This Monitor update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Trinidad and Tobago from January 2023 to April 2023.
On 6th January 2023, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced Senate President Christine Kangaloo as the government’s nominee for President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The announcement was met with concerns from the opposition United National Congress. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar concerned about having “an active politician holding the post” and that she “strongly objects” to the nomination”. On 20th January, protesters gathered opposite the Red House (Parliament) chanting “No to Kangaloo”, and “Rowley must go”. The protesters dispersed a few hours later. Police were on the scene but did not interfere with the protest.
Christine Kangaloo was sworn in as the 7th President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on 20th March, becoming the second female to hold the highest office in the country.
Peaceful Assembly
On 3rd January 2023, las Cuevas Residents protested bad roads as children had been unable to go to school. In late November, a resident’s car fell into a depression along a collapsed road. The Member of Parliament for the area, who is also the Minister of Education, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, said the road is still passable and repairs and works should begin later in the week.
On 26th January 2023, MTS workers protested unfair disciplinary measures and what they believe was a flawed collective bargaining process. What started out as a calm atmosphere quickly erupted into a heated exchange between an MTS manager and a trade unionist.
On 3rd March 2023, Progressive Democratic Patriots Political Leader Watson Duke staged a two-hour sit-in protest at the Housing Development Corporation’s (HDC) head office in an attempt to stop the HDC from relocating residents of East Port of Spain. Two teams of police officers were summoned to the head office by HDC security. Residents are unhappy with the relocation because the government is placing them wherever housing units are available and sometimes these units are in areas far away from where they now reside. But the Ministry of Housing and the HDC Chairman Noel Garcia said they have been communicating with residents since 2021 about the relocation exercise to facilitate the revitalisation of East Port of Spain.
Expression
In January 2023, businessman and talk show host Robert Amar was asked to leave a media briefing with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowle. The Prime Minister addressed the issue at a People’s National Movement conference. He denied preventing journalists from carrying out their duties at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). He said press freedom is alive and well in the country.
The Media Association of Trinidad & Tobago (MATT) requested clarification about the criteria being used in selecting journalists to cover briefings at the diplomatic centre.
Association
The government issued a legal notice extending the time period for non-profit organisations to register. The Non-Profit Organisation (Extension of Time) Order, 2023, grants an extension for registration from April to 14th November 2023. The Non-Profit Organisations Act states that a person shall not operate a non-profit organisation in Trinidad and Tobago unless it is registered under this Act. A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for seven years.