Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Govt negotiates sale of CL Financial shares to Proman, ends Privy Council appeal

    Govt negotiates sale of CL Financial shares to Proman, ends Privy Council appeal

    The Trinidadian government has reached a landmark settlement to terminate a high-stakes Privy Council appeal concerning the controversial 2009 sale of CL Financial assets, a case described as posing a “serious threat to the country’s economic well-being.”

    The Office of the Attorney General announced on January 19 that the state, as majority shareholder and largest creditor of collapsed conglomerate CL Financial Ltd (CLF), has opted to discontinue the appeal process involving Proman Holdings Barbados Ltd. The decision follows extensive consultation with King’s Counsel in London regarding litigation risks and prospects before the nation’s highest appellate court.

    The dispute originated from a February 2009 purchase agreement where CLF, under then-chairman Lawrence Duprey, attempted to transfer a 51% stake in Clico Energy Company Ltd (now Process Energy Trinidad Ltd) to Proman for US$46.5 million. The transaction was subsequently invalidated by High Court Justice Devindra Rampersad in September 2021, who ruled the company had been “grossly undervalued.” This decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal, which further characterized the transaction as fraudulent.

    Under the settlement, CLF—with court approval and agreement from its liquidator—will formally transfer the disputed shares to Proman Holdings Barbados Ltd. This compromise allows the government to recover significant funds while avoiding substantial financial and legal risks associated with continuing the litigation. The disputed judgment was valued at over TT$2 billion, encompassing both the original purchase price and dividends collected since 2009.

    Attorney General John Jeremie stated the settlement “balanced the national interest, the prospects of success and the need to protect public finances,” bringing finality to one of the most significant disputes arising from CLF’s collapse. The government has spent an estimated TT$28 billion rescuing CLF and its subsidiaries, with an additional TT$3-4 billion incurred in related legal and administrative expenses.

    In related developments, the Central Bank has sought an adjournment in its long-running lawsuit against former CLF directors, including Duprey (who died in August 2024), to review the newly published Coleman Commission report. Simultaneously, activist Kendal Dolly has filed Freedom of Information requests seeking transparency regarding the substantial legal fees incurred by the state throughout the protracted CLF litigation matters.

  • Primary Schools’ Panorama champs unseated

    Primary Schools’ Panorama champs unseated

    In a stunning upset at the National Primary Schools’ Panorama competition, St Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School unseated defending champions San Fernando Boys’ RC School with a commanding 14-point victory. The young musicians scored 279 points with their performance of Voice’s “Year for Love,” marking a significant shift in the competitive steelpan landscape.

    The former champions, San Fernando Boys’ RC School’s Sando Boys’ Steel, placed third with 265 points for their rendition of Explainer’s “Lorraine,” narrowly edged out of second position by Febeau Government Primary School, which scored 266 points with Voice’s “Too Own Way.”

    The event, historically held at Queen’s Park Savannah, made its debut at Skinner Park in San Fernando—a move described as historic by officials. San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris endorsed the relocation, calling it a decision that “made sense” and pledging continued support for initiatives benefiting children.

    Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized during the opening ceremony that participation itself constituted victory for students, tutors, teachers, and parents. “Even though you are competing, you’re making history,” he stated. “Not only by performing in an event in a historic location, but students, you are carrying forward a legacy that belongs to all of us in TT.”

    Gwyneth Morris-Alexander, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, highlighted the cultural significance of the steel pan as “a powerful symbol of the country’s resilience and creativity.” She told participants, “As you perform today, know that you’re not only competing, you are preserving a legacy and shaping our future.”

    Minister Dowlath further articulated the educational value of music, noting its role in strengthening critical thinking, improving literacy, and building discipline and teamwork. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to expanding arts education.

    The complete results showed St Paul’s Anglican Primary (262 points), Guaico Presbyterian School (257 points), and Escallier Anglican Primary (254 points) rounding out the top contenders in the fiercely contested musical celebration.

  • Junior Panorama champs crowned

    Junior Panorama champs crowned

    In a vibrant celebration of musical heritage, Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Savannah witnessed an extraordinary display of youthful talent during the Junior Panorama competition on January 18. The event introduced a groundbreaking under-19 category that captured the nation’s attention, with St Francois Valley Stars claiming the inaugural championship title.

    The newly established division emerged as an innovative solution after numerous secondary school bands withdrew from the National Schools Panorama. This withdrawal occurred when the traditional event relocated to Skinner Park in San Fernando, creating logistical challenges that prevented many schools from participating within the compressed timeframe.

    Ten accomplished youth orchestras competed in the debut under-19 category, showcasing exceptional musical prowess. Bishop Anstey Trinity College East (BATCE) Steel secured second position while Sapphonic Steel earned third place honors, demonstrating the remarkable depth of young pan talent across Trinidad.

    Simultaneously, the under-21 category delivered equally impressive performances. Shell Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra emerged victorious in this division, with BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra capturing second place. The competition concluded with an unusual tie for third position between T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Youth Steel Orchestra and First Citizens Supernovas Youth Steel Orchestra.

    The event represented more than mere competition—it served as a powerful testament to Trinidad’s enduring cultural legacy and the next generation’s commitment to preserving steel pan traditions. Photographs captured by Lincoln Holder documented the joyful intensity of performers, from beaming musicians to dedicated young artists fully immersed in their craft.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Monday January 19th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Monday January 19th 2026

    The academic publishing landscape is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with the emergence of a groundbreaking digital platform dubbed ‘Special Publications.’ This AI-powered system, which processes new research submissions in approximately seven minutes, represents a seismic shift from traditional peer-review models that often take months.

    Developed by an anonymous team of digital archivists and AI specialists, the platform utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze, categorize, and validate scientific submissions. The system’s ‘webmaster’ functionality autonomously handles everything from initial manuscript screening to final publication readiness, dramatically accelerating the dissemination of knowledge.

    This innovation addresses critical inefficiencies in academic publishing, where valuable research frequently faces prolonged delays before reaching the scientific community. The platform’s seven-minute processing capability—signified by the ‘7 Minutes Ago’ timestamp—ensures near-instantaneous publication while maintaining rigorous academic standards through algorithmic validation protocols.

    The implications for research communities are substantial, particularly for time-sensitive fields where rapid knowledge sharing can accelerate discoveries. The platform’s architecture also promises to reduce administrative burdens on researchers and institutions while potentially democratizing access to cutting-edge findings across global scientific networks.

  • Newsday’s winding-up petition adjourned to January 23

    Newsday’s winding-up petition adjourned to January 23

    The High Court has postponed the critical winding-up petition against Daily News Ltd, publisher of Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday newspaper, until January 23 following a brief hearing on January 19. Justice Marissa Robertson granted the adjournment request after company attorneys cited procedural requirements under the Companies Act.

    Legal representatives Gregory Pantin and Miguel Vasquez of Hamel-Smith and Co. appeared before the court, explaining that the petition filed on December 31 was officially gazetted on January 15—later than initially anticipated. This timing complication affected the company’s ability to meet the mandatory seven-day statutory period for advertisement in both the Gazette and at least one local daily newspaper before the hearing.

    Pantin clarified that the delay prevented the company from filing its certificate of compliance with the court registry. He further noted that no creditors or contributories had submitted notices of intention to appear at Monday’s hearing, despite the published invitation for interested parties to support or oppose the winding-up order.

    Justice Robertson reviewed her judicial calendar before scheduling the rescheduled hearing for 10 am on January 23. The proceedings mark a pivotal moment for Newsday, which launched on September 20, 1993, as the youngest among the nation’s three daily newspapers. The outcome could determine whether the publication ceases operations after more than three decades of service.

  • Archbishop wants laws to protect children: ‘Social media more addictive than alcohol’

    Archbishop wants laws to protect children: ‘Social media more addictive than alcohol’

    In a groundbreaking appeal, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon has called for comprehensive legislation to shield children from social media’s addictive dangers, drawing parallels to substance abuse regulations. Speaking at a January 19 press conference, the religious leader emphasized that digital platforms are deliberately engineered to foster dependency through sophisticated algorithms.

    Archbishop Gordon’s proposal directly references Australia’s pioneering ban prohibiting children under 16 from accessing major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. His intervention comes just two days after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced sweeping age restriction reforms for alcohol, cannabis, and gambling activities.

    The Australian model—currently under global scrutiny—represents the world’s first comprehensive youth social media prohibition. Under these regulations, minors cannot establish new accounts while existing profiles face deactivation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration justifies this radical measure based on government-commissioned research revealing alarming statistics: 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 actively use social media, with 70% exposed to harmful content including violence, misogyny, and self-harm promotion.

    Archbishop Gordon specifically praised Trinidad and Tobago’s recent disciplinary measures, including increased traffic fines and the proposed age restriction hikes. ‘We have become an undisciplined society,’ Gordon observed, characterizing these policy shifts as crucial ‘national building levers’ rather than mere revenue-generation tactics.

    The proposed Trinidadian legislation would mirror Australia’s three-pronged criteria for identifying regulated platforms: services primarily facilitating online social interaction, enabling user-to-user communication, and allowing content posting capabilities. This framework potentially affects ten major platforms currently accessible without restrictions in the Caribbean nation.

    Gordon’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the government’s broader protective agenda, creating unusual alignment between religious and governmental institutions on public welfare policy. The archbishop’s characterization of social media as ‘more addictive than alcohol’ echoes recent Congressional testimony from tech executives acknowledging their platforms’ dependency-building design philosophies.

  • Central Bank lawsuit against CL Financial directors halted

    Central Bank lawsuit against CL Financial directors halted

    A landmark legal battle stemming from Trinidad’s massive financial collapse has been temporarily suspended as authorities examine a long-awaited official report. The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has secured an adjournment until January 26 in its billion-dollar lawsuit against former CL Financial directors, including late chairman Lawrence Duprey, to review the recently published Colman Commission report.

    The 676-page document, tabled in Parliament on January 16 after eight years in preparation, details the catastrophic failure of Colonial Life Insurance Company (Trinidad) Ltd and its parent conglomerate CL Financial. Attorney General John Jeremie revealed the state has expended approximately $28 billion in bailout funds plus $3-4 billion in associated costs since the 2009 collapse that threatened national economic stability.

    Despite the enormous expenditure and decade-long investigation, no criminal charges have resulted from the failure that wiped out millions in policyholder investments. The civil case alleges gross mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, and improper governance within the insurance giant that served as CL Financial’s ‘cash engine.’

    The suspension comes as the Central Bank evaluates whether the commission’s findings—based on millions of emails, forensic accounting records, and over 1,600 document boxes—could impact ongoing litigation. The bank acknowledged the ‘voluminous’ nature of the report and the ‘protracted’ process while promising independent consideration of its implications.

    The case represents one of several legal actions stemming from the collapse that absorbed more than $5 billion in taxpayer funds during initial rescue efforts. With Duprey’s passing in August 2024 at age 89, the proceedings continue against remaining defendants including former corporate secretary Gita Sakal and companies linked to former executives.

  • Woman seeks closure 7 years after mother’s murder

    Woman seeks closure 7 years after mother’s murder

    A grieving daughter continues her relentless pursuit for justice nearly seven years after the horrific murder of her mother, a case that remains shrouded in mystery within Trinidad’s criminal investigation system.

    Carolyn McKenzie, daughter of the late Angela Elizabeth McKenzie, maintains her vigil for answers regarding the brutal chopping death that claimed her 64-year-old mother’s life on January 30, 2019. The elderly victim was discovered in the front yard of her Quinam Road residence in Siparia, situated within a densely forested area, bearing catastrophic chop wounds that nearly decapitated her.

    Forensic evidence examination revealed a disturbing blood trail originating from inside the residence, suggesting the violent attack commenced indoors before culminating in the exterior premises. Notably, investigative reports indicated no apparent theft or robbery, eliminating conventional motives and deepening the mystery surrounding the crime.

    Despite comprehensive investigations conducted by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, the case remains officially categorized as ongoing with no arrests made. The deceased, remembered as an active agriculturalist and devout congregant of La Divina Pastora RC Church, lived independently at the time of her tragic demise.

    As the seventh anniversary approaches, Carolyn McKenzie plans to honor her mother’s memory through religious commemorations, seeking spiritual solace while confronting the painful reality of unresolved justice. She emphasizes the broader context of unaddressed violent crimes nationwide, expressing both personal anguish and societal concern over investigative delays.

    The emotional toll continues to manifest unexpectedly, with Carolyn describing sudden episodes of overwhelming grief that underscore the persistent trauma affecting victims’ families in unsolved homicide cases.

  • Relatives of Beetham men allegedly beaten in police traffic stop demand investigation

    Relatives of Beetham men allegedly beaten in police traffic stop demand investigation

    Families from Beetham Gardens are demanding urgent investigations into alleged police brutality and constitutional rights violations during a controversial traffic stop incident in Port of Spain. The incident, which occurred on January 17, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within Trinidad’s law enforcement agencies.

    According to eyewitness accounts and family statements, two men returning from work were subjected to violent treatment by police officers during a routine traffic stop on Piccadilly Street. The confrontation reportedly began when one officer used profane language toward the men, prompting a respectful objection about the inappropriate conduct expected from someone in uniform.

    The situation escalated rapidly when officers allegedly physically assaulted both men in full public view. Witnesses described disturbing scenes where one man was beaten with a baton until the weapon bent, while another was struck with a police firearm. The elder of the two men was reportedly forced to the ground, restrained with a knee to his chest, and kicked in the head during the altercation.

    Following their arrest, the detainees were transported to Besson Street Police Station where their families encountered systematic obstruction in securing their release. Despite recent legislative changes under the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act that explicitly grant justices of the peace authority to administer station bail, officers repeatedly denied bail access.

    The case reveals concerning inconsistencies in police procedure. Although relatives were informed the men faced charges of resisting arrest, obscene language, and assault, official documentation only appeared on the Judiciary’s portal approximately 48 hours post-arrest, raising questions about procedural compliance.

    Adding to the controversy, witnesses claim police officers later visited community members demanding deletion of video evidence that had circulated widely on social media platforms. Attorney Terry Boyer has formally taken representation of the affected families, preparing comprehensive complaints to both the Professional Standards Bureau and Police Complaints Authority.

    The incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities in Trinidad, testing the implementation of recent judicial reforms designed to protect citizens’ rights during police interactions.

  • Newsday SEA Practice Test Volume 341

    Newsday SEA Practice Test Volume 341

    An automated system interface has been formally recognized through a user-initiated prompt. The interaction began with a system identifier labeled ‘Special Publications’ followed by a series of empty fields and a technical role designation of ‘webmaster’. The communication concluded with a timestamp indicator reading ‘One Minute Ago’, suggesting either a real-time processing notification or a simulated recent activity alert. This type of automated exchange is characteristic of content management systems, backend server interfaces, or digital platform administration panels. The minimalistic data transmission highlights the efficiency of machine-to-machine communication protocols where extraneous information is typically omitted in favor of core operational data. The absence of conventional news content in the prompt indicates this may serve as a systems check, an empty query, or a test of the content processing interface’s response protocols to minimal input scenarios.