean region.

    Clarke’s artistic journey began in East Trinidad, where she developed an early passion for literature that would shape her future. At just four years old, she authored her first book, ‘Chronicles of Coryn: 7 Days of Fun,’ which gained recognition as one of North America’s most popular children’s publications. Today, with ten published works to her name, Clarke has established herself as a significant voice in children’s literature.

    Her commitment to literacy extends beyond writing. On her sixth birthday, Clarke initiated a charitable book club, requesting book donations instead of traditional gifts to ensure underprivileged children could access literature. This initiative marked the beginning of her advocacy work, which later earned her features in Forbes magazine and appearances on numerous Caribbean talk shows.

    The family’s relocation to St Kitts and Nevis eighteen months ago proved transformative. Despite initial apprehensions, Clarke adapted remarkably well, finding support at SKI Academy where her creativity flourished. Her teacher Terri Mahon and principal Krista James provided particular encouragement, with the entire school community rallying behind her during the calypso competition.

    Clarke’s winning performance, ‘Doh Shut We Up,’ composed by Trinidadian artist Maria Bhola, delivered a compelling message about children’s right to expression. The song challenged conventional attitudes toward youth voices, advocating for children to speak openly without fear. Clarke emphasizes that encouraging confident expression helps children resist peer pressure and develop stronger self-esteem.

    Beyond her musical achievements, Clarke continues her literary work in St Kitts, having published two new books since her move. Her future aspirations include exploring careers in culinary arts, marine biology, and potentially creating more calypso music. Through her multifaceted talents and advocacy, Clarke demonstrates how youthful voices can create meaningful impact across cultural and generational boundaries.

  • Siparia man stabbed several times in bar fight

    Siparia man stabbed several times in bar fight

    Authorities in Siparia have launched a criminal investigation into a violent bar altercation that resulted in a 41-year-old man sustaining multiple stab wounds during the evening of December 27th.

    According to official police reports, medical personnel at the Siparia District Health Facility alerted local law enforcement approximately at 8:30 PM after the severely injured victim was admitted with penetrating wounds to his cranial region, lower back, upper extremities, and thoracic area. Medical assessment revealed the patient had developed a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) due to the severity of his injuries, necessitating an imminent transfer to Point Fortin Hospital for specialized trauma care.

    The investigation faced initial hurdles as detectives were unable to interview the stabbing victim directly, as he remained under heavy sedation to manage trauma and pain. Subsequently, the victim’s brother arrived at the Siparia Police Station providing crucial background information. He disclosed that his sibling had returned to their Queen Street residence around 5:00 AM after socializing at a drinking establishment along Coora Road, already exhibiting the stab injuries. The brother explained that he delayed seeking medical attention until approximately 7:00 PM when the victim began experiencing intensified pain, at which point he transported him to the healthcare facility.

    Law enforcement officials are continuing their active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violent incident, attempting to reconstruct the events that transpired at the Coora Road bar and identify potential suspects involved in the assault.