标签： Trinidad and Tobago

A devastating chain of events that began with a fatal highway accident in Tobago has culminated in a shocking courtroom collapse, leaving a family without closure and raising serious questions about Trinidad and Tobago’s justice system.

In May 2023, Christian Adams, 38, a firefighter, and his wife Teresa Alleyne-Adams, 38, a civil servant, were tragically killed when their white Suzuki was crushed by an overturned dump truck on the Claude Noel Highway. The couple, known affectionately as Chris and Terry to their community, were en route to collect their children when the collision occurred, leaving three children orphaned.

The tragedy deepened days later when a relative who had traveled to Tobago for the funeral drowned during his visit, compounding the family’s unimaginable grief.

After two years of legal proceedings, the case reached its stunning conclusion on December 17 when prosecutors abruptly informed Justice Nalini Singh that no further evidence would be presented. The driver charged in connection with the incident was released, leaving the family without answers or accountability.

The case had initially garnered significant attention, with Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine attending the funeral and former Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis appearing at a memorial service. THA officials had publicly pledged to ‘take care of the children’ left behind by the couple, who were described as deeply devoted to their family and faith.

Despite three days of trial proceedings during which witnesses testified and were cross-examined, the prosecution invoked both the prosecutorial code and a directive from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to justify their decision to terminate the case, citing no reasonable prospect of conviction.

The collapse of the trial raises urgent questions about why authorities required two years to determine insufficient evidence existed, whether a coroner’s inquest might provide alternative avenues for truth, and what accountability measures exist for families failed by the justice system.

The Trinidadian community of Moruga witnessed a significant law enforcement enhancement on December 24, 2025, as the St Mary’s Police Post was formally upgraded to a full-service police station. The ceremonial opening marked a substantial step in expanding policing capabilities for residents of St Mary’s and neighboring communities.

Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander presided over the inauguration event, joined by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John, and Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin. The gathering included senior police officials and local government representatives, demonstrating cross-ministerial support for the infrastructure project.

Minister Alexander emphasized the government’s strategic commitment to strengthening law enforcement infrastructure in rural areas, characterizing the investment as vital to national security objectives. He praised the dedication of officers serving the Moruga district and called for continued collaboration between residents and law enforcement personnel.

Approximately 500 community members received what Alexander described as a ‘tangible, functional Christmas gift’—a completed police facility delivered through concerted efforts to meet the holiday 2025 deadline. The minister encouraged ongoing partnership between citizens and police to foster community resilience and enhanced public safety.

The Ministry of Homeland Security’s Facebook release confirmed the upgrade aligns with broader governmental initiatives to improve rural policing infrastructure and services across Trinidad and Tobago.

Cedar Grove Private School’s annual Christmas concert, aptly titled “A Christmas to Remember,” transformed into a spectacular showcase of youthful talent and seasonal cheer on December 9th at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA). The event brought together the entire school community for an evening that combined artistic expression with heartfelt celebration.

The performance lineup featured students across all grade levels, from tentative preschoolers experiencing their first stage moments to self-assured fifth graders preparing to transition to secondary education. The program skillfully blended traditional and contemporary elements through music, dance, and theatrical presentations, demonstrating the institution’s longstanding dedication to integrating visual and performing arts into its educational framework.

Among the most memorable segments were the youngest performers whose genuine enthusiasm captivated attendees. When occasional lyrics were forgotten, these children compensated with radiant smiles and spontaneous dance movements that generated waves of affectionate laughter and applause throughout the auditorium. Their colorful costumes—featuring Santa hats, angel wings, and elf outfits—added visual magic to the production.

The event’s proceedings were gracefully guided by Head Boy Kiran Mahabir and Head Girl Kaithlyn Heeralal, while special greetings were delivered by Natasha Moonilal and Kristin Sobers. They represented their respective husbands, Government Ministers Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Sean Sobers, who were engaged in parliamentary debates concerning fireworks legislation designed to protect children, elderly citizens, and pets.

School Supervisor Dr. Roydon Rampersad highlighted the institution’s exceptional academic achievements, noting Cedar Grove’s ninth-place national ranking among approximately 550 schools in Trinidad and Tobago based on Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination results. He emphasized the Christmas message of reflection, love, joy, and hope while congratulating students on their outstanding performances.

The artistic presentations ranged from the Senior Dance Club’s graceful interpretation of “Ave Maria” to the Junior Dance Club’s energetic “Carol of the Bells.” Younger students delivered charming renditions of “Jingle Bells” and “Merry Christmas Everyone,” while the fourth-grade class presented a musical comedy segment. The keyboard club performed a festive medley, and the steelpan ensemble offered a moving interpretation of “O Holy Night.”

Principal Dillan Daniel concluded the evening by thanking families and friends for participating in this celebration of joy, unity, and faith, reminding attendees of the seasonal call to support one another throughout the coming year.

In a significant stride toward judicial modernization, Trinidad and Tobago’s Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj conducted an inspection of the newly established Virtual Access Court Centres (VACC) at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain on December 22. The visit served as a critical assessment of the nation’s progress in expanding public accessibility to court services through technological innovation.

Minister Maharaj was accompanied by key ministry officials including Acting Permanent Secretary Trudy Lewis, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Fran Chaitoo-Jacob, Senior Project Manager Nicholas Suban, and Dr. Louis Percival Anthony Nurse. The delegation received a comprehensive briefing from Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Court Executive Administrator Jamie Philbert, and Acting High Court Registrar Kimberly Prescott.

This collaborative initiative represents an inter-agency approach to addressing operational challenges within the judicial system. The newly constructed centers are specifically designed to provide a secure and accessible alternative to police stations for conducting virtual court proceedings, thereby alleviating the previous strain on law enforcement resources.

The development of these specialized centers emerged from concerns raised in May 2025 regarding the impracticality of hosting virtual hearings within police facilities. In response, Minister Maharaj established a working group in July 2025 to comprehensively review virtual hearing procedures. The judiciary subsequently created this dedicated facility at the Hall of Justice as a direct outcome of those deliberations.

Operational demonstrations during the visit showcased the technology’s capability to enable judicial officers to maintain complete control over proceedings, manage participant engagement, ensure proper conduct, and preserve the integrity of judicial processes in a virtual environment.

As part of the ministry’s broader digital transformation agenda, these centers will free up critical space at the Besson Street Police Station, allowing the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to reinvigorate essential crime-fighting operations, including identification parades. The initiative represents a strategic fusion of technology and justice aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness across the entire judicial system.

In a solemn operation marking the first anniversary of a devastating offshore accident, specialized divers have now accessed the waters beneath the partially collapsed Well Services Ltd Rig 110 to search for the remains of Pete Phillip. The tragic incident occurred on December 22, 2024, in the East Soldado Field, leaving Phillip unaccounted for among the 75 crew members present during the partial structural failure.

Phillip’s wife, Candacy, received official notification from the company on December 23, just one day after the anniversary. “I just wish that I get another call saying that something (remains) come up,” she emotionally told Newsday. “It’s a whole year and the family and I not seeing nothing. We can’t recover up to now. We just want a little closure.”

The recovery operation faced significant delays due to safety concerns regarding the rig’s structural instability, requiring specialized equipment to be sourced internationally. After obtaining all necessary approvals, a U.S.-based salvage company initiated a two-phase operation in November: first stabilizing the structure and removing hazardous materials, followed by the recovery of Phillip’s remains and eventual removal of the rig itself.

Company officials indicate that if initial dives prove unsuccessful, the search will continue once the entire structure is lifted from the water. Meanwhile, Phillip’s immediate family held a memorial service at their La Romaine home on the accident’s anniversary, seeking emotional closure despite the absence of physical remains.

Phillip’s sister Patricia explained the family’s perspective: “We decide we ain’t get to do the funeral and we have to do the one year, at least we can still put him at rest until we could get the last of the remains of the body… of the bones or whatever.” The emotional toll has been particularly heavy on Phillip’s five children, who continue to await resolution one year after their father’s disappearance.