标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In an unconventional holiday message, Trinidad and Tobago’s Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT) has reframed the Christmas narrative to address contemporary social inequalities while honoring traditional religious significance. The government-appointed anti-discrimination body issued a comprehensive statement on December 19th that examines the seasonal celebrations through both theological and socioeconomic perspectives.

The Tribunal’s communique begins by acknowledging the Nativity story as the foundational element of Christmas celebrations, describing it as “rich with theological significance” that continues to shape festive customs and reflections. The statement references biblical prophecies concerning Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem, recognizing this event as central to Christian doctrine.

However, the EOT promptly transitions to a critical analysis of Caribbean socioeconomic realities, noting that within the region’s diaspora communities, Christmas functions as “both a joyous celebration and a reminder of persistent social systems that perpetuate economic and social disparities.” The Tribunal explicitly connects these inequalities to historical displacement and layered inequities that create stark contrasts with Christmas’s core messages of peace and goodwill.

For those experiencing these challenges, the Tribunal observes that seasonal joy can feel “distant and disconnected from their daily lives.” Yet the statement simultaneously emphasizes the Caribbean’s “deep spiritual connection” to Christmas teachings about hope and redemption, suggesting that embracing the Christmas spirit requires more than seasonal celebration—it demands daily commitment to these values.

The EOT positions itself as operating at the intersection of this paradox, utilizing its legal mandate to address discrimination complaints and create “a more level playing field for all.” The Tribunal asserts that this work reinforces the “spirit of transformation, triumph, and hope” inspired by the Christmas story.

Beyond legal mechanisms, the statement calls for broader societal responsibility, urging collective action to address social realities that test Christmas values. The Tribunal proposes that the season should become an opportunity to acknowledge historical injustices, advance intercultural understanding, and work toward futures grounded in shared values across diverse faiths and communities.

The message concludes with expressions of gratitude to team members and stakeholders, alongside wishes for renewed strength and resilience in the new year. Notably, the EOT validates diverse celebration methods—from religious observances to family gatherings, indigenous music, culinary traditions, liming, and partying—while encouraging preservation of the season’s underlying spirit regardless of celebration scale.

In a landmark judicial ruling, Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal has vacated professional misconduct findings against three attorneys, delivering a stern rebuke of the Law Association’s Disciplinary Committee for fundamental procedural violations. The consolidated judgment, authored by Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh with unanimous support from Justices Nolan Bereaux and Maria Wilson, determined that attorneys Dinesh Rambally, Karina Singh, and Desiree Sankar were denied fundamental fairness during disciplinary proceedings.

The case originated from December 2020 complaints filed by Michael Dhanoosingh, who alleged professional misconduct regarding the attorneys’ representation in property litigation involving family-owned land in Aranguez. Notably, Dhanoosingh appeared without legal representation before the disciplinary committee and did not participate in the appeal process.

The appellate court identified multiple critical flaws in the disciplinary process chaired by committee vice chairman Ian Benjamin, SC. Justice Boodoosingh emphasized that the committee failed to adhere to the structured two-stage approach mandated by the Legal Profession (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules, which requires preliminary assessment of prima facie evidence before proceeding to full hearing.

‘What occurred was a rolling discussion over six days that culminated in findings of misconduct without clear reasoning,’ Chief Justice Boodoosingh observed. The court noted the committee neglected to require particularization of allegations, failed to identify specific ethical breaches, and did not subject the complainant’s assertions to cross-examination.

Justice Bereaux delivered particularly sharp criticism, characterizing the committee’s approach as ‘a masterclass in how a disciplinary tribunal should not conduct itself.’ He noted the committee had effectively formulated new complaints mid-proceeding that were not originally raised by Dhanoosingh, leaving the attorneys unaware of the specific allegations they needed to address.

Justice Wilson concurred, emphasizing that while flexibility for unrepresented complainants is appropriate, it cannot justify abandoning fundamental safeguards. ‘This is a matter where the reputation of attorneys was at stake,’ she wrote, noting that disciplinary findings leave ‘a stubborn stain on his or her career, difficult to wipe away.’

The court additionally recommended systemic reforms, suggesting that legal aid services, volunteer attorneys, or law school clinics could assist unrepresented complainants in properly framing complaints without compromising procedural integrity.

Legal representatives for the appellants welcomed the decision. Kiel Taklalsingh, who represented Rambally, noted the ruling ‘is an important one for all professionals and in particular disciplinary bodies who may misuse their power of discipline.’

The judgment establishes significant precedent for professional disciplinary proceedings, reinforcing that procedural fairness must be maintained even when dealing with unrepresented complainants, and that self-regulating professions must balance disciplinary efficiency with fundamental justice.

In an era dominated by digital screens and fast-paced living, renowned naturalist Faraaz Abdool presents a compelling case for embracing birdwatching as a transformative practice that offers profound benefits beyond mere hobbyism. This ancient human fascination with avian life now emerges as a vital antidote to modern stressors, combining ecological awareness with personal wellness.

Birdwatching stands as one of the most accessible gateways to environmental connection, requiring no special qualifications or equipment to begin. As Abdool demonstrates through striking photographic evidence from Trinidad’s ecosystems, even urban backyards host diverse species like the spectacled thrush with its distinctive eye-ring and complex songs. The practice democratizes nature appreciation, where smiling at a morning wren’s melody holds equal validity to trekking through flooded forests seeking rare potoos.

The psychological benefits are scientifically substantiated: birdsong actively reduces human stress and anxiety by triggering evolutionary responses that interpret melodic calls as signals of safety. Beyond mental health, birdwatching organically promotes physical activity—from gentle backyard observation to strenuous hikes seeking high-altitude species like the orange-billed nightingale-thrush found above 700 meters.

Crucially, birds serve as environmental indicators whose presence reveals ecosystem health. Piscivorous ospreys, for instance, function as living water quality monitors—their survival depends on aquatic ecosystems thriving with fish populations. This interconnectedness means birders become frontline observers of ecological changes, contributing to citizen science through platforms like eBird that compile global data on migration patterns and species distribution.

The practice cultivates patience and presence in our accelerated world, offering natural meditation through focused observation. Unlike screen-based entertainment, birdwatching exercises eyesight on distant objects and engages cognitive functions through identification challenges. It fosters humility amid continuous learning, especially as genetic research constantly redefines species classification—as occurred recently with Caribbean house wrens now recognized as distinct species including the St Lucia wren.

Remarkably, this pursuit requires no financial investment while offering infinite discovery possibilities across all continents and habitats. From dawn choruses to nocturnal hoots, avian activity patterns ensure rewarding observations at any hour. The journey inevitably expands to appreciate unfeathered fauna too—from unexpected southern tamandua anteaters to tegus that share these ecosystems.

Ultimately, birdwatching represents both a personal pilgrimage and scientific contribution, connecting practitioners to the planet’s last living dinosaurs while grounding them in nature’s timeless rhythms. This convergence of ecological stewardship, wellness practice, and citizen science makes bird appreciation not just pleasurable but essential for contemporary living.

In a remarkable demonstration of corporate compassion, telecommunications provider Flow Trinidad has orchestrated a profound holiday outreach initiative entirely funded and executed by its employees. Nearly 100 staff members recently transformed the Bridge of Hope Children’s Home in Sangre Chiquito into a winter wonderland of joy and celebration on December 13th.

The corporate volunteers arrived adorned in festive attire, complete with Santa hats and jingling bells, bringing an infectious atmosphere of Christmas magic to the residential facility. The Bridge of Hope serves as a critical sanctuary for vulnerable children, providing stability and nurturing during pivotal developmental stages. Flow’s intervention created a day of extraordinary experiences featuring interactive games, musical entertainment, and specially curated treats.

The emotional apex of the celebration emerged during the personalized gift-giving ceremony, where each child received individually tailored presents delivered by an employee portraying Santa Claus. This thoughtful gesture created profound connections between the corporate volunteers and the home’s residents.

Spearheaded by Acting Senior Manager Ellen Seed-Gray, this philanthropic endeavor has evolved into an cherished annual tradition that embodies Flow’s corporate mantra: ‘we do it the best, we do it with spirit.’ Seed-Gray emphasized that the initiative reflects the company’s core values and represents their commitment to sharing seasonal spirit with the broader community.

The Christmas outreach forms part of Flow’s comprehensive community engagement strategy that extends beyond seasonal activities. Liberty Business, the B2B division of Flow’s parent company Liberty Caribbean, recently demonstrated ongoing commitment through sponsorship of the Guardian Group’s Shine 5K race. Subsequent to the November 29th event, Flow directed proceeds to the Autism Support Network TT (Rahul’s Clubhouse) and facilitated furniture donations to educational institutions including a secondary school and homework center.

Trinidad is experiencing an unprecedented surge in requests for basic necessities as Christmas approaches, with Members of Parliament across the island reporting overwhelming demand for food assistance from struggling constituents. The situation has created a critical humanitarian challenge during what should be a season of celebration.

Opposition Leader and Arima MP Pennelope Beckles revealed that her office has received thousands of assistance requests, far exceeding normal volumes. “Constituents and citizens from all corners of the island have reached out seeking assistance,” Beckles stated, “many sharing painful stories of job losses in 2025 and the daily challenges they now face.” She attributed the increased visibility partly to her new role as Opposition Leader but emphasized that the scale of need represents a genuine crisis.

Multiple parliamentarians confirmed they are distributing food hampers and vouchers despite receiving no official allocations for such assistance. Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young connected the heightened demand directly to government workforce reductions: “Since June when the government fired Cepep workers and began firing other workers who are amongst some of the most vulnerable.”

The assistance requests extend beyond food to include rent, medical expenses, employment opportunities, and child support. Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland reported demand has doubled compared to last year, while Diego Martin West MP Hans De Vignes noted “significant and more than usual demand for assistance given all job losses.”

Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales highlighted the compounding effect of reduced donor capacity: “Traditional donors are unable to provide assistance and my constituency office does not have the kind of resources to meet the growing demand.” He emphasized that thousands who lost their jobs in government programs are facing “the worse Christmas of their lives.”

Government MPs including Oropouche East’s Dr. Roodal Moonilal and La Brea’s Clyde Elder are conducting distribution drives with corporate support, while Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo reported distributing food cards provided by the Prime Minister’s office alongside toy deliveries to children.

The crisis appears likely to extend beyond the holiday season, with Beckles noting she has historically continued support into January when financial pressures typically intensify for vulnerable families.