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Works Minister: Non-partisan approach to fixing potholes

WORKS and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John said her ministry has a non-partisan approach when it comes to fixing potholes in the country.

She described the state of roads across Trinidad as a “mess.”

“Everywhere is a mess. Pick your mess. Tell everybody to pick their mess,” she said in a telephone interview with Newsday on December 22.

Her comments come amid controversy sparked by Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Alexander, who criticised residents of Westmoorings North for complaining about potholes.

Alexander argued residents had lived with poor road conditions for a decade under former prime minister and Diego Martin West MP Dr Keith Rowley.

In a video circulated on Facebook, Alexander said residents “voted for potholes” when supporting incumbent MP Hans Des Vignes in the last elections.

“They want to come on the WhatsApp thread and talk about potholes and ask, ‘Where is Mr Fix It?’ I am driving through those same potholes. I would not bother Jearlean John about those potholes because you all live with those potholes and then vote for potholes, so you know what to do: take potholes,” he said.

John told Newsday she was unaware of Alexander’s comments.

“I don’t know what Phillip said. He is free to say whatever he wants. We’re free to speak, just as you’re free to speak. We’ve a democracy: we are all free to run our mouths,” she said.

On September 23, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told Alexander to stay in his lane after he ended up in a war of words with Venezuelan officials after saying India “would nuke” them if they ever attacked TT.

John stressed no area receives special treatment regarding pothole repairs and that her ministry is actively addressing road infrastructure nationwide.

“We have potholes all over. Potholes appear after ten years? I’m simply saying we have a mess all over the country, which is attracting the attention of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. We have started to clean up some of the mess along highways and in communities.”

John added all areas are important, and her ministry’s focus is national. “I’m not putting special emphasis on anywhere. Everywhere in this country is important. We’ve been working, and things will be significantly improved across the country.”

In a follow-up video, Alexander said Persad-Bissessar would ensure all communities receive attention, regardless of political affiliation.

John, reflecting on her first months in office, said she was taking a focused and pragmatic approach.

“UNC won the last election, and we have continued on the trajectory we’re on. We are getting a handle on road and infrastructure issues. Next year, on January 22, we will roll out the revitalisation process with Udecott, which I expect will be very promising. We are very focused on getting things done.”

Outside her professional life, John shared a more personal side, discussing her plans for Christmas.

Describing her traditions as quiet and reflective, she said, “I spend Christmas quietly. My house is a very peaceful space, and we just enjoy the normal Christmas traditions.”

She emphasised the importance of family, especially her mother, and looked forward to celebrating Christmas Eve. She said her mother usually bakes and prepares the Christmas classic found in most homes.

“It will be a great Christmas Eve day… fresh bread, ham, black cake, all the traditional things. I’m really looking forward to another Christmas Eve with my mother in the kitchen. It’s a special time every year, and I truly treasure it,” she ended.

No more Now: Curtains draw on TTT morning show

THE seemingly abrupt cancellation of TTT’s Now Morning Show on December 18 – just one day before its final scheduled episode – left many loyal viewers speculating about the reasons behind the decision.

The programme, known for spotlighting a wide range of performances, interviews and musical segments, first aired on November 1, 2022.

The show hosted by media practitioner Ainka Williams, a television and radio host, voice-over talent and writer. Williams previously worked as an entertainment news presenter at Synergy TV. She joined state-owned TTT in 2019 and also produces and co-hosts the TeamUp morning show on Next 99.9 FM.

The show was co-hosted by, DJ, event producer, music producer and sound engineer Jayron “Rawkus” Remy, who also hosts The Saturday Brunch on Talk City 91.1 FM. Remy holds a postgraduate diploma in arts and cultural enterprise management from UWI.

On December 18, Newsday spoke with a source who said both hosts remain part of the “TTT family” and were informed of the show’s cancellation in advance, though the source did not say how much notice was given.

“This is nothing new. Whenever a government changes, it’s expected,” the source said.

Newsday contacted TTT’s acting head of news Stacy-Ann Providence on the same day, but she declined to comment. Calls to TTT chairman Michael Kerr went unanswered. Kerr was appointed the station’s new chairman on October 31.

On December 21, Newsday spoke with Remy, who reflected on his time with the programme.

“Over my five years on the show, we’ve had many memorable guests and moments. A real defining moment for me was when I was entrusted to do the Spotlight interviews with politicians, union leaders, thought leaders, etc. That was when I realised I had stepped into a different zone of my career,” he said.

Remy added that one of the most valuable lessons he learned from his time on the show was the power of teamwork.

“Teamwork can make or break a show.”

Addressing the programme’s viewers, he said, “To the fans, I say thank you. Thanks for your kind words, thanks for trusting us, thanks for always saying hi, and thanks for the criticism as well.”

He hopes the show’s legacy will be one that is remembered for reflecting the diversity of the people and showcasing how much Trinidad and Tobago has to offer.

“I genuinely hope we can aspire together, work together and achieve together, as one nation.”

Marabella man, 33, gunned down

A 33-year-old man was shot and killed just days before Christmas in Marabella, leaving his relatives and friends in mourning.

The victim has been identified as Kreston Phillips, who was unemployed and had addresses at Battoo Boulevard and Union Road, both in Marabella.

According to police, the shooting occurred around 8 am on December 22 along Manohar Street.

Gunshots were heard, and the police were alerted.

Officers from the Southern Division Task Force were the first responders and found Phillips lying on his back along the road with gunshot wounds. Several spent shells were also discovered nearby.

Phillips was still alive when officers arrived but was barely breathing.

Police tried to speak with him, but he appeared to be unconscious.

He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Officers from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, were notified and have taken over the probe.

No arrests have been made so far, and investigations are continuing.

Bandits rob Freeport bar

Armed assailants robbed the Highway Haven Restaurant and Bar on December 22.

The bartender told police he was conducting sales around 9 pm when two men entered, one of whom had a gun, and announced a holdup. The men took $900 from the bartender, alcohol and cigarettes before escaping in a silver Mitsubishi Lancer bearing false plates.

Police are continuing enquiries.

Warrenville United lift east zone division two table tennis crown

WARRENVILLE United table tennis club lifted the 2025 east zone division two title after delivering a convincing 8-1 victory over Arima table tennis club when action concluded at Arima New Government Primary School on December 21.

Warrenville’s trio of Shahjahan Khan, Triston Soomarie and Samir Hosein completed the six-round, four-team round robin tourney tied at the top with Hawks on ten points, but were crowned champions courtesy their superior win-loss ratio.

In their final contest against Arima, Khan and Hosein played unbeaten, while Soomarie won two and lost one of his three matches.

Khan defeated Kenny Second 11-8, 5-11, 7-11, 12-10, 12-10; Mark Williams 11-5, 11-7, 11-2 and Antidio Renwick 11-3, 11-8, 11-6.

Likewise, Hosein churned out winning performances against Williams (11-4, 11-4, 11-6); Renwick (11-8, 11-5, 11-7) and Second (13-11, 11-6, 11-5). Soomarie, on the other hand, started with an 11-3, 11-8, 15-17, 11-3 triumph over Renwick, lost to Second 8-11, 12-10, 9-11, 10-12 and rallied back to top Williams 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 to seal the deal.

Also aiding Warrenville’s progress through the earlier rounds were Jewel Serrette, Justin Bachan and Adeeb Rajab.

In the end, both Warrenville and Hawks were deadlocked on points, but with the former’s record of 33 games won and 21 lost, the latter’s slate of 30 wins and 24 losses fell just short of pole position.

Wasa’s team came in third place with nine points (29 wins, 25 losses) while Arima were fourth, on seven points and 16-38 win-loss ratio.

Individually, Wash’s Joel Henry had the most matches won with 17, followed by Hawks’ Emmanuel Chuniesingh’s 16 and Khan’s 13 overall.

Chosen Few finish strong, land NCA GENESIS 3×3 basketball title

THE Chosen Few team recovered from a disastrous start to take the New Chapter Global Sports Academy (NCA) GENESIS 3×3 Basketball Series, which was held at the Princess Royal Basketball Court in Arima on December 20.

The one-day tourney saw eight teams, which were internally drafted from NCA’s talent pool fighting for top honours in the fast-paced 3×3 format. With the teams split into two groups of four, The Chosen Few team, which featured Samuel Edwards, Matthias Phillips, Kai Sunich and star player Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo, had a rough time in the group phase as they ended it with an 0-3 record. Entering the knockout phase of the tourney as heavy underdogs, The Chosen Few finally began to click and went on an incredible run, which landed them in the final against The Mighty Men. Led by the tournament’s MVP Taalib Daniel, The Mighty Men took control early in the finale as they opened up a 5-0 lead. With an improved defensive showing, The Chosen Few dragged themselves back into the game and the teams soon began trading buckets in an intense head-to-head clash.

With just under three minutes left, Edwards-Caracciolo took over to shift the game’s momentum in his team’s favour with a 14-point effort, which propelled The Chosen Few to a 21-17 victory. Daniel did his best to keep The Mighty Men in the hunt and drained 12 points to take his overall tally in the tourney to 49 points. The Watchmen landed third spot in the tournament as they edged The Ark Builders 15-12 in the third-place playoff on the back of an 11-point performance from Antonio Vasquez.

GENESIS was conceptualised with the vision of enhancing TT’s development in the 3×3 game on the global stage. In the build-up to this year’s tournament, the NCA said it remained committed to ensuring TT made a grand push towards qualification for the 2026 edition of the FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup.

“GENESIS forms part of the academy’s expanding 3×3 catalogue, designed to provide meaningful exposure, competitive repetition and a clear developmental pathway for young athletes,” the NCA said.

Police top TTPFL tree at Christmas, big wins for ‘Cale,’ Eagles

The lawmen and civilians of Miscellaneous Police FC (22 points) will be top of the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) tree at Christmas as their 2-1 win over the third-placed Club Sando (18 points) at the St James Police Barracks on December 20 saw them move back to the summit of the 2025/26 table.

With the next TTPFL match day scheduled for Boxing Day on December 26, Police can fill their stockings with extra cheer before their next outing against the fourth-placed Prisons FC (16 points) as they now hold a narrow two-point lead over holders Defence Force (20 points), who remain the only unbeaten team this season. An intriguing double-header is tentatively scheduled for the Sangre Grande recreation ground on Boxing Day, as Defence Force are set to meet last season’s runner-up MIC Central FC Reboot from 5 pm, with the lawmen facing Prisons afterwards from 7 pm.

While there is much jostling for position at the top of the table, a couple of teams did their bit to try and build momentum and escape the bottom-half of the table as both Caledonia AIA (ten points) and FC Eagles (four points) registered convincing wins at the Mahaica Sporting Complex, Point Fortin on December 21 to wrap up this past weekend’s TTPFL action.

In the first game of the Point Fortin double-header, Eagles (four points) moved from the foot of the table as they spanked the tenth-placed 1976 FC Phoenix 4-1 after conceding an early item from the league’s top scorer Teejay Cadiz, who notched his eighth goal of the season.

Before the game, Eagles coach Reshad Wint cut a confident figure and promised his team would get their first victory of the campaign. At the half, Wint made an inspired double-change as the pair of forward Jomoul Francois and winger Miquel Williams entered the action, with both men going on to play crucial roles in the Eagles’ comeback. The 30-year-old Francois, who only recently returned to action after a two-year injury layoff, scored a predatory brace while Williams was a handful with his wide play.

The Eagles’ equaliser came from Sedale “Skem” McLean in the 50th minute, with the flanker slapping home a left-footer from inside the area after cutting in from the right. McLean was denied a brace just three minutes later from goalkeeper Shaheem Carrington, but Eagles didn’t have to wait long for the go-ahead goal as Francois passed into the net just past the hour-mark when the impressive Dominic Douglas knocked down a left-side Williams cross. Francois then made it 3-1 in the 68th minute with another facile close-range finish after McLean squared from the byline.

Douglas completed the comeback from close quarters in the 87th minute as the Eagles’ frontmen again broke down the Phoenix backline with a measured move down the left.

In the second game in Mahaica, the eighth-placed “Cale” made light work of the hosts Civic whom they spanked 4-0. Striker Malachi Celestine scored a clinical first-half brace for Cale, with in-form Tobago attacker Jariel Arthur and Ernesto Rodriguez rounding off the scoring in the second half.

At the barracks on December 20, another Tobago-born forward in Mickaeel “Jem” Gordon had a crucial say in proceedings as he scored the winning item in Police’s victory over Club Sando. Police took the lead in the 29th minute when a cross from defender Elijah Belgrave took a wicked deflection off opposing defender Elton John before settling in the net.

Sando’s response was immediate as midfielder Marc Wharfe scored with a beautiful left-footed curler from outside the area five minutes later. In first-half stoppage time, though, Police got the winner when Gordon tapped in from close range after goalkeeper Teshorne Ragoo spilled a right-side cross.

In the first game of the barracks double-header, AC Port of Spain (14 points) moved from seventh to sixth with a 2-1 win over a Prisons team which has lost three of their last four games after starting the season with a five-game winning streak.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts

Police FC*9*7*1*1*21*10*11*22

Defence Force*8*6*2*0*18*7*11*20

Club Sando*9*6*0*3*21*7*14*18

Prisons*9*5*1*3*14*9*5*16

MIC Central FC*9*5*1*3*17*18*-1*16

AC Port of Spain*9*4*2*3*13*13*0*14

Jabloteh*9*3*3*3*15*19*-4*12

Caledonia*8*3*1*4*16*15*1*10

Point Fortin*9*2*1*6*8*18*-10*7

1976 FC Phoenix*9*2*0*7*12*22*-10*6

Eagles FC*8*1*1*6*11*15*-4*4

La Horquetta Rangers*8*1*1*6*6*19*-13*4

Dennis: Sustainable jobs will boost Tobago's birthrate

PNM Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis says the PNM is the only party contesting the January 12 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections with the best plan for a sustainable future for the island’s 60,000 people.

The PNM is proposing to create 7,000 jobs over the next four years, which Dennis believes would help boost the island’s falling birthrate.

Dennis, who is also a PNM deputy political leader and the party’s Buccoo/Mt Pleasant candidate, made this statement at the launch of the party’s Big Bold Red Deal at the Magdalena Grand Hotel in Tobago on December 21.

“This deal is not a PNM deal. This is a Tobago deal, built by Tobagonians for the people of Tobago.”

Dennis said the plan was created after the PNM had extensive consultations with the people about what they wanted for the island’s future. He said he had conversations with farmers, fishermen, hoteliers, young people, old people, business people and other stakeholders to get a clear understanding of their hopes, dreams and aspirations for themselves and “this island we love called Tobago.”

Dennis was concerned that under the four years that the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) has been running the assembly, the island’s economy has stagnated. He said it is the PNM’s plan when it wins the election to move the island out of stagnation and put it on a path towards prosperity and progress.

He repeated, “To come up with this plan, we spoke to the people of Tobago.”

Dennis assured Tobagonians, “It is not our intention to finance these things through only the THA allocation.”

He promised to exercise prudence, responsibility and accountability as chief secretary.

He said the 7,000 jobs the PNM plans to create is not just about employing people.

“Creating jobs is the lifeblood of any economy.”

Dennis explained sustainable jobs allows people to earn money, spend money, businesses profit and re-invest and “the economy grows.” He referred to a comment made by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, urging Tobagonians to have more children.

Secretary of Health Dr Faith Brebnor in September noted a “drastic reduction” in births on the island.

Dennis said he has three children and would like more. But he added the point Augustine missed was by creating sustainable jobs, Tobagonians could properly take care of themselves and their families, allowing their families to grow.

He highlighted the creation of 2,000 jobs in construction and 1,000 jobs in agriculture among the sectors the PNM believes will strengthen the island’s economy. On the latter, Dennis said Tobago must try to be as self-sustainable as possible “as far as food is concerned.”

On the former, Dennis said, “Every single project which can be done by a Tobagonian will be done by a Tobagonian contractor.”

He added many Tobagonian contractors were sidelined under the TPP.

“All of those contractors who have been sidelined. we will put every single contractor back to work.”

Dennis said the benefit of this is the people employed by those contractors “who lost their jobs will be put back to work as well.”

He added these people can be employed to develop “beautiful pristine green spaces” on the island,

Dennis promised a PNM-controlled THA will contribute $50 million annually to the Community based Infrastructural Development Programme. He was confident this will create opportunities for young people to do productive work in their respective communities.

Dennis acknowledged certain things were not perfect under the PNM when it controlled the assembly. He said there were delays in payments of two to three months. Dennis claimed those delays are worse under the TPP.

He said the PNM also hopes to create 500 jobs in the island’s creative sector and offer micro loans of $1 million for first-time entrepreneurs to start a business.

Accountability for trips abroad

Dennis said if the PNM wins the election and he becomes chief secretary, he would minimise using THA resources for foreign travel.

“At times I will jump on a plane with my money and take the wife and kids somewhere. This is a tough job so you required to relax and breathe and so on.”

But Dennis gave a promise as to what he would do when travelling overseas as chief secretary on official business.

“Whenever I hop on a plane with taxpayers’ money, it will be to meet with serious organisations with money, that have the willingness and the potential to invest in Tobago.”

Referring to earlier comments by THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris about tourism, Dennis said this approach is what will be used to attract real investment to Tobago to build hotels, marinas, eco-adventure parks and a cable car systems from Milford Road to Fort King George.

He told PNM supporters this is an approach used by governments in other Caricom countries such as Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia to successful attract investors to their respective jurisdictions.

Dennis promised there will be full accountability and transparency under a PNM-led THA.

“There will never be a situation where any secretaries are out of the country joyriding and you the people of Tobago were not informed.”

He told Tobagonians that under the TPP, these people “leave (Tobago) without your knowledge and your permission.”

Dennis promised under a PNM controlled assembly “when they return, they will be required to report to you the people of Tobago on what they went to do and how successful they were in that mission.”

Scarborough/ Mt Grace candidate Petal Benoit said contract workers have experienced fear and uncertainty under the TPP.

“They have been victims. they have been politically victimised.”

Benoit said this was the first time that a chief secretary ever called contract workers, “political hires.”

She promised the PNM would give these workers better opportunities by moving the current term of their contracts from three to five years.

‘Tobago a mega farm’

Parlatuvier/L’anse Fourmi/ Speyside candidate Maxslon N Robert said the PNM will build three new fishing ports on the island and offer up to $100,000 in financial support to first-time farmers to boost agriculture in Tobago.

He added the PNM will also incrementally help small farmers develop five acres of land through a farmland development programme, until the whole island becomes a mega farm.

“I am excited by this bold new vision.”

Mason Hall/ North Mariah candidate Kwesi Des Vignes said in terms of culture, the PNM will “involve every single community yet again.”

He added, “We are sitting on a gold mine of talent right here in Tobago.”

Des Vignes said the PNM had a plan to develop all types of cultural expression from music to dance.

“We will support our culture and we mean business. We are going to transform this island like never before.”

Divers start search for Pete Phillip’s remains

ONE year and a day after the tragic accident that killed Pete Phillip, divers have entered the waters below the partially collapsed Well Services Ltd Rig 110 to search for his remains.

Phillip’s wife, Candacy, received the communication from the company shortly before midday on December 23.

“I just wish that I get another call saying that something (remains) come up,” she 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. I accept the fact that he is no more; even though it hard, I accept it.”

Phillip was one of 75 Well Services Ltd employees working on the rig in the East Soldado Field when it suffered the partial collapse in the early hours of December 22, 2024. He was left unaccounted for, and a search operation was mounted.

After days of searching, Phillip was presumed dead and search-and-rescue operations transitioned to recovery. It was, however, stalled by the structural integrity of the collapsing rig, which the company said posed a safety risk. It said specialised equipment needed to be procured from abroad to stabilise the structure.

Salvage and recovery operations began in November after all necessary approvals were given and a US-based salvage company arrived.

A Well Services Ltd release said the operation was being done in two phases: the first to stabilise the rig and remove hazardous materials, and the second to recover Phillip’s remains and remove the rig structure.

Newsday understands that if the divers come up empty-handed, the search will continue once the rig structure is lifted out of the water.

Phillip’s immediate family held a prayer service at Phillip’s George Street, La Romaine, home on December 22 to commemorate the first anniversary of the accident.

Candacy said the event was emotional for all, especially their five children.

Speaking with Newsday at their mother’s home on Lower George Street, ahead of the function, Phillip’s sister Patricia said the family has been chasing closure and decided to have the service.

“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.”

Government extends use of ‘old’ coat of arms to 2031

The Government has extended the use of the existing coat of arms until January 2, 2031, despite the approval of a new national emblem earlier this year which replaced the ships of Christopher Columbus with the steelpan.

The extension is contained in Legal Notice No 468, issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security and dated December 18, 2025.

The new coat of arms was unanimously approved in the House of Representatives on January 13, showing the image of a gold steelpan and pansticks where Columbus’ ships were. the change was part of the former PNM government’s effort to remove “painful colonial vestiges of our past.”

The decision to delay its full implementation has drawn sharp criticism from the PNM, now in Opposition.

The order was made under section 5(2) of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allows the minister to prescribe a later date for the continued use of the national emblem.

The act, which came into force earlier this year, introduced a new coat of arms for Trinidad and Tobago. It originally allowed the previous one to be used until January 1, 2026, or until a later date set by ministerial order.

According to the legal notice, the Government determined that it was “expedient” to permit the continued use of the current coat of arms beyond the original deadline.

Illegal ganja trade more profitable?

THE EDITOR: Until the early 1940s, marijuana was sold legally in TT, mostly in rural districts, before being banned. (In my opinion this was encouraged by the rum lobby). It became popular in the US mostly among the hippies and continues to be popular in many countries. In the US there are 39 states where ganja is now legal.

However, ganja remains against the law in our country, encouraging a huge illegal trade, largely from Venezuela. This encouraged the Keith Rowley government to pass a law to allow citizens to plant four ganja plants. However, how to acquire, where to plant, etc were never stated.

When prime minister Dr Rowley demitted office and promoted Stuart Young to that position (much to the dismay of his PNM), Young called an election which he lost.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNC a pledged – via a full-page ad in all dailies – to legalise ganja.

Currently, with ganja still against the law and causing so much violent crime and the outflow of our US dollars, is our ganja still forbidden? Or is more profitable for the illegal trade?

PETER O’CONNOR

via e-mail

When private sector becomes government client

THE EDITOR: The private sector in TT likes to describe itself as a partner in national development. In reality, it has become something far less credible: a long-term client of the state.

This is not a rhetorical flourish. It is a structural condition that has been normalised over time. Increasingly, private sector performance is shaped less by innovation, productivity, and market expansion, and more by government spending, incentives, protection, and access. When the state tightens, business confidence collapses. When the state spends, growth briefly returns. That dependency alone should tell us something is deeply wrong.

A genuine private sector leads. It anticipates demand, invests ahead of policy, and competes beyond domestic borders. It innovates not because it is encouraged to do so, but because survival depends on it. That is not the dominant behaviour we see today.

Instead, many firms organise their strategies around public procurement cycles, tax concessions, import protection, and regulatory shelter. Lobbying has become a substitute for innovation. Compliance has replaced creativity. Risk-taking is postponed indefinitely because returns can be secured through alignment rather than performance.

The result is a business culture that is cautious, inward-looking, and comfortable with mediocrity.

This dependency is visible across sectors. In construction and infrastructure, business activity rises and falls almost entirely with government capital expenditure. In energy services, diversification is repeatedly discussed but rarely pursued beyond what the state finances or guarantees. In finance, product innovation remains shallow, with limited focus on funding productive enterprise or new industries. In retail and distribution, protected domestic markets and import dependence dominate, while regional expansion remains the exception rather than the rule.

Meanwhile, research and development spending is minimal. Export capacity remains weak. Productivity growth is stagnant. Technology adoption lags global standards. These are not abstract indicators; they are the direct consequences of a private sector that has chosen insulation over innovation.

What makes this situation particularly damaging is that it is self-reinforcing. A client-style private sector benefits from inefficiency, opacity, and policy inconsistency – because navigating those weaknesses becomes a competitive advantage. Firms that master access outperform firms that invest in capability. Over time, ambition is punished and conformity rewarded.

Young and innovative businesses feel this most acutely. Without political access, legacy scale, or balance-sheet leverage, they struggle to compete in an environment where success depends on proximity to the state. Many either stagnate, relocate, or never start at all. The economy loses dynamism, and the illusion of stability replaces genuine growth.

It is important to be clear: government policy has enabled this dependency. But the private sector has embraced it. No one forced businesses to abandon export ambition. No one compelled them to underinvest in technology or skills. No one required them to accept protection instead of competing.

Dependency is a choice.

A serious private sector does not ask the state to shield it indefinitely from competition. It asks for functional institutions, predictable rules, and efficient infrastructure – and then competes aggressively, including beyond national borders. It understands that discomfort is the price of progress.

In TT, however, discomfort is avoided. When conditions tighten, the first response is not restructuring or innovation, but appeals for relief. When global competition intensifies, the answer is often protection rather than adaptation. When productivity stalls, the blame is externalised.

This is not how economies transform.

A private sector that cannot function without the state’s spending, guarantees, and protection cannot lead diversification, cannot anchor resilience, and cannot credibly claim to be a development partner. At best, it manages decline. At worst, it entrenches it.

If TT is serious about economic transformation, the private sector must confront an uncomfortable truth: it has become part of the problem. Reclaiming relevance will require a deliberate break from dependency – towards exports, technology, skills investment, regional integration, and genuine competition.

That shift will involve failure, consolidation, and discomfort. But without it no amount of policy reform will deliver sustainable growth.

A client does not lead. And until the private sector chooses independence over access, it will remain exactly that.

DR FUAD KHAN

via e-mail

Brilliant proposal by Irfaan

THE EDITOR: I applaud Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali for his tenacity and desire to sign a co-operating agreement with the US. I think it is a brilliant proposal because Guyana has been morally brutalised by Venezuela for years.

The perception and allegations signalled that Venezuela was the major exporter of drugs and guns to not only TT, but to the US and also neighbouring Surinam.

But that is the least of the worries for Guyana. Guyana has been accused of encroaching on Venezuela’s territory. However, the disputed region was settled in 1899 by the Paris Arbitral Award which favoured Guyana as the legitimate owner of the Essequibo.

But that was like water under the bridge for some time, until Venezuela woke up again to reclaim the rich oil-producing region of the Essequibo.

It would be one of the most strategic and interesting projects if the president of Guyana had included in the agreement to allow the US to set up a US military base in the Essequibo region. I think that would be a permanent solution to the disputed region.

I also think Venezuela has become the bully of the Caribbean. President Nicolás Maduro wants to lay claims on TT by saying that the country once belonged to Venezuela. I don’t think Trinidadians would, in a million years, buy this nonsense.

And if it means a quid pro quo with the US, I think it is better to have America as a friend and keep Maduro at bay permanently. The US military presence would be the frontera that separates and protects Guyana from further expansion and aggression by Venezuela; it would certainly bring peace of mind to the Guyanese people.

Nonetheless, TT has permitted the US to instal a radar at the Tobago airport. It says this is to detect and provide vital information in drug interdiction, like the recent Caroni Swamp $171 million drug bust.

It would be outrageous and ludicrous for anyone to demand the removal of the US radar; the evidence speaks for itself.

JAY RAKHAR

New York

Breathing new life into TVET

TECHNICAL and vocational education and training (TVET) essentially refer to those aspects of the education process that involve, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understandings and knowledge relating to occupants in various sectors of economic and social life.

It is considered as a major platform for the attainment of sustainable development and an approach to education that provides hands-on skills for specific trades and occupations, bridging the gap between education and the workforce. It marries general education, the study of technologies and sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, as well as the knowledge of various sectors of the economy.

Through TVET, students can get hands-on experience and skill development that relates directly to job roles, connecting learning with the needs of the job market, thereby preparing students for specific careers bridging the skills gap.

The combination of classroom-based theoretical training with informal practical learning through apprenticeships, internships and on-the-job training offers the opportunity for training in a diverse array of vocations including engineering, construction, automotive technology, ICT and entrepreneurship. TVET inculcates a culture of life-long learning and upskilling, thereby allowing workers to adapt to technological advances and changing industry demands.

Against this background it is encouraging to know that the “Life Ready Curriculum” as articulated in the Ministry of Education’s 2023-2027 National Education Policy framework proposes the revitalisation of TVET as a central pillar of the country’s youth development and economic diversification thrust. It intends to promote TVET as a prestigious career choice by engaging in a comprehensive reform of the TVET curricula to reflect modern technological trends.

TVET has always been a practical and attractive option for students since its introduction in the school system over five decades ago. Unfortunately, in the last two decades TVET in the secondary school system has been grossly neglected by a combination of teacher shortage and funding restrictions.

TTUTA will support any initiative to revamp, revitalise and expand TVET training. Its calls over the past two decades for the authorities to address the TVET teacher recruitment challenge has been consistent. It has articulated always that TVET offers a critical bridge between education and employment as well as a pathway to higher learning and career success.

As a country, the deliberate and myopic neglect of TVET was an act of national self-harm. TVET must be seen from a life-long education perspective that transcends pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary education levels, since it’s an ideal opportunity to develop problem-solving skills in learners by stimulating their natural curiosities.

The TVET model of learning takes into account the reality that many students learn by doing, since they are strong in the psycho-motor learning domain. The practical nature of the curriculum promotes greater engagement by tapping into students’ innate interests.

The combination of enhanced curriculum relevance and increased student engagement ensures that learning is meaningful and even fun-filled and impacts on overall student discipline. Student energies are now focused into a positive outcome. Schools can now be more responsive to learners’ needs, thereby fulfilling their mandate as vehicles for the development of the community. The school-work linkages also ensure a greater level of curriculum relevance.

TTUTA therefore takes careful note of the plan by the ministry to:

A. Expand the cadre of TVET teachers by:

1. Rationalising the current TVET teacher positions in terms of qualifications, remuneration and advancement opportunities.

2. Providing incentives to attract additional TVET teachers.

3. Formulating partnerships with post-secondary TVET institutions to access training and facilities.

B. Building capacity of TVET teachers to facilitate movement within the system by:

1. Reassessing teachers to stimulate movement to TVET.

2. Utilising prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) in the upskilling of teachers.

3. Revisiting the Bachelor of Education in TVET at the University of TT (UTT) to facilitate the PLAR in upskilling teachers

C. Recruit TVET teachers and workshop attendants to fill existing vacancies by:

1. Amending the teacher selection process to ensure teachers possess the requisite qualities, competencies and qualifications.

2. Partnering with the UTT and TVET providers for teacher training and programmes to qualify graduates to fill vacancies

3. Advertising remuneration packages for skilled workers to bring awareness of the earning potential of TVET professionals.

4. Providing incentives such as scholarships to make TVET more attractive

This TVET vision as articulated by the ministry reflects many of the recommendations made by TTUTA over the years and its translation into action cannot come soon enough.

Trump, the author of confusion

THE EDITOR: US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy strategy is truly a masterpiece of confusion. One moment it’s a noble war on drugs, the next he’s handing out a presidential pardon to a convicted Honduran drug trafficker.

Then, abracadabra, it’s no longer about cocaine but crude oil and contested land. If this is what “America first” looks like, maybe someone should check what second place was offering. The only consistent theme seems to be chaos wrapped in hypocrisy, served with a side of selective memory.

One can’t help but admire the sheer audacity: fight cartels by freeing kingpins, fight theft by grabbing foreign oilfields, and fight for peace by threatening everyone. Bravo, US commander-in-chief, you’ve redefined irony on an international scale.

SIMON WRIGHT

Chaguanas

Shallow’s dilemma

ON reflection, it is sad to recognise that president of Cricket West Indies Dr Kishore Shallow believes that he is invincible and that the administration of cricket cannot do without him. How could someone be such a failure as president of CWI and not recognise it? Or maybe I am missing something.

How can Shallow, who won a seat in the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines and took with him the idea that he can deal with the huge responsibility that he owes to his constituents as their elected parliamentarian, plus the obligation and accountability of his government’s business, not feel that he would be shortchanging CWI or his government?

At various times, he would find himself having to adjust schedules to suit one or the other. Naturally, the government’s business will always take precedence; hence, he would be shortchanging CWI, which is already a suffering entity. Therefore, that situation would not be fair to CWI with its vast responsibilities. Does Shallow really believe that he alone can successfully guide the cricket business of the West Indies? Doesn’t he realise that he ought to pass on the baton of cricket leadership, for, apart from all that has been written and done, he is a failure in that position?

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How are the officials of any sporting enterprise judged? How is the president judged? The WI have not been doing well for quite a while. Can this be defended by excuses? How would he ever be able to justify his choice as president? He can’t! Therefore, after almost three years of being responsible for administering the affairs of WI cricket with absolutely no progress being made, change should take place.

The change for Shallow is the correct course to take, so that he ought to leave and allow someone else to run the activities of CWI and hope that the new incumbent would be able to be more successful. Shallow cannot make any difference between now and the end of his term.

There have been disastrous decisions made during his spell. For instance, the employment of Daren Sammy as a coach, removing Andre Coley as the coach for Test players, while he (Coley) was doing a good job in building players’ self-confidence, improving their attitudes through encouragement, inspiration and the will to win. After Coley coached the team to a single victory against Australia for the first time in 24 years in February 2024 and drawing the series, then beating Pakistan on a doctored turning wicket in Pakistan, to level a two-match series in February 2025, he was removed.

Making Sammy the lone selector of West Indies teams was the most colossal blunder of all. As a result of all these costly mistakes, the WI team went limping along from defeat to defeat. At that time, Shallow behaved as if nothing was wrong. He never seemed to understand that his purpose was to oversee and guide his officials, thus the teams they were all responsible for, to play good, competitive cricket and not be the laughing stock of the world’s cricket-playing fraternity.

His ignorance of the game, in addition to that of his advisers, led the WI team to the depths of despair, without these people even thinking of resigning. Nonetheless, allowing the disaster to continue spreading, until West Indian fans, citizens and supporters became more and more disenchanted with the game they had all loved, being aware that optimism was disappearing and the future was bleak.

No changes were made, or new tactics developed, in order to attempt brand new plans or fresh systems, so that improvement or development could take place and allow the cricket to advance. They just didn’t know what to do and instead of resigning their positions, having faced inadequacy head-on, they steadfastly stuck to their inept methods. Sadly, without any ideas of how to improve WI players, much to the detriment of cricket in the region, which faces oblivion.

At present, Shallow has the opportunity to bow out gracefully and allow someone else to take the stress of the position and be satisfied that he made an effort, although unsuccessful, to turn WI cricket around and be unselfish enough to give up the obligation and wish his successor the best of luck.

The shareholders in any business that’s failing consistently do not blame the underlings (read players) for not doing their jobs properly. It’s at the president of the company’s desk where the buck stops.

 

A time for making memories

THE EDITOR: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:/’God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;/The wrong shall fail,/The right prevail,/With peace on Earth, goodwill to men'” (Christmas Bells, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1864).

As we hurtle into the dawn of a new year, let us take the time to reflect and enjoy our blessings.

Christmas is a time for making memories for the future. It is one of the main reasons why we look back so wistfully at eras long gone.

Our relatives worked very hard to make Christmas unforgettable when we were children.

Even in the humblest of homes great memories were created. Today, many try to do the same for their children.

TT is unique in our celebrations. Let us never take them for granted.

Let us also remember the reason for the season. God’s richest blessings on all the people of TT.

LINUS F DIDIER

Mt Hope

Bestial behaviour

MAJESTIC is the ocelot.

And even more majestic is the ocelot of this country; nowhere else did this species evolve in the absence of large mammalian carnivores like jaguars and pumas.

It is believed that Trinidad, once physically part of South America before sea-level rises thousands of years ago, hosts the only population of this extraordinary wild cat within an isolated continental tropical island setting.

So, reports that emerged last week suggesting an ocelot had been gratuitously shot and killed by hunters in Grande Riviere are disturbing in the extreme.

Images of the dead animal, with its distinctive black, brown and cream fur markings, were widely circulated on social media. The images were posted by Hadco Experiences after the creature was found by activist Len Peters.

A necropsy done on December 17 by veterinarians and researchers of the University of the West Indies’ Zoology Museum discovered eight shotgun slugs.

One environmentalist, quoted in a newspaper report, suggested hunters have been engaged in a cull of the animal in an effort to replenish the agouti population. If so, that shows complete ignorance of the special status of ocelots and proves the need for better regulation of the hunting season by the state.

Ocelots are not listed as endangered in some directories, but there is growing anecdotal evidence that their population may be on the decline and that they face greater threats from human activities. This month’s developments would go some way to proving the latter to be true.

Amid all this, it must be asked: What has happened to the ocelot management plan that the Ministry of Planning and Development spent $160,000 on years ago? Is anybody enforcing it? Or is it sitting somewhere, gathering dust on a shelf?

But the deeper issue is awareness.

As noted by Newsday columnist Paolo Kernahan, whose Bush Diary television series once played a role in highlighting our natural habitat, “This incident and others like it are an accurate reflection of how a lack of education in the population presents itself devastatingly and holds us in place.”

Ignorance breeds callousness; callousness breeds ignorance.

The result is not just the depletion of our biodiversity, which is bad enough and which could trigger many unforeseen ripple effects. The result is also the degradation of a valuable asset that could, and should, be at the forefront of economic renewal.

The government’s October budget spoke of stimulating tourism as a high-growth sector, with plans for a “Turtle Tourism Capital” initiative and a move to “integrate culture, conservation and community.”

That kind of planning is laudable. It should be extended to enforcement of protections and regulations to ensure hunters, or those prone to animalistic actions, do not shoot the nation in the foot.

Agriculture minister hosts children's Xmas party

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram hosted a Christmas party on December 21 for the children of staff of the ministry at the National Cycling Velodrome, Couva.

In a media release, the ministry said the event brought together approximately 800 children for an afternoon of festive activities, entertainment and celebration, reflecting the minister’s continued commitment to staff welfare and family engagement during the Christmas season.

In his speech, Ratiram highlighted the importance of creating meaningful spaces for children and recognising the vital role played by families in supporting public officers. He said, “Christmas reminds us of what truly matters. Family, love, kindness, gratitude and hope. When we invest in our children and create spaces where they feel valued and cherished, we are planting seeds for a stronger future for TT.”

He also expressed his appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of staff of the ministry, noting that their work in support of national food security, sustainability and resilience is strengthened by the values they demonstrate both in the workplace and at home.

The Christmas party featured games, music, treats and surprises, creating a joyful atmosphere for children and their families and reinforcing the spirit of unity, generosity and goodwill that defines the Christmas season.

Ratiram extended his best wishes to all staff, their children and families for a safe, joyful and peaceful Christmas season and a prosperous New Year.

Chase: First-innings batting failures cost Windies Test series loss

WEST Indies Test captain Roston Chase believes repeated first-innings batting failures were the defining factor in his team’s 2-0 Test series loss to New Zealand, which brought an end to a punishing multi-format tour in 2025.

Chase identified the squad’s early batting inconsistencies as their biggest lesson from the tour, and confirmed the maroon had been struggling with this issue for some time now.

Those shortcomings, he said, proved costly as West Indies failed to register a win across three Tests, following heavy defeats in the prior limited-overs formats.

The Caribbean side lost the five-match T20 series 3-1, were swept 3-0 in the ODIs and buckled to 2-0 Test series defeat, which brought an unwanted end to their final overseas assignment of the year.

“Batting your first innings is very key,” Chase said in the post-match interview at Mount Maunganui on December 22. “I think getting that first innings score around 300 or so would really play a greater part in us being able to move the game forward in terms of looking for a result or getting the result that we want.”

In the first Test at Christchurch, West Indies capitulated for 167 in the first innings but found immense form in the second innings to post 457/6, which forced a drawn result, despite them having a chance to go for the win.

That second innings was bolstered by a scintillating, unbeaten double-century (202 not out) from Justin Greaves and a powerful knock of 140 from Shai Hope.

The maroon improved slightly in the opening innings of the second Test at Wellington, going all out for a still below-par score of 205 in the first innings, before crashing to 128 in the second, which handed the Black Caps a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

In the final Test, a mammoth 323-run opening stance from the Kiwis’ Devon Conway (227) and captain Tom Latham (137) in their first innings saw the hosts declare on 575/8.

West Indies had a stern response, but despite going all out for 420, New Zealand scored 306/2 declared in their second innings, giving the visitors a hefty target of 461 for victory. West Indies were soon bundled out for 138, affirming their series loss.

Chase was visibly deflated after the final Test, particularly as New Zealand celebrated a series win on home soil. He said that while spin was expected as the pitch dried, the level of deterioration and uneven bounce came as a surprise. After the first day, the wicket browned quickly, leading to cracks and variable bounce that brought additional challenges for their batsmen.

Asked to sum up the last day, he said, “Disappointed with the result, but we always knew it was going to be tough. We didn’t expect the pitch to deteriorate so much… Some balls obviously misbehaved, but it was always going to be tough. We really wanted to get a win here for the first time since 1995. That was the ultimate goal for the team. We fell short.”

Despite the losses, Chase defended his team’s bowling effort, especially given injury concerns. He felt the bowlers “gave a good effort and they never stopped trying,” even as conditions heavily favoured New Zealand’s attack.

Batting, however, remained the central concern. Chase was pleased to see some progress, pointing to three centuries across the series.

“We were very happy with that,” he said, confirming that centuries had been scarce for the side in recent times.

He also addressed the tactical debate surrounding the drawn Test in Christchurch, revealing that a win had been part of the plan going into the final day. However, once early wickets fell, survival became the priority, Chase added. Chase rejected any regret over the approach in Christchurch.

“No, I don’t regret it, because we sat and we had a plan. Once the team comes up with a plan, that’s what we’re going to stick with.”

On a personal level, the skipper was critical of his own struggles across the three-match series. His highest score across the six innings was 29 and his best bowling figures were 1/9.

“It was a tough series, very below par for my standards. I didn’t really lead from the front with performances. I thought I let myself and the team down.”

Looking ahead, Chase said improvement remains non-negotiable.

“It’s always a work in progress,” he said, stating that both he and the team must address their deficiencies if West Indies are to compete more consistently on future tours.

He praised New Zealand’s standout performers, lauding Jacob Duffy’s effectiveness, as well as the match-defining contributions of Conway and Latham, who “really batted us out of the game.”

Chase also paid tribute to New Zealander Kane Williamson, calling him “an exceptional player” and acknowledging his impact on world cricket amid speculation over his Test future.