Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Drivers complain of $600 late licensing renewal fee

    Drivers complain of $600 late licensing renewal fee

    Dozens of motorists in Port of Spain expressed frustration this week as Trinidad and Tobago’s Licensing Department implemented substantial new late fees for driver’s license renewals without adequate prior notification. The situation came to a head on January 5th at the Wrightson Road licensing office, where numerous drivers discovered they would need to pay an additional $600 penalty atop the standard $500 renewal charge.

    The controversy stems from a January 2nd memo from Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke that circulated online just days before implementation. The new fee structure establishes graduated penalties based on expiration duration: $600 late fee for permits expired six months or less, rising to $1,000 for those expired six months to three years, and reaching $3,500 for licenses expired three to five years. Those with permits expired beyond five years must completely retake their driving test.

    Several drivers highlighted particular grievances regarding the timing of implementation. Multiple individuals noted their licenses expired on January 4th—which fell on a Sunday when offices were closed—effectively denying them any opportunity to renew punctually. One professional, who works in sensitive police evidence collection, stated he had no choice but to pay the penalty despite the financial burden, as his livelihood depends on valid driving credentials.

    Beyond the fee structure, visitors criticized the office’s operational management. Complaints included chaotic customer handling procedures and apparent malfunctions in the computerized record system. Newsday briefly engaged Transport Minister Eli Zakour during lunchtime, who committed to a callback that had not occurred by publication time.

    The implementation has raised questions about equitable public notification processes and government service delivery standards, particularly for essential documentation affecting citizens’ mobility and employment.

  • The Home Store closes in Chaguanas; MovieTowne Tobago shuts down

    The Home Store closes in Chaguanas; MovieTowne Tobago shuts down

    Trinidad’s retail landscape continues to deteriorate as The Home Store announced the closure of its Chaguanas location on January 5th, marking the latest casualty in a series of economic challenges facing the Caribbean nation. This development follows closely on the heels of MovieTowne’s shutdown of its Tobago operations, creating a pattern of retail contraction across the region.

    The Home Store’s parent company, LJ Williams, attributed the decision to ‘the continued decline in the economy,’ reflecting broader systemic issues affecting consumer markets. This represents the fourth location closure for the home goods retailer in recent times, following previous shutdowns at East Gates Mall, C3 Centre, and The Falls at Westmall branches throughout 2025.

    Financial disclosures reveal LJ Williams recorded a comprehensive loss of $875,000 for the six-month period ending September 30th, showing slight improvement from the $974,000 loss documented during the same timeframe in 2024. Company turnover similarly declined, dropping to $71.35 million from the previous year’s $73.30 million.

    Chairman Lawford Dupres acknowledged the marginally improved loss margin but highlighted persistent challenges including weakened consumer spending and constrained access to foreign markets. These factors have significantly impacted the distribution aspect of their operations, prompting strategic shifts toward consolidating resources in higher-performing locations while reducing overall overhead costs.

    The company’s condensed financial statements, published November 6th, indicated $71.355 million in sales with an operating profit of $2.14 million—a figure ultimately negated by finance costs totaling $2.63 million. Management identified foreign exchange availability as a continuing critical factor, with future strategy emphasizing rigorous cost control and investment in outlets demonstrating ‘greater promise.’

    Meanwhile, MovieTowne’s simultaneous Tobago closure, though without explicit stated reason, follows widely publicized legal disputes with Port Authority landlords. In August 2024, the company’s lease holder, Trinidad Commercial Development Company Ltd, complied with a court order to pay $3 million to the authority. Questions regarding the Tobago branch’s economic viability have circulated since the COVID-19 pandemic, with closure rumors persisting throughout the recovery period.

    Amid these closures, MovieTowne continues operations in Port of Spain and San Fernando while implementing a buy-one-get-one promotional campaign throughout January in Trinidad locations, alongside discounted park ride offerings on weekends.

  • Another El Pecos blast lawsuit closer to trial

    Another El Pecos blast lawsuit closer to trial

    A significant legal milestone has been reached in the protracted litigation surrounding the catastrophic 2015 El Pecos Restaurant gas explosion in Maraval, with one of the numerous related lawsuits now progressing toward trial. At a January 5 case management hearing, Justice Nadia Kangaloo solidified procedural timelines and scheduled a crucial pre-trial review for April 17, when trial dates will be formally established and evidential objections addressed.

    The judicial developments follow a pivotal December ruling by the Court of Appeal that upheld substantial negligence findings against North Plant LPG Co-Operative Society Ltd. In a unanimous decision, Justices Mark Mohammed and Peter Rajkumar affirmed Justice James Aboud’s judgment dismissing North Plant’s appeal against a $160,000 general damages award to Gregory Maicoo, an employee who sustained severe burns during the liquefied petroleum gas delivery incident.

    Justice Aboud’s comprehensive analysis validated trial judge Justice Ricky Rahim’s 2022 determination that North Plant breached its duty of care, emphasizing that Rahim’s conclusions were grounded in “a judicious evaluation of the evidence” without “material error that undermines his factual conclusions.” The appellate court notably rejected North Plant’s safety protocol defenses, finding the company’s arguments without merit.

    The legal proceedings encompass multiple dimensions of the tragedy, including compensation claims from seriously injured victims and insurance subrogation claims from neighboring businesses affected by the blast. Among the pending cases is a separate action filed by the brother of restaurant accountant John Soo Ping Chow, who succumbed to burn injuries four months after the explosion at a Miami hospital.

    Justice Kangaloo has advised legal representatives to monitor the upcoming February hearing in the Chow case for potential implications on their respective matters. The complex litigation landscape involves numerous represented parties, including Restaurant Holdings Ltd, National Petroleum Company Ltd, and El Pecos itself, all navigating a web of interconnected negligence and liability claims.

    Justice Aboud highlighted the inefficiency of addressing these claims individually, noting the missed opportunity for using a “test case or representative action” to establish negligence parameters, which risks “wasting valuable court time relitigating issues of fact that have already been determined.”

  • Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    The Miss Central Trinidad Queen Pageant for 2026 is actively recruiting participants who demonstrate not only beauty and confidence but also a genuine commitment to societal improvement. Coordinator Marcia Merrick-Mohamed, a former titleholder herself, emphasizes that the competition seeks intellectually bright women aged 18-29 who aspire to create meaningful community impact beyond merely winning a crown.

    The preliminary screening event occurred on January 3 at Lisas Gardens Community Centre in Couva, where organizers evaluated potential delegates for the upcoming pageant. As the centerpiece of the Couva Carnival Committee’s six-day festivities, this annual event offers more than just prestigious titles. Participants will contend for multiple specialty awards including Best Gown, Best Costume, Miss Intelligent, People’s Choice (determined through online voting), and Miss Photogenic (selected by media photographers).

    Merrick-Mohamed is actively seeking additional corporate sponsors to enhance the event’s production quality and community outreach. While Sacha Cosmetics has already confirmed continued support for the 2026 edition, organizers encourage other businesses to join this community-focused initiative. Notably, the pageant maintains free public admission, reflecting the committee’s dedication to providing accessible, family-friendly entertainment while fostering a secure environment for all attendees. Final contestant selections will be finalized within the coming week.

  • Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    The Playwrights Workshop of Trinbago (PWT) will inaugurate its 2026 monthly readers theatre series with a special presentation featuring foundational member and accomplished playwright Judith Theodore. The season opener will showcase cold readings of Theodore’s two distinctive works: ‘Don’t Be Late’ and ‘The Big Debate’ on January 7 at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop in Port of Spain.

    ‘Don’t Be Late’ presents a comedic examination of personality conflicts, focusing on the dynamic between an extremely punctual individual and someone who operates on their own schedule. The contrasting characters create a humorous exploration of human behavior and social expectations.

    The second work, ‘The Big Debate,’ transports audiences to a Scarborough guest house on Carnival Tuesday morning. Through the perspective of two maids going about their duties, the play captures the linguistic artistry of Speech Bands performers engaging in traditional verbal battles. The narrative cleverly incorporates the real-life controversy surrounding Sir Elton John’s scheduled performance at a Tobago jazz event, using this folk art form to examine the clash between religious leaders and event promoters.

    Theodore brings decades of artistic expertise to these works, having begun her career as a dancer with the Repertory Dance Company under Astor Johnson before transitioning to acting in theater, film, and television. Her credits include performances in ‘One of our Sons is Missing,’ ‘Belle Fanto,’ and the popular local series ‘Westwood Park.’

    The playwright has honed her craft through prestigious workshops including the Cropper Foundation Residential Writing Workshop and the Trinity-in-Trinidad Playwright Workshop with the late Tony Hall. Her literary accomplishments extend beyond theater with published short stories in ‘Trinidad Noir’ and ‘Sixteen,’ plus her own anthology ‘Told by the River.’

    The monthly series, held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, continues its mission of providing playwrights with opportunities to hear their scripts performed aloud and receive valuable audience feedback. Admission to the January 7 event is free, offering public access to these cultural works.

  • Minority Leader on TPP’s Blueprint: ‘It’s pure desperation’

    Minority Leader on TPP’s Blueprint: ‘It’s pure desperation’

    Tobago’s political landscape is embroiled in intense debate as the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) unveils its comprehensive 20-year development strategy, drawing sharp criticism from political opponents just days before the crucial Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election on January 12.

    TPP political leader Farley Augustine presented the ambitious blueprint during a January 1 event at Uptown Fascinators pan tent in Scarborough. The extensive document, scheduled for official publication on January 5, outlines strategic initiatives spanning constitutional authority, tourism enhancement, healthcare delivery, and public sector modernization through 2045, with specific focus on the 2026-2030 implementation period.

    However, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris launched a scathing attack on the proposal, characterizing it as “pure desperation” from a party facing imminent electoral defeat. In a WhatsApp interview with Newsday, Morris asserted that the TPP had hastily assembled a document built upon “lies, recycled failures and empty promises” while shamelessly appropriating policies from the PNM’s Big Bold Red initiative launched December 21, 2024, at Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort.

    Morris, who is contesting the Darrel Spring/Whim electoral district, further intensified his criticism by labeling the TPP as essentially a satellite organization of the United National Congress (UNC), accusing its leadership of remaining conspicuously silent while Tobagonians faced job losses and economic hardships. He specifically referenced alleged abuses of contract workers and ignored industrial court rulings by the current administration.

    The Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce has adopted a more measured stance regarding both development plans. President Curtis Williams acknowledged both blueprints as “ambitious and exciting visions for Tobago’s future” while emphasizing that implementation effectiveness would ultimately determine their success. Williams stressed that transparency, accountability, and meaningful stakeholder engagement must remain central to any development agenda, particularly regarding decision-making authority, procurement processes, and financing mechanisms.

    The Chamber president confirmed their organization’s readiness to collaboratively engage with whichever party assumes governance while maintaining vigilant oversight regarding actionable timelines and measurable outcomes to ensure campaign promises translate into tangible economic progress for Tobago’s business community and general population.

  • Valencia woman shot dead

    Valencia woman shot dead

    A fatal ambush in Valencia has claimed the life of 52-year-old Nancy Almarales, who was shot dead while traveling in a private hire vehicle during the early hours of January 4. The incident occurred as Almarales was returning to her Clarence Trace residence to retrieve an item.

    According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, unleashing a barrage of bullets that struck both occupants. Despite the sustained attack, the driver demonstrated remarkable presence of mind by maneuvering the damaged vehicle to the nearby Valencia Police Post, where he ultimately collided with the station’s perimeter wall.

    Law enforcement personnel responding to the crash discovered both individuals with critical injuries. The driver managed to relay details of the ambush to officers before losing consciousness. Emergency medical services transported him to a medical facility where he remains under treatment, currently listed in stable condition. Tragically, Almarales succumbed to her injuries at the scene despite attempts to save her.

    Family members revealed to news outlets that Almarales had been pursuing entry into the quarrying industry, reportedly forming a business partnership with a prominent attorney from the Sangre Grande region. Relatives disclosed they had previously expressed concerns about her involvement in this sector, citing specific death threats she allegedly received from rival quarry operators in December.

    This tragedy marks the latest chapter in a series of violent incidents affecting Almarales’ family. Her common-law husband, Sherwin Coxall, was fatally shot on June 11, 2024, in St Albans Village, Valencia. The pattern of violence continued with the murder of her brother-in-law, Devon Coxall, who was killed at his Williams Trace Extension residence on May 31, 2025. Local authorities are investigating potential connections between these incidents and the recent attack.

  • Pope: Put people first in Venezuela

    Pope: Put people first in Venezuela

    In a significant diplomatic intervention, Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt appeal for peace and stability in Venezuela through his official social media channels. The pontiff utilized both X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook on January 4th to express his profound concern regarding the escalating political situation in the South American nation.

    The Pope’s message emphasized that the welfare of Venezuelan citizens must take precedence above all other considerations. His Holiness articulated a clear vision for conflict resolution, advocating for the immediate cessation of violence and the pursuit of justice through peaceful means. The comprehensive address, available through digital platforms, further elaborated on essential prerequisites for national reconciliation.

    Leo XIV specifically highlighted the critical importance of preserving Venezuela’s constitutional sovereignty and maintaining the established rule of law. He stressed the necessity of safeguarding fundamental human rights and civil liberties for all citizens without exception. The pontiff particularly drew attention to the nation’s most vulnerable populations, who continue to endure severe economic hardships.

    The spiritual leader concluded his appeal with a call for collective prayer, invoking the intercession of Venezuelan saints—Our Lady of Coromoto, José Gregorio Hernández, and Carmen Rendiles—both canonized during his papacy. This religious dimension underscores the Vatican’s deep commitment to both spiritual and practical resolution of the ongoing crisis.

  • Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s conspicuous absence from an official press conference addressing escalating regional security tensions. The January 4 briefing, attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Housing Minister David Lee, occurred amid heightened geopolitical instability following the US military’s interception of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the positioning of American naval assets in the southern Caribbean, including radar installations within Trinidad and Tobago’s territory.

    Beckles questioned the Prime Minister’s leadership through an online statement, asserting that the nation rightfully expected her presence during a period of international crisis. She characterized the government’s communication effort as fundamentally inadequate, noting that attending ministers appeared unprepared to address critical national security concerns. Instead, Beckles alleged, the conference devolved into discussions about Housing Development Corporation (HDC) matters—a diversion she labeled as frivolous political rhetoric.

    The Opposition Leader detailed specific failures during the briefing, highlighting Minister Sobers’ contradictory statements regarding both the venue selection and his participation in the National Security Council. His assertion that the Prime Minister need not address the nation because ‘no one in Trinidad feels unsafe’ drew particular criticism from Beckles, who emphasized the public’s right to transparency regarding airport operations, flight disruptions, and security cordons in Port of Spain.

    Beckles further challenged the government’s position on CARICOM relations, its engagement with the Tobago House of Assembly on security matters, and its adherence to international law under the UN Charter. The conference concluded abruptly when Minister Lee terminated the session without accommodating further media inquiries, leaving multiple questions about governmental coordination and leadership unanswered.

    In her closing remarks, Beckles contrasted Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s absence with the public engagements of other world leaders, including Barbados’ Mia Mottley, Guyana’s Irfaan Ali, and former US President Donald Trump, questioning why Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership remained unavailable during a definitive moment for national and regional security.

  • Sobers: PM is ‘on top of things’

    Sobers: PM is ‘on top of things’

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has vigorously defended Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar against allegations of inadequate leadership following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at a press conference at UNC headquarters in Chaguanas on January 4, Sobers asserted the Prime Minister remains fully engaged and in control of the situation despite her absence from public addresses.

    The minister confirmed that US military forces executed a precision operation in Caracas at approximately 2:00 AM on January 3, extracting Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to face trial in New York on multiple criminal charges including narcotics trafficking. The mission reportedly involved Delta Force operatives and was months in planning with CIA coordination.

    Sobers emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s non-involvement in the extraction operation while reaffirming the nation’s continued support for the Venezuelan people during this transitional period. He dismissed suggestions that Venezuela considers Trinidad complicit in Maduro’s removal, stating diplomatic relations remain intact and all Trinidadian citizens in Venezuela have been accounted for.

    The minister highlighted strengthened US-Trinidad security cooperation, referencing November meetings between Persad-Bissessar and US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, joint military exercises with US Marines, and the installation of anti-narcotics radar systems at ANR Robinson International Airport. Sobers credited these collaborations with significantly reducing crime rates through combined US intervention and the Prime Minister’s strategic vision.

    Addressing concerns about transparency, Sobers maintained the government handles the evolving Venezuela situation with necessary discretion through the National Security Council, which the Prime Minister chairs. He defended the administration’s diplomatic approach to US-Venezuela tensions and dismissed criticisms about the press conference location at party headquarters rather than government facilities.