Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • One year later, prayer service for missing Pete Phillip

    One year later, prayer service for missing Pete Phillip

    A solemn prayer service was held on December 22, 2025, at the La Romaine home of missing oil rig worker Pete Phillip, marking one year since his disappearance in a catastrophic rig collapse. The intimate gathering brought together immediate family members to commemorate the tragedy that presumably claimed Phillip’s life.

    The incident occurred in the early hours of December 22, 2024, when Well Services Ltd Rig 110 in the East Soldado Field suffered a partial structural failure during drilling operations. Among the 75 employees aboard, Phillip was the sole individual unaccounted for following the collapse. Despite extensive search and recovery efforts mounted immediately after the accident, his remains have yet to be recovered.

    Preparations for the memorial service were underway at the family home, where Phillip’s mother Patricia and sister Pauline coordinated meals for close relatives. As devout Pentecostals, the family made a collective decision to hold the prayer meeting despite the absence of a body or formal funeral proceedings.

    Pauline explained the family’s perspective: “We decided we had to mark the one-year anniversary. At least we can still put him to rest spiritually until we can recover his remains—whatever bones might be left.”

    Patricia Phillip, struggling with emotion, recalled receiving the devastating news while visiting her sister in New York. She immediately caught one of the first flights home, spending Christmas in Point Fortin during rescue operations, praying for her son’s safe return.

    The family continues to endure significant anxiety as recovery efforts remain stalled due to safety concerns regarding the unstable rig structure. Well Services Ltd has indicated they have a general idea of Phillip’s location within the wreckage but require specialized equipment from abroad to stabilize the structure before proceeding with recovery.

    A November 12 company release announced that a US-based contractor had arrived to undertake stabilization work and remove hazardous materials. The recovery of Phillip’s remains will commence once this initial phase is completed, though no specific timeline has been provided. The company has obtained necessary approvals from multiple regulatory agencies including the Environmental Management Agency and the Ministry of Energy.

    Family members have expressed frustration with the pace of recovery operations. Pauline stated, “I find they’re moving too slow. If this involved some minister or important person, they would have acted more quickly.” Patricia echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the response would have been different “if it was some big man, some big pappy.”

    Communication issues have compounded the family’s distress. The company has primarily engaged with Phillip’s wife, Candacy, as next of kin, leaving other family members feeling excluded from critical updates. “We just have to wait for whatever message we get from them,” Pauline lamented.

    Despite these frustrations, the family acknowledges the company’s support for Candacy and Phillip’s five children, including an 18-year-old son from a previous relationship. The company has provided educational support, weekly stipends, and home improvements for the family.

    Candacy, who was pregnant at the time of the accident, gave birth to Javon Pete Phillip in February—a son who will never know his father. The family now hopes recovery efforts might be completed before what would have been Phillip’s birthday on January 17.

  • Teacher integrity, student safety

    Teacher integrity, student safety

    A disturbing revelation has emerged from Trinidad and Tobago’s Teaching Service Commission (TSC) 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a critical failure in addressing sexual misconduct within the education system. The document discloses 16 separate allegations categorized as ‘sexual abuse’ against educators, representing a profound institutional crisis that demands immediate attention.

    According to the report’s findings, five teachers collectively face 13 substantiated allegations, with one individual alone accounting for five separate accusations of professional misconduct. These cases have remained unresolved for over a year, creating an untenable situation for both the accused educators and the vulnerable students who courageously came forward.

    The TSC acknowledges the gravity of these allegations, stating it ‘continues to give increased attention to those disciplinary matters involving the abuse of children including physical and sexual abuse.’ However, this commitment rings hollow given the systemic delays plaguing the process. The commission cites multiple obstacles including sluggish court proceedings and extensive waiting periods before disciplinary tribunals as primary contributors to the backlog.

    Judicial scrutiny has intensified regarding the TSC’s operational effectiveness. In August 2024, Justice Frank Seepersad openly questioned whether the commission possesses the capability to efficiently manage teacher hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions. This judicial concern reflects broader institutional failures, as the TSC has repeatedly faced legal challenges over inordinate delays in addressing appointments and promotion appeals.

    The justice system itself shares responsibility for this crisis. Astonishingly, zero court matters from the TSC reached the Judiciary in 2024, with fourteen cases remaining unheard and outstanding by year’s end. This paralysis affects all parties awaiting resolution, from minor administrative matters to serious abuse allegations.

    Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has committed to modernizing policies and improving operational efficiency. However, stakeholders emphasize that practical guidance to schools and meaningful collaboration with the commission must become immediate priorities. Established in 1962 to oversee teacher appointments, transfers, promotions, and disciplinary controls, the TSC cannot fulfill its mandate when crippled by bureaucratic inertia and judicial delays that compromise child safety and educator integrity.

  • Inmate awarded $150k for broken leg, faeces ‘bath’

    Inmate awarded $150k for broken leg, faeces ‘bath’

    In a landmark ruling addressing prison conditions, High Court Justice Carol Gobin has delivered a stern condemnation of excessive force used by correctional officers at Trinidad’s Golden Grove Prison. The court found that officers employed unjustifiable brutality against inmate Kurt Christopher Bridgelal during a 2015 incident, resulting in severe physical injuries.

    The judicial determination followed a detailed examination of events occurring on July 4, 2015, during a facility-wide lockdown and search operation. While acknowledging that Bridgelal initiated hostilities by discharging the contents of a slop pail from his cell—some of which struck an officer—Justice Gobin emphasized that the retaliatory measures far exceeded reasonable boundaries. The responding officer engaged in a degrading escalation by throwing three additional pails containing human waste into Bridgelal’s cell.

    Furthermore, the court established that when officers subsequently extracted Bridgelal from his confinement, they employed physical force that dramatically surpassed what was necessary for maintaining institutional security. This confrontation resulted in Bridgelal sustaining multiple serious injuries, including complex fractures to both tibia and fibula bones in his right leg. The injuries necessitated extensive hospital treatment and prolonged immobilization in a cast.

    During July proceedings, the State mounted a defense claiming that any force applied was proportionate and that Bridgelal’s injuries resulted from an accidental fall while resisting officers. Justice Gobin systematically rejected these assertions, finding the State fully liable for its employees’ actions under the principles of institutional responsibility.

    The final judgment orders the State to pay $115,000 in general damages compensating for physical and psychological trauma, plus an additional $35,000 in exemplary damages intended to deter similar conduct in the future. The court also mandated accrued interest payments covering the period from the incident date through December 18.

    Legal representation for Bridgelal was provided by attorneys Amit Mahabir, Bernadette Arneaud, and Joseph Sookoo, who successfully established claims of assault, battery, and negligence against prison authorities. The decision establishes significant precedent regarding acceptable force standards within Trinidad’s correctional system.

  • Kamla: No fears of economic impact from Caricom fallout

    Kamla: No fears of economic impact from Caricom fallout

    A significant diplomatic strain has emerged within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly dismissed concerns about potential economic repercussions from the regional bloc. This development follows escalating tensions with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who previously highlighted Trinidad’s substantial economic benefits from Caricom membership.

    Despite Browne’s December 21 Facebook post revealing Trinidad earned approximately US$1.1 billion from Caricom trade—including US$142 million in customs revenue under the Common External Tariff protection—Persad-Bissessar maintained an uncompromising stance. When questioned by Newsday about potential withdrawal from the regional organization, the Prime Minister responded via WhatsApp that “Withdrawal from Caricom has not been discussed by Cabinet” and asserted, “I am not worried about any economic impact.”

    The controversy stems from Persad-Bissessar’s apparent alignment with United States anti-narcotics operations targeting Venezuelan leadership, which critics characterize as sidelining Caricom’s zone of peace policy. This position has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, including Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young, who labeled the Prime Minister’s approach as “reckless, unwarranted, dangerous and destructive.”

    Former foreign affairs minister and Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne emphasized the gravity of questioning Caricom’s integrity, noting the organization comprises 21 member states established in 1973. He warned that unsubstantiated accusations of narco-alignment represent serious allegations against multiple sovereign nations.

    In a conciliatory December 22 Facebook post, Prime Minister Browne struck a diplomatic tone, expressing affection for Trinidadian citizens while extending “season’s greetings” to his counterpart, suggesting ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions within the regional community.

  • INDY sweep Jewels of the Caribbean titles

    INDY sweep Jewels of the Caribbean titles

    INDY Premier Sports Club from Indianapolis achieved a remarkable double victory at the Jewels of the Caribbean tournament, securing both the Under-17 and Under-20 girls’ championships in decisive fashion against Jamaican teams at Trinidad’s Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 21.

    The American club’s triumphant campaign culminated in two tightly contested finals that showcased their tactical discipline and clinical finishing. In the Under-17 final, INDY demonstrated superior offensive execution with a 2-0 victory over their Jamaican counterparts. The match saw Skylar Mueller break the deadlock in the 16th minute after expertly finishing a low cross from teammate Olivia Jones, who had created the opportunity with an impressive dribble past defenders on the left flank.

    Jones later cemented the victory with a 62nd-minute strike that sealed Jamaica’s fate. The Jamaican goalkeeper London Cathey fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t withstand INDY’s persistent attacking pressure throughout the contest.

    The Under-20 final presented an equally compelling narrative of American soccer prowess as INDY secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory through set-piece excellence. Team captain Cadence Conrad delivered a precise corner kick in the 38th minute that found Samantha Slade, whose powerful header beat Jamaican goalkeeper London Phoenix for what proved to be the tournament-deciding goal.

    The dual championships mark a significant achievement for the Indianapolis-based club, highlighting the growing competitiveness of American youth soccer programs in international tournaments. The victories also underscore the increasing globalization of women’s soccer development, with clubs from non-traditional soccer nations making their mark on the Caribbean tournament circuit.

  • New Zealand crush Windies to seal series 2-0

    New Zealand crush Windies to seal series 2-0

    In a spectacular display of bowling prowess, Jacob Duffy led New Zealand to a decisive 323-run victory against the West Indies in the third Test at Mount Maunganui on December 22. The triumph secured a 2-0 series win for the hosts, culminating in a dominant performance that saw the visitors dismissed for a mere 138 runs on a challenging fifth-day pitch.

    Duffy’s remarkable figures of 5-42 not only anchored New Zealand’s victory but also propelled him past cricket legend Richard Hadlee’s longstanding record of 80 wickets in a calendar year. The pace bowler finished the series with 23 wickets at an impressive average of 15.4, including three five-wicket hauls. His exceptional contribution earned him the well-deserved Player of the Series honor.

    The match witnessed extraordinary batting performances from New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham, who established multiple records throughout the contest. Conway’s monumental 227 and Latham’s 137 in the first innings created a massive 323-run opening partnership. Both batsmen continued their dominance in the second innings with centuries, marking the first instance in Test history where both openers achieved centuries in both innings of a match.

    The series unfolded against the backdrop of significant challenges for both teams, particularly regarding depleted pace attacks. The West Indies competed without key bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, while New Zealand navigated the absence of six frontline pace bowlers due to injuries, elevating Duffy to the role of attack spearhead.

    Despite the one-sided conclusion, the West Indies demonstrated considerable resilience throughout the series. The first Test particularly highlighted their fighting spirit, with Justin Greaves’ marathon 202 and the team’s record fourth-innings effort of 457-6 resulting in a dramatic draw—the highest fourth-innings score since the implementation of five-day Test matches.

    The final day’s play began with West Indies openers Brandon King (67) and John Campbell (16) showing determined resistance before Duffy’s breakthrough triggered a collapse that saw five wickets fall before lunch. The deteriorating pitch conditions, with widening cracks and irregular bounce, ultimately proved too challenging for the Caribbean batsmen to overcome.

  • US military activity plagues C’bean flights: Region on edge on land, sky and sea

    US military activity plagues C’bean flights: Region on edge on land, sky and sea

    The escalating geopolitical confrontation between the United States and Venezuela has introduced significant navigation challenges for Caribbean aviation, with GPS signal interference becoming a notable operational concern. Since December 16, US naval forces have established a maritime blockade around Venezuela, implementing electronic countermeasures that disrupt satellite navigation systems across the region.

    Despite Trinidad and Tobago’s proximity to Venezuela—merely seven miles distant—Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Chairman Reyna Kowlessar maintains that the airline’s operations remain unaffected by GPS jamming. In a December 22 statement, Kowlessar emphasized that comprehensive pre-flight checks ensure operational integrity, with no reported disruptions to CAL’s navigation systems.

    However, an experienced CAL pilot, speaking anonymously, revealed that while safety remains uncompromised, the intermittent GPS disruptions necessitate alternative navigation methods. Pilots increasingly rely on Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR) systems and conventional navigation techniques, resulting in extended flight durations and increased fuel consumption. The pilot noted that typical five-hour flights to New York may now require six hours, creating economic inefficiencies without compromising safety protocols.

    A more pressing concern emerged regarding US military aircraft operating without activated transponders in Trinidadian airspace. The absence of these critical identification systems—which enable Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) to function—creates potential collision risks. This issue gained attention after a JetBlue pilot nearly collided with an unidentified military aircraft near Curaçao, prompting outrage within aviation circles.

    Air traffic control sources confirmed that while GPS disruptions remain manageable, the non-communication of military aircraft poses greater operational hazards. Retired Civil Aviation Director General Ramesh Lutchmedial provided historical context, referencing the 1983 Soviet shootdown of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 as precedent for why major powers typically avoid jeopardizing civilian aviation safety. Lutchmedial suggested that any active GPS jamming likely originates from Russian-supplied Venezuelan equipment rather than US systems.

    CAL leadership reaffirmed their commitment to safety-first operations, with continuous monitoring and adaptive route management ensuring passenger security amid regional tensions.

  • Appeal Court blocks Vincent Nelson’s bid to take case to Privy Council

    Appeal Court blocks Vincent Nelson’s bid to take case to Privy Council

    In a significant judicial development, the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal has rejected convicted King’s Counsel Vincent Nelson’s application for conditional leave to appeal his 2019 corruption conviction. The three-judge panel comprising Justices Nolan Bereaux, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim unanimously dismissed Nelson’s petition on December 19, determining the matter raised no substantive constitutional issues warranting further domestic consideration.

    Justice Bereaux, delivering the oral ruling, emphasized that the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to prosecute did not violate Nelson’s constitutional rights, noting that all due process safeguards were meticulously observed throughout the plea agreement proceedings. The court characterized Nelson’s application as merely procedural rather than constituting a final appeal against his conviction and sentence.

    The ruling follows a July decision where the appellate court found Nelson failed to demonstrate prosecutorial misconduct by the DPP and had substantially delayed filing his appeal. Justice Geoffrey Henderson, in the previous ruling, noted that Nelson—a UK-based tax attorney—voluntarily entered his plea agreement in 2019 and had ample opportunity to disclose any alleged promises or threats during original proceedings.

    Nelson pleaded guilty in June 2019 to conspiracy to commit corruption and money laundering charges stemming from a legal-fee kickback scheme. He received a $2.25 million fine in March 2020 after agreeing to testify against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan, SC, and former UNC senator Gerald Ramdeen. Those prosecutions were subsequently discontinued in 2022 when Nelson refused to testify pending resolution of a $95 million civil claim related to an alleged indemnity agreement.

    In his appeal arguments, Nelson contended that former attorney general Faris Al-Rawi had promised him immunity, a pardon, and payment of legal fees, leading him to provide self-incriminating statements under false pretenses. The court found these claims unsupported by sworn evidence from the attorney who allegedly conveyed the promises.

    The court also highlighted the extraordinary delay in Nelson’s appeal filing—submitted in October 2023, more than four years after conviction and three years after sentencing. Justice Henderson rejected Nelson’s explanations including illness and expectation of pardon as insufficient justification.

    Nelson’s legal team, led by Edward Fitzgerald, KC, argued their client acted as a confidential informant and only provided incriminating evidence after receiving assurances of protection. Fitzgerald asserted Nelson received £1 million days after giving his statement, suggesting he was ‘tricked’ by false promises.

    DPP representative Ian Benjamin, SC, countered that Nelson was a seasoned barrister who strategically entered the plea agreement and delayed challenging it for leverage. Benjamin emphasized that prosecutorial authority resides solely with the DPP and pardon powers rest with the Mercy Committee, not the attorney general.

    Nelson has not yet paid the imposed $2.25 million fine and intends to seek special leave from the London-based Privy Council—TT’s final appellate court—following this domestic judicial setback.

  • Jearlean: Cabo Star replacement will arrive on time

    Jearlean: Cabo Star replacement will arrive on time

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has moved to reassure citizens that maritime transport services between the islands will continue uninterrupted despite the impending expiration of the MV Cabo Star’s contract on January 12th. Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John confirmed in a December 22nd telephone interview that arrangements are already underway to secure a replacement vessel for the critical inter-island connection.

    Minister John maintained that ‘the replacement vessel will be here’ when needed, though she acknowledged that no formal contract has been finalized with any specific provider. When pressed for details regarding the identified replacement or its source, the minister declined to provide further information, stating simply ‘We have not contracted’ before terminating the interview.

    The situation has drawn attention from Tobago House of Assembly (THA) officials, who have been engaged in discussions with the central government since June. THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor revealed that while the assembly was aware of the lease expiration, they were surprised to learn the vessel had been sold. She emphasized that maintaining the steady flow of essential goods and products to Tobago remains a paramount concern for the THA.

    Dr. Brebnor indicated that the THA expects to receive a comprehensive action plan from the Ministry of Works by December’s end, noting that since the contract expiration was known for months, the ministry should be fully prepared for the January 12th transition. The MV Cabo Star, a roll-on/roll-off cargo and passenger ferry, has served as the backbone of TT’s inter-island seabridge since 2017, making its replacement crucial for maintaining economic and social connectivity between the islands.

  • Avoiding aches, injuries during the holidays

    Avoiding aches, injuries during the holidays

    As Christmas approaches, a concerning trend emerges: countless individuals inadvertently pushing their bodies beyond limits through festive preparations. Dr. Nicole de Freitas, a seasoned physical therapist with 23 years of experience and clinical doctorate from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, warns that December’s intensified activities—from decorating to entertaining—create perfect conditions for physical strain and injury.

    Dr. de Freitas, owner of Total Rehabilitation Centre Limited in Trinidad and certified ergonomic specialist, emphasizes that ergonomics extends far beyond office environments. “Ergonomics represents the study between job characteristics and the worker,” she explains, noting that ‘job’ encompasses parenting, household management, cooking, and seasonal decorating. The Christmas period particularly amplifies both mental and physical demands, requiring heightened body awareness and movement intelligence.

    According to her research, most injuries occur when exhaustion sets in—typically late in the day when people override their body’s signals. The holiday combination of limited rest, alcohol consumption, and nutritional compromises creates a vulnerability cascade where bodies eventually “break down” without proper support.

    The specialist provides specific preventive strategies:

    For heavy lifting: Secure assistance for items exceeding 50 pounds, and break loads into manageable 20-25 pound segments. When retrieving overhead items, use sturdy ladders with staggered stance positioning.

    For decorating: Utilize stools for low-level work to avoid bending, maintain proximity to tasks, and alternate between sitting and standing positions during extended activities like gift wrapping.

    For cooking marathons: Segment tasks—sitting for vegetable chopping or leaf folding—and wear cushioned footwear with arch support rather than flat slippers. Avoid asymmetrical “stork standing” and practice knee bending instead of waist flexion when handling heavy turkeys or hams.

    For travelers: Acknowledge that seated positions increase spinal disc pressure significantly. Combat stiffness through frequent movement breaks, supplemental back support with towel rolls or pillows, and compression stockings for circulation. Maintain legroom for stretching and utilize neck pillows for additional support.

    For shoppers: Distribute weight through multiple trips, consider trolleys instead of carrying loads, and recognize when to pause.

    When injuries occur, Dr. de Freitas recommends immediate position changes followed by gradual movement within tolerable ranges—avoiding complete immobilization. Persistent pain beyond 48 hours, especially when accompanied by sharp sensations, weakness, or bladder/bowel control issues, warrants urgent medical attention.

    Her overarching philosophy: “Your best posture is your next posture.” Regular movement, maintained strength, nutritional density, and proper hydration collectively sustain the body machine. Most importantly, she reminds perfection-seekers that meaningful celebrations don’t require flawless execution—preserving one’s wellbeing ultimately defines successful holiday experiences.