FIRST CITIZENS Group Financial Holdings Ltd has reported a profit after tax of $989.6 million for the year ending September 30, an increase in profits for the same period last year, when it earned $956.9 million.
The financial figures come from a summary financial statement from the group for the period ending September 30, 2025.
The report said the group earned $2.1 billion in net income. It earned $2.46 billion in interest income but lost $359.9 million in interest expenses.
The group reported $54.4 million in impairment costs but got a credit impairment writeback on financial assets which contributed to the group reporting $1.3 billion in profit before taxes.
For the same period in 2024, the group earned $2.3 billion in interest income and incurred $290.5 million in interest expenses, resulting in a net income of $2 billion.
The group reported impairment costs valued at $13 million, but credit impairment writeback on financial assets was reported at $9.6 million. The impairment and the writeback contributed to a profit before tax of $1.2 billion.
First Citizens Group was one of the financial institutions that saw significant changes in its group for the year.
A new board of directors, led by Shankar Bidaisee, was elected for the group at special general meeting at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on October 8, replacing board members who had been at the group for more than ten years.
Deputy Group CEO Jason Julien was picked as Group CEO at the end of October.
FORMER prime minister Dr Keith Rowley has warned the government’s plan to reopen the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery could expose taxpayers to new financial losses and potentially lead to private interests gaining control of Paria Fuel Trading Company.
Speaking during a Facebook Live broadcast on November 17, Rowley dismissed claims the refinery was shuttered for political reasons under the former PNM administration. He insisted the closure stemmed solely from the refinery’s untenable financial position.
“We shut down the refinery because our local oil production was too low. We were buying 100,000 barrels of oil per day to refine, and on many instances had to be paid for from the Treasury.”
Rowley said the State is still servicing more than US$400 million in debt tied to oil purchases for the refinery, stressing that Petrotrin had been “bleeding billions of dollars.”
He argued unless the government can demonstrate a credible and sustainable oil supply to make the refinery commercially viable, any arrangement that links its reopening to Paria could be a precursor to private or quasi-private control of the country’s fuel supply.
“Paria is a business that makes over a hundred, even two hundred million dollars. If Paria falls into private hands, the owners of the supply will determine the price you pay for fuel,” he warned.
Rowley accused the government of “actively preparing” such an outcome and urged citizens to remain vigilant.
“I want the population to understand you are giving these people the option to do that. We know what they’re doing, and we are asking them to turn the game somewhere else.”
He also criticised what he described as the government’s “silence” on key details surrounding the refinery proposal.
Turning to First Citizens bank, Rowley said the government is ignoring both the institution’s origins and current risks.
He said First Citizens was established under a PNM administration “on a morning when NCB and Workers’ Bank failed and the government had to intervene” and has since become “one of the outstanding successes in the public sector.”
He claimed the only clear signal from the current administration on First Citizens has been the appointment of chairman Shankar Bidaisee who also chairs Udecott. He noted an article in another newspaper where Bidaisee said First Citizens and Udecott would help drive the government’s development agenda.
Rowley discussed a principle from geology – uniformitarianism – to warn that past errors could reoccur. Referencing what he described as a controversy surrounding the UNC-led government’s first sale of First Citizens shares via Initial Public Offering, Rowley said the bank’s share price has dropped from $42 to $31. He said the downward trend should command the government’s attention, given the State remains the bank’s majority shareholder and has previously indicated interest in further divestment.
“Who is driving down the shares of First Citizens when the bank’s performance does not warrant that?” he asked. He questioned whether the government would consider selling shares at a diminished value and said the government must restore investor confidence.
“The investing population would want their shares to return and to improve. If First Citizens and Udecott are to play this conflicted role, shareholders are concerned.”
Rowley warned local banks are already heavily leveraged in financing government operations and argued political interference is putting pressure on institutions that had been performing strongly.
Rowley defended his own stewardship of state entities, noting he retained former National Alliance for Reconstruction attorney general Anthony Smart as First Citizens chairman throughout his term, under whose leadership the bank continued to grow.
He said his administration also appointed a former UNC MP to serve as NP chairman, who completed his tenure without controversy.
He closed by reaffirming his intention to remain engaged in national debates.
“I am a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. I have not retired from being a citizen, and I have not retired from public discourse.”
CHIEF Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh has vowed to work closely with “those who control public funds” to ensure the long-awaited reopening of the San Fernando Supreme Court building. He said the Judiciary is committed to restoring timely, accessible justice to the southern region.
After five years of uncertainty, the CJ made a firm commitment on November 15, as he was honoured by his former peers at the Assembly of Southern Lawyers (ASL) at its annual Christmas dinner at the Pointe-a-Pierre Staff Club.
Boodoosingh said his connection to the shuttered San Fernando courthouse is deeply personal as it was within its walls, his first exposure to the legal profession took place, where he watched seasoned attorneys including former president Anthony Carmona, former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj – who was in the audience – and others argue constitutional and criminal matters on creaking wooden flooring.
Assembly of Southern Lawyers president Saira Lakhan, right, escorts Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and his wife Aberleen into the Pointe-a-Pierre Golf Club on November 15 for the assembly’s annual Christmas dinner. – Photo by Lincoln Holder
In an immediate response to this pledge, Assembly of Southern Lawyers president Saira Lakhan later told Newsday, “We applaud the chief justice’s prioritisation of reopening court buildings and his expressed commitment to improving access to justice for southern communities and to the wider nation.”
She said the assembly stands ready to collaborate with the judiciary to improve access to justice.
The courthouse has been shuttered since 2020, with all San Fernando matters diverted to the Princes Town judicial centre.
In his address, the CJ delivered what the ASL president called “the strongest signal yet,” that meaningful progress is finally on the horizon.
“We in the judiciary intend to work alongside those who control public funds to have that iconic Supreme Court building in San Fernando reopened for business in the shortest possible time,” Boodoosingh declared to resounding applause.
He stressed that the court’s reopening was not simply a facilities issue but a constitutional one, saying the judiciary’s core duty is “the just and fair hearing and determination of cases within a reasonable time.”
From left, former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and head of the Criminal Bar Association Israel Khan, SC, at the Assembly of Southern Lawyers’ annual Christmas dinner on November 15 at the Pointe-a-Pierre Golf Club. – Photo by Lincoln Holder
His comments followed a November 13 walk through of the dilapidated building with Udecott chairman Shankar Bidaisee, where the pair were updated on stalled restoration works.
Originally estimated at $12.8 million, the cost has ballooned to $22.1 million, with repairs halted since July when Udecott terminated the contractor. The state agency has said it cannot proceed until the judiciary reconfirms the project scope and funding, signalling that, even with approvals, reopening may not be possible before late 2026.
Lakhan, in her address, welcomed Boodoosingh’s pledge and told the audience which included energy, health and defence ministers Dr Roodal Moonilal, Dr Lackram Bodoe and Wayne Sturge, respectively, Hugh Wooding Law School principal Rudranath Maharaj and head of the Criminal Bar Association, Israel Khan, SC, that, “For the first time in a long time, there is hope.”
She said Boodoosingh’s elevation, coupled with his stated commitment, has rekindled optimism in a community long frustrated by delays, relocations and uncertainty.
“We look forward to working with you as we pursue the shared goal of fair, timely and accessible justice,” Lakhan said.
THE government is hoping to operationalise the Couva Children’s Hospital for its intended purpose “as soon as possible,” and as long as critical works are completed, doors could open before the end of the year.
So said Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John, who toured the facility on September 18, along with Minister of Health Dr Lackram Bodoe and Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Rishad Seecheran. They were accompanied by newly installed Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) chairman Shankar Bidaisee and officials from each organisation.
“We have already proffered a date to the Honourable Prime Minister, but it would be up to her to say when the hospital would be opened,” John said in response to a question from reporters.
While keeping the date close to her chest, John said it would “most likely” be before the year’s end when pressed. John said the government plans to fully operationalise the facility when the time comes.
Bodoe hopes the 230-bed (150 adult and 80 paediatric) hospital facility could be used to alleviate some of the burden from other regional health authorities (RHA), especially with the 11,000-patient long wait-list for surgeries nationally.
“So part of the reason for it remaining initially under the Ministry of Health was to assist and take patients from all of the RHAs, the NCRHA (North Central RHA), South West, the Eastern and North West as well.”
The Minister of Health said the hospital would no longer be vested under the NCRHA.
Works required
Before its doors are opened, there is a lot of work to be done, particularly to upgrade and repair equipment.
A Udecott condition assessment was done by its facilities management and biomedical engineering team and found that many major medical equipment items, which were considered state of the art in 2015, were now obsolete, unsafe or unsupported due to their age, lack of use, and non-adherence to preventative maintenance schedules.
The report, provided to the media, said equipment repairs included replacing the X-ray anode tube for the 64-slice CT-scanner, replacing the radio frequency power module amplifier for the 3T MRI machine, replacing the incubators and radiant warmers in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), replacing non-functional anaesthesia machines and other critical life safety devices, replacing the CT and MRI contrast injector systems, replacing infusion pumps, performing preventative maintenance and functional verification on ventilators and patient monitoring devices, establishing a comprehensive preventative maintenance schedule for medical equipment to ensure that preventable obsolescence does not occur again.
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural works were also required at the facility. These include corrective maintenance to cooling towers, addressing issues with power distribution and backup, addressing a landslip at the back of the training centre building and fixing corrosion on structural steel canopies.
Staffing
Bodoe said there is a shortage of some 1,800 nurses in the country, but the practitioners can be sourced from other RHAs to help staff the hospital while the government works on substantively filling this gap.
“I have made requests in the budget to fill vacancies,” he said.
He admitted these plans had not yet been discussed with the National Nurses Association.
The association’s president, Idi Stuart, did not welcome the minister’s staffing plan.
He warned that any attempt to redirect already thin staffing to the Children’s Hospital would not only be met with resistance by nurses but would also compromise the level of care nationally.
Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John, left, Health Minister Lackram Bodeo and and Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Rishad Seecheran get a tour of the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility, led by biomedical engineer at Udecott Dr Emily Coker and Nathan Jeremie, on September 18.
Given the existing shortage, he said there only way the hospital could be adequately staffed was for the government to close down an existing facility and send the nurses to Couva or to get upwards of 1,000 nurses from Cuba.
“I know it’s a pet project of the Prime Minister, so I know the minister’s hands are tied in trying to achieve such an illogical goal,” he told Newsday in a cellphone call following the tour on September 18.
He appealed to Bodoe to meet with the association to discuss the nursing shortage and possible solutions.
UNC vindicated
The children’s hospital has been a major source of political tensions over the last decade.
The facility was opened by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led People’s Partnership administration on August 14, 2015, but was never fully operationalised by the succeeding Keith Rowley-led People’s National Movement for what it was initially envisioned. On multiple occasions, then minister of health Terrence Deyalsingh said the hospital was not properly equipped or ready for use as purported by his predecessors; a claim Persad-Bissessar and her then opposition refuted.
For John and Bodoe, the tour on September 18 was evidence of their decade-long claims, especially that the NICU could have prevented the loss of at least seven babies at the Port of Spain General Hospital due to a bacterial outbreak in April 2024.
“The then-minister of health told the country it was a construction site, it had nothing there. You saw for yourself, it had everything there. It even had potential lives there that we lost unnecessarily.”
During the tour, Udecott biomedical engineers Emily Coker and Nathan Jeremie pointed out critical pieces of diagnostic and surgical equipment ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, which had either been underutilised or never used since the facility was opened. In one surgical theatre, Jeremie pointed out that the plastic over the machines began disintegrating due to how long it’s been sitting unused. In some instances, he said, equipment was nearing the end of the warranty period while still practically new.
In the laboratory, Coker said some of the equipment was used in a limited capacity during the covid19 pandemic, but needed to be replaced as they had now become outdated.
The hospital’s capability
According to Udecott, the hospital’s catchment area is about 180,000 people and is outfitted to provide the following services:
– Surgical Services – five operating theatres (one used specifically for C-section surgeries)
– Adult ICU/ HDU and paediatric ICU services
– Nursery and obstetrics equipped with special care baby unit (SCBU)
– Psychiatric services
– Medical and surgical wards – adult and paediatric
– Ancillary services: Pharmacy, laboratory (haematology, microbiology, chemistry), multiple endoscopy units for same-day procedures, physiotherapy and rehabilitation
The previous administration operationalised the $1.6 billion facility in 2019, beginning with diagnostic and pharmaceutical services provided by the NCRHA. The Ministry of Health also partnered with the University of the West Indies, rebranding it as the Couva Medical and Multi-Training Facility to provide training and research services. Its most notable use was as a key part of the parallel healthcare system during the pandemic, treating Covid19 patients exclusively and later becoming a step-down facility.
In April 2024, Deyalsingh rejected notions that the government had purposefully kept the hospital closed. To that point, he said 291 patients were referred to the hospital for cataract surgeries, with 91 completed. He said 84 ultrasounds were done between January 2023 and March 2024, along with 1,801 CT-scans, 883 MRIs and 830 X-rays.
Deyalsingh declined to comment, instead directing Newsday to NCRHA CEO Davlin Thomas. Newsday was also unable to get a comment from Thomas.
THE EDITOR: The April general election of the UNC govt has triggered convulsions within state-controlled entities, with the replacement of boards and management being the main issues, most recently in the case of First Citizens’ bank in which the state is the majority shareholder.
The Finance Ministry is entirely within its legal rights to change the boards of state-controlled entities, subject of course to compliance with the Central Bank’s “Fit & Proper” rules and the requirements for an extraordinary general meeting.
That said, there are a few additional perspectives to consider, flowing from the Prime Minister’s outright, repeated declarations that the state is the majority shareholder in both First Citizens and Republic Bank Ltd.
*Query on Republic Bank’s board: We are witness to the sudden replacement of First Citizen’s Group CEO Karen Darbasie and its entire board, so are we now therefore to expect that the Republic Financial Holdings’ CEO and board is to be similarly, summarily replaced? If not, why not? This question was also posed by my erstwhile colleague and Business Guardian editor, Anthony Wilson, on August 28 in “Is Republic Bank next?”
*The Integrity Commission – Will all officers and directors of both those companies now be required to file declarations to the Integrity Commission?
*Changing/replacing the board – I agree with ecomomist Mariano Browne’s recent comments that it is inadvisable and extremely rare for the entire board of a financial institution to be changed all at once, since that means complete loss of institutional memory.
Finally, I was concerned to note that the new appointee as incoming First Citizen’s chairman is Mr Shankar Bidaisee, who was also recently appointed chairman of Udecott.
This is not in any way an attack on Mr Bidaisee’s competence, but the era of the “super-chairman” or “czar” should be placed firmly in the history books. Former PM, the late Patrick Manning, found such favour with Calder Hart that he was appointed to chair the boards of five state-controlled entities. Yes, five. We all should reflect on how that particular “concentration of power” ended-up. But that was in the “bad-old-days,” and we ought to have learned from those bitter experiences. There are enough high-quality, willing candidates to serve in those positions, even given the heavy demands of public office. That concentration of power is never a good thing, so it needs to be avoided.
GOVERNMENT has identified attorney Shankar Bidaisee, the current chairman of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, as the new chairman of First Citizens Holdings Ltd.
The names of eight directors were finalised on August 26.
A statement from Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo on August 27 said the minister “presented instruments of appointment to new members of the Board of Directors of the First Citizens Holdings Ltd.”
The release said Bidaisee, along with Prof Sterling Frost (deputy chairman), human resource team leader Crystelle Smith, insurance executive Prakash Dhanrajh, fast-food executive Sandy Roopchand, management executive Jo-Anne Boodoosingh, business executive Javan Lewis and business consultant Nichelle Granderson have been appointed by the finance minister.
Shareholders will have to elect the nominees by September 26 for the First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Ltd, the publicly listed company of First Citizens Holdings.
Frost previously served as deputy Group CEO of the bank and as a director on a subsidiary board.
On August 26, Tancoo said he was unable to disclose the names of the government’s nominees, saying he had to communicate with them first.
The First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Ltd, the parent company of First Citizens bank, is among publicly traded companies undergoing board changes following the April 28 general election and change in administration.
The development follows the early exit of Group Chief Executive Officer Karen Darbasie who went on approved vacation on August 21 ahead of her pre-retirement leave. Group deputy CEO Jason Julien, will act as Group CEO in Darbasie’s absence and assume the role upon her retirement, according to a notice to the TT Stock Exchange.
This is a developing story and would be updated as new information comes to hand.
The long-awaited reopening of the San Fernando Supreme Court remains in limbo as the Urban Development Corporation of TT (Udecott) and the Judiciary grapple over the project’s scope, funding, and responsibility for the delay.
The original Cabinet-approved $12,879,773.65 renovation project ballooned to $22,132.423.30 and has been stalled by repeated changes to the design, leading to the termination of the original contractor’s contract in July.
Renovation of the 1960s-era courthouse began as part of the Judiciary’s physical plant upgrade.
With the closure of both the magistrates’ court and the supreme court, all matters in that southern district are heard in Princes Town Judicial Centre. In-person hearings at the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court were suspended during covid19 in 2021, and virtual hearings replaced them.
One senior lawyer complained that the denial of open access to justice has remained ongoing for years, as construction works continue at the courthouse. In several Caribbean countries, in person hearings have resumed after the restricitons imposed for covid were lifted, the attorney said.
In 2024, Chief Justice Ivor Archie admitted that challenges affected progress on several projects, including the San Fernando Supreme Court building.
Chief Justice Ivor Archie –
“It was only upon engagement of Udecott in August 2020 that the full extent of the scope of works on the building was determined after specialist assessment and testing, including a serious mould problem.
“The Judiciary obtained further approval from the Cabinet to appoint vendors in May 2023,” he said.
But since December 2023, the Judiciary has repeatedly requested additional works – from termite treatment and roof safety upgrades to extensive bathroom refurbishments, new ICT facilities, and even a reconfigured driveway to bring in prisoners.
These requests went far beyond the original scope of work. A press-release war between the two entities erupted in late July, after Udecott announced the termination of the contract on the project.
On July 28, Udecott issued a release announcing that it had terminated the contract effective July 17.
Chief among the reasons for this decision, the special-purpose state agency said, was that the Judiciary made several requests to change the scope of the project and took extended periods to give required approvals, leading to significant delays and setbacks.
Revised scope of works
In response to questions from Sunday Newsday for an update since the termination of the contract, Udecott said it had requested a reconfirmation of scope from the Judiciary and confirmation of the required funding to complete the works.
“With a clearly defined, detailed scope, it is believed that all works required will now be captured and, as such, no further delays will occur,” Udecott said.
Udecott said it sought the Judiciary’s reconfirmation of the revised scope and funding on July 24.
Until that approval is given, no procurement process can start. Once cleared, Udecott estimates a 129-day procurement period followed by 234 days of construction. That timeline, however, means the court’s reopening is unlikely before late 2026 at the earliest.
“We are unable to provide a completion date until the approval to proceed is given by the Judiciary.”
Udecott refused to release its detailed timeline of correspondence with the Judiciary. Instead, it provided a breakdown of the changes with the requests for variation works, which have been shared with the Ministry of Justice. (See sidebar)
When asked if assurances could be given to court users that no further significant delays would occur, Uddcott admitted it could not.
“We believe by being authorised to carry out all the required works at this time, there will be no need for further varied works, and as there will be no delays associated with variations.”
The additional costs triggered by the re-procurement process will be borne by the Judiciary.
Access to open justice delayed
In response to questions from Sunday Newsday on August 22, the Judiciary said, “The Judiciary is currently in communication with Udecott and other stakeholders on this project. “An update will soon be made available to the public.”
For San Fernando’s legal community, the repeated setbacks have been devastating. Attorneys complain of increased travel to Port of Spain for hearings, while litigants face longer waits for their matters to be heard. They have warned that delays in court infrastructure directly affect the constitutional right to a timely trial.
“It’s not just a building,” one attorney said. “It’s access to justice that has been delayed again and again.”
In 2024, judges were told the building was not expected to be ready until the last quarter of that year.
In November 2024, at its annual Christmas dinner, the Assembly of Southern Lawyers pleaded for the physical reopening of the courthouse and additional courts in the south.
Until the Judiciary gives final approval of the revised scope, Udecott cannot proceed. It has not since engaged directly with the Judiciary on the matter.
But expressed hope there are “no further delays by the judiciary.”
Udecott seeking to hire new contractor
An MoU between Udecott and the Judiciary for repairs to the courthouse on Harris Promenade was signed in August 2020.
Udecott chairman Shankar Bidaisee, in the July 28 release, assured that the corporation was working with the Judiciary to select a new contractor and finish the job.
Two days later, on July 30, the Judiciary fired off its rebuttal release saying it had to clarify what it deemed as a “misleading statement” made by Udecott. Its statement quoted from the July 28 release by Udecott, part of which read, “Unfortunately, the project faced substantial setbacks due to numerous requests by the Judiciary for variations in the scope and lengthy periods awaiting mandatory approvals from the Judiciary in response to requests by Udecott, which resulted in significant delay.”
The Judiciary, in its July 30 release, called this explanation by Udecott “wholly inaccurate” and insisted delays were mainly due to the contractor’s persistent under-performance.
“While the Judiciary acknowledges that infrastructure projects of this nature may face challenges, the characterisation of delays as being primarily due to the Judiciary’s actions is wholly inaccurate and does not reflect the facts,” the Judiciary said.
The Judiciary shared a series of letters from Udecott and the contractor – dated April 2, July 4, July 26, and August 22, all of 2024, which referenced the contractor’s delays.
On July 31, Udecott responded – via press release – doubling down on its original stance.
Udecott said that as a state agency responsible for spending vast amounts of public funds, it had to account to the public on challenges it experienced on the San Fernando Supreme Court building project, especially in the face of repeated queries by the public and members of the legal profession over the delay in reopening the courthouse.
The Udecott release said its records confirm that delays encountered during the execution of this project were due to a combination of factors, including:
*Lengthy delays accumulated while awaiting approvals from the Judiciary – after Udecott’s identification of the top ranked proponent to the Judiciary, and despite reminders, Udecott experienced a delay of an aggregate of 528 days between November 23, 2021 to May 5, 2023, awaiting a response from the Judiciary granting approval to award the contract to that top-ranked proponent.
*Various design changes and consequential variations in the scope of works requested by the Judiciary – a total of six requests for changes in scope of works were subsequently received from the Judiciary spanning two years between 2023 and 2025, which in itself, further delayed the project.
The Udecott release said that since the contract was terminated, in keeping with standard provisions, it has promptly taken the required steps to initiate a new procurement process in order to engage a new contractor.
Justice Minister: Court construction projects behind schedule
Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj has sought to place the dispute within a broader context of judicial reform and public access to justice.
Minister of Justice Devesh Maharaj greets an unidentified official of the Judiciary after a visit to the Port of Spain Magistrates Court, St Vincent Street, Port of Spain on August 19. At right, is the Judiciary’s Court Protocol and Information manager Carl Francis. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
Speaking during the mid-year review in the House of Representatives on June 23, Maharaj vowed to strengthen the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), improve police support, and provide more law courts in underserved areas.
He highlighted Cedros, La Brea, and Moruga as communities left behind after the closure of their magistrates’ courts, forcing residents to travel long distances to Princes Town or Point Fortin for hearings. “That is a thing of the past – we will make sure,” Maharaj declared.
“Why are the poor people so underserved in this country? This government has come to power on the basis of service to all.”
More recently, Maharaj embarked on a tour of court facilities for a first-hand look.
“For the justice system to operate efficiently, as you well know, physical infrastructure and resources must be allocated for the proper functioning of the judiciary.”
In May, he spoke on the question of the construction and refurbishment of courtrooms at a post-Cabinet press briefing.
“For the justice system to operate efficiently, as you well know, physical infrastructure and resources must be allocated for the proper functioning of the judiciary.
“We have received an interim report from the Judiciary identifying 10-12 projects; it could be a little more. We are currently perusing ‘same’ showing the different stages of court refurbishment and court construction. Most of it, if not all, is behind schedule, and they are going to be looked at critically to deal with it.
“Most of the (court construction) projects are behind time. Some are 75 per cent, some have not even got off the ground, some are brownfield projects, and so on, which need re-purposing.
“So the government needs to take a look at all of that, especially in line with what the budgetary constraints may be. We will have to address it as it comes along.”
On August 21, Maharaj and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander toured part of the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court, which has been closed for repairs for over five years, to determine whether a space there could be outfitted to allow prisoners to make virtual court appearances instead of using police stations.
Days earlier, he said virtual courts in police stations were at “boiling point.”
After a walk-through at the Besson Street Police Station, Port of Spain, on August 18, he said rooms previously used for ID parades at police stations had been converted into virtual courtrooms, leaving police officers severely inconvenienced.
“When we visited to understand the question of virtual courtrooms, we saw first-hand that the police are totally discommoded…It is close to boiling point.”
Soon after, the Law Association wrote to the Chief Justice highlighting members’ concerns about inadequate facilities at the Waterfront Judicial Centre, Port of Spain. The letter followed a survey conducted among members between July 27 and August 1.
Members cited insufficient or costly parking, lack of amenities such as cafeterias, restrooms, lounges and seating, inadequate private consultation spaces, accessibility challenges for stakeholders including those with disabilities, and inadequate courtroom sizes and numbers. The association’s president, Lynette Seebaran-Suite, SC, assured members that the association has consistently raised concerns about timelines and efficiency of access to the Judiciary’s services and vowed to continue lobbying for change.
In her letter to Chief Justice Ivor Archie, she said, “I write to bring these primary concerns to your attention and to request your urgent action in addressing these issues with the aim of improving the quality of facilities made available to members and increasing access to justice for all stakeholders.”.
Seebaran-Suite asked for feedback on how an action plan can be implemented by the Judiciary to address the concerns, which, she said, affected the administration of justice.
Tower D of the Waterfront Centre on Wrightson Road was officially designated the Waterfront Judicial Centre in September 2022.
The designation, published in the Gazette, stated that the ground floor to the 13th floor, excluding the 12th, was reserved for sittings of the Supreme Court. The centre houses the civil division of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
The building was previously occupied by the Parliament from 2011 to 2020 while restoration work was carried out at the Red House.
In 2019, it was announced that the Judiciary would take possession of 13 floors at Tower D once Parliament vacated. Udecott oversaw the outfitting of the new location with input from the Judiciary.
Udecott: Judiciary requests for variations
December 21, 2023
Judiciary requested changes to the ICT Room layout.
—
March 06, 2024
Udecott submitted a revised document highlighting potential variations in Package 1, including additional items requested by the Judiciary.
Judiciary requested Udecott to obtain a quotation from the Package 1 Contractor for potential variations.
Udecott’s suggested potential variations (not included in the current Scope of Works):
Increase in quantity of roof railings for full compliance with OSHA Section 23(1).
Termite treatment due to infestation discovered during demolition.
Replacement of timber sub-flooring caused by water damage and mold.
Rendering of walls due to water intrusion and deterioration.
Replacement of gypsum ceiling in Public Waiting Area due to water damage.
Replacement of all floor and wall tiles in bathrooms (existing tiles detaching).
Judiciary’s requested variations to include:
Demolition and reconstruction of ICT Server Room for larger infrastructure space.
Replacement of carpet in Registry Area (3rd Floor) and Judge’s Corridor (1st Floor).
Relacement of incomplete vinyl flooring in Video Conference Room (1st Floor).
Tinting of internal windows in Criminal Court RM No. 2 (2nd Floor).
—
April 03, 2024
Judiciary requested:
Construction of an additional office for the Court Security Supervisor.
Re-purposing of a storage room into a change room for Female Security Officers.
—
June 03, 2024
Judiciary submitted additional variation items for inclusion (not in original scope):
Bathrooms:
Replacement of all wall tiles and floor in public & staff bathrooms.
Upgrade partition walls, toilets, face basins, faucets, and countertops in all staff & public bathrooms.
Upgrade all Judge’s Chambers toilets (to be considered separately).
Kitchen upgrades (new sinks, faucets, countertops):
1st Fl. Lunch Room & Pantry.
1st Fl. Attorneys’ Common Room.
2nd Fl. Pantry.
3rd Fl. Judge’s Common Room.
Flooring:
Remove all existing carpets and replace with roll vinyl:
THE Ministry of Works and Infrastructure announced the appointment of a new Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (Udecott) board in a statement on June 9.
UNC general secretary Peter Kanhai is its deputy chairman.
The ministry said instruments of appointments were formally presented to the six-member board on June 9.
It names Shankar Bidaisee as the chairman, Kanhai as deputy chair and Robelto Osborne, Hema Soondarsingh, Omkarnath Supersad-Maharj and Indira Bansee as directors.
In the statement, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John expressed appreciation to the appointees for answering the call to national service.
“Udecott is poised to play a pivotal role in the country’s infrastructural development and can be a powerful force for transformation as TT pivots toward economic diversification.”
John encouraged the board to remain resolute and people-focused in delivering results that reflected Udecott’s guiding principle of signed, sealed and delivered.
Bidaisee said three principles would guide the board’s work: compliance with procurement regulations, adherence to project time lines and delivery within budget.
He encouraged fellow directors to lead with integrity, accountability and a commitment to national development, the release said.
He was quoted as saying, “Let us lead in a way that makes the country proud and contributes meaningfully to TT’s progress.”
SENIOR COUNSEL Lynette Seebaran-Suite has returned as president of the Law Association for a third term.
The association held its annual election on March 21 to elect a new council. Seebaran-Suite was unopposed.
Frederick Gilkes was also unopposed as vice-president while Hayma Ramdhanie-Seemungal was also unopposed as treasurer.
Ten senior ordinary members were also elected from 14 nominees.
They are Douglas Mendes, SC, who received the most votes (429); Ronnie Bissessar, SC (368), Shankar Bidaisee (356), Saira Lakhan, who was elected president of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers on March 14, (284); Ria Mohammed-Davidson (268); Elena Da Silva (262); Rionne Boyke (251); Christophe Rodriguez (250); Ashook Balroop (241); and Dawn Palackdharry Singh (237).
The five junior ordinary members elected from 12 nominees are Aaron Mahabir, who received the most votes (233); Christian Matthew Chandler (244); Christopher George (213); Elvin Cudjoe (211); and Daniel Nancoo (177).
The association’s secretary will be chosen when the council holds its first meeting.
HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram, president of the Inter-Religious Organisation Pundit Lloyd Mukram Sirjoo and attorney Shankar Bidaisee to the council of the Medical Board.
In a press release on Monday, the Health Ministry said the nominations were approved on September 21.
It said apart from the medical practitioners capable of being appointed, “The minister exercises no discretion in recommending persons (sic) (people) to comprise the Council of the Medical Board.”
Without specifying, it added that Cabinet had “serious concerns” about someone who was recently recommended.
“(We) requested that the material body reconsider its nomination.
“Despite the concerns raised, the body maintained its selection,” it added.
KING’S Counsel Vincent Nelson wants his civil claim against the Attorney General for an alleged breach of an indemnity agreement with the Government unsealed.
On Tuesday, Nelson’s attorney Shankar Bidaisee wrote to one of the State’s attorneys, Tenille Ramkissoon, saying he intends to apply for an order to unseal the claim so its contents can be made public.
The letter, a copy of which was sent to Newsday, sets out shocking and explosive claims now being made by Nelson, including references to the Office of the President and the Mercy Committee.
On Monday, Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC, announced the State was dropping the charges against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan, SC, and ex-UNC senator Gerald Ramdeen.
DPP Roger Gaspard –
He said Nelson was not willing to give evidence in that matter, until his claim for breach of the alleged indemnity agreement came to an end.
Bidaisee wrote, “Our client has since taken note of the reported comments of the DPP and, having taken advice, intends to apply for an order to unseal the matter so that the contents thereof can be made available to the public.”
He said Nelson felt the matter should be made public because “transparency and accountability require that the public be made aware of the very serious allegations that have been made against persons holding public office.”
Nelson’s attorney said the claim arose out of the conduct of former attorney general Faris Al-Rawi, “in entering into an indemnity agreement on behalf of the Government and agreeing to bind same to the terms of the said agreement,” and was based on “confirmation by Mr Al-Rawi that it was the conduct of Honourable Minister Stuart Young that has resulted in a substantial breach of the terms of the indemnity.”
The letter also says the allegations set out in Nelson’s claim touch and concern the Office of the President, the Office of the DPP, the Cabinet and the Mercy Committee.
“At paragraph 22 of the amended defence filed in these proceedings, it was pleaded that the actions of Mr Al-Rawi, as Attorney General, in entering into the indemnity agreement was in conflict with public policy,” and “taxpayers of this country are exposed to the payment of substantial damages claimed by our client in the event that the claim is successful,” Bidaisee said.
Former Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi. –
The attorney added that as “guardian of the public interest,” the Office of the Attorney General should consent to the discharge of the sealing order, so the contents of Nelson’s claim can be made public.
“The defendant’s consent will obviate the risk of a contested application so that the appropriate order may be made in chambers without a hearing by Her Ladyship.”
Nelson’s claim has been assigned to Justice Jacqueline Wilson and he is seeking £12,163,460 in damages for the alleged breach of indemnity.
On Monday, AG Reginald Armour, SC, said Nelson is claiming the State should indemnify him for the $2.25 million fine ordered by the High Court when he was sentenced in March 2020.
Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC. –
He said the discontinuance of the criminal case against Ramlogan and Ramdeen was surprising because Nelson had entered into a plea agreement with the DPP to give evidence against Ramlogan and Ramdeen “in exchange for a recommendation by the director to the High Court, that Nelson be given a non-custodial sentence.”
Armour also said Nelson has not, to date, recanted any admission of wrongdoing he made in the criminal proceedings.
“As Attorney General, I wish to assure the people of this country that I will consider every available avenue to protect the public’s interests, including (but not limited to) civil proceedings to recover any possible proceeds of the crimes allegedly committed by Messrs Ramlogan and Ramdeen and disciplinary proceedings before the disciplinary committee of the legal profession (Law Association of TT).”
AT a time when the public is reeling from recent horrific crimes, this is not an opportunity for the Police Commissioner to advocate for a campaign of police brutality, the Law Association says.
In a broadside response to CoP Gary Griffith, who lashed out at the association and defence attorneys on Tuesday, the association said his repeated attacks amounted to “nothing more than an attempt by the Commissioner of Police to deflect the public’s attention from matters which are his responsibility.”
These are: receiving complaints of criminal activity from the public; prompt and thorough investigation of these complaints; efficient gathering, management, and storage of evidence; lawful apprehension and detention of suspects and the timely and diligent participation by police in the trial of suspects and all enquiries before trial.
The association’s secretary Shankar Bidaisee said in the release on Wednesday that when the commissioner attacks attorneys, he attacks the rights of every citizen to be represented by one and to freedom, even those accused of crime.
The CoP “has offered the public no assurances as to how the police service will better perform its functions in order to ensure a reduction in criminal activity, the speedy determination of criminal proceedings, and an increased conviction rate,” the association said.
It reminded Griffith that determining guilt was for the courts and, where applicable, juries. Sentencing was also for the courts, not the police.
“The police service, through its leadership, must accept responsibility for its own contribution to delays in the criminal justice system and the low rate of conviction.”
Pointing to the deaths in custody of two suspects in the kidnapping and murder of court clerk Andrea Bharatt, the association said they were held on suspicion and may have had prior convictions or have been out on bail, but that did not establish their guilt or justify their death outside the sanction of a court.
“Neither suspect was charged with any offence relating to Ms Bharatt’s murder,” it said, but their deaths in custody in police custody meant “there can now be no charges laid against them, no trial, and no interrogation or determination of their guilt.
“The murder of Andrea Bharatt remains unsolved and solving it may involve confronting and dealing with the fact that the dead suspects may not have been involved at all.”
The association called on Griffith to assist the Police Complaints Authority in its investigations, as well as launching an immediate police investigation into the men’s deaths.
“The Commissioner of Police cannot separate citizen from creature for we are all created equal. We are all entitled to the protection of our Constitution and the due process of law.”
