Expression
Freedom of expression upheld by the High Court
In January and March 2024, the Trinidad and Tobago High Court established in two different cases that defamatory information was published with the intent to harm, and with reckless disregard for the truth. On 29th January 2024, Calypsonian artist Winston Rawlings, known as Cro-Cro, was ordered by the High Court to pay media businessman Inshan Ishmael TT $250,000 (USD 36,820) for defamation. This ruling followed a lawsuit filed by Ishmael, who claimed that Cro-Cro’s song, “Another Sat Outside Again,” had harmed his reputation.
According to the ruling, Justice Frank Seepersad affirmed that while some aspects of Winston Rawlings’ 2023 calypso, "Another Sat Outside Again," constituted fair comment, other parts were deemed defamatory, being both salacious and derogatory. In response to the judgment, TUCO President Ainsley King emphasised the need for calypsonians to uphold respect and integrity in their performances, cautioning against using the art form to attack individuals.
In the second case, on 6th March 2024, High Court Judge Ricky Rahim ordered the Trinidad Express Newspaper and former journalist Renuka Singh to pay Finance Minister Colm Imbert TT $550,000 (USD 81,000) for defamation. The case arose from a 2016 report alleging that Imbert facilitated a TT $7.5 million (USD 1,105,000) payment to a company owned by his wife, Susan Williams-Imbert, using public funds. Imbert argued that the report falsely implied corruption. Judge Rahim awarded $400,000 in general damages and $150,000 in exemplary damages, criticising Singh’s irresponsible journalism and the newspaper’s failure to secure essential documents:
“The court is of the view that at the lowest, the defendants were reckless as to whether the information provided by the source was true in relation to the specific allegation against the claimant, that they had the opportunity to confirm and verify the facts but chose so not to do so that they could publish the article to the Sunday readership which would ordinarily carry an increased economic benefit to the paper. Such actions are inimical to the common good in a democratic society and goes against the grain of fairness. For our democratic societies to function properly, we require strong and independent news media that report fearlessly (but not irresponsibly) on matters of genuine public interest.”
The Trinidad Express Newspaper and one of its former journalists have been ordered to pay Finance Minister Colm Imbert $550,000 for defamation.
— T&T Guardian (@GuardianTT) March 7, 2024
Read more:https://t.co/IzAB1hJhA1 pic.twitter.com/HEuKFfIlK5
Peaceful Assembly
Roads blocked and confrontations arise in St Dominic’s School protest over unsafe conditions
On 5th January 2024, dozens of residents of Latchoos Road in Penal protested over conditions at St Dominic’s RC Primary School in Penal, which escalated into a confrontation with police and military forces. The protest began with a placard demonstration at the Penal Community Centre, where students are temporarily housed following damage to the original school building during a 2017 earthquake. The protest intensified as demonstrators blocked roads with debris and clashed with authorities after an alleged incident involving a police officer. Despite the escalation, no detentions took place and the protest continued.
Protesters highlighted issues with the makeshift facilities, including congestion, collapsing ceilings, overflowing toilets, faulty plumbing, and electrical hazards. Residents, including Krystle Garcia and Patricia Williams, expressed frustration over the inadequate conditions and demanded a new school building. Kim St Clair, a Parent Teacher Council representative, called for demolition of the old building and construction of a new structure.
In response, Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly confirmed that repairs were under review and would proceed following an assessment report. Catholic Education Board of Management CEO Sharon Mangroo indicated ongoing discussions with the ministry regarding potentially erecting a temporary structure.
Pepper Village residents demand action on Gran Couva main road collapse
On 15th and 16th January 2024, dozens of Pepper Village residents staged two protests over the collapsed Gran Couva Main Road, destroyed two years ago by a Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) leak. Residents have been using an alternate route to get to various parts of the community.
The protest was supported by their Member of Parliament Anita Haynes Alleyne: “While some restoration work was attempted, severe weather in November 2022 wreaked further damage to roads throughout the community, worsening existing landslips and resulting in newly formed land movements. To date, there has been no update, and multiple areas along the Gran Couva Main Road remain extremely dangerous for vehicular traffic, with portions entirely closed.”
Pro-Palestine demonstrations during carnival
On 13th February 2024, revellers supported Palestinians with their costumes and messaging along the main streets in the capital city. Similarly, on 17th February, people rallied outside the US embassy in Port of Spain to call for a ceasefire. The march received support from various organisations, including the Joint Trade Union Movement and the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ). They plan to appeal to CARICOM to sever ties with Israel if it continues its actions. On the following day, supporters of Israel marched around the Red House in Port of Spain, east of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago, calling for a peaceful end to the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
Port of Spain dock workers stop work over a wage increase agreement of 12%
On 15th February 2024, dock workers at the Port of Port of Spain halted work in protest over unresolved grievances, including a previously agreed 12 per cent salary increase for the 2014-2017 period. National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) General Secretary Michael Annisette led the demonstration at the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union Hall.
Annisette highlighted several critical issues: inadequate safety measures, including lack of essential safety gear and poorly maintained equipment, and the failure to implement the agreed wage increase. He criticised the government’s handling of wage negotiations and pointed out disparities between public and private sector wage increases. Annisette also raised concerns about the lack of job security for workers, some of whom have been employed without contracts for years. He also called for immediate action to address health and safety concerns and to honour the agreed wage increase. He indicated the possibility of further protests if these issues remained unresolved.
Postal workers stage demonstration over salary disputes and job evaluation failures
On 26th February 2024, around 30 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Workers Union (TTPWU) protested to address delays in implementing a salary increase and job evaluations conducted in 2010. The march began at Augustus Williams Park in Woodbrook and ended at the office of the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) on Alexandra Street, St Clair.
TTPWU Chief Secretary David Forbes, supported by Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) leaders including Ancel Roget, Ozzi Warwick and others, highlighted several concerns. Forbes stated that after job evaluations in 2010, a report was delivered in 2011 outlining the necessary steps for implementing a new grading and pay structure. However, these recommendations had not been acted upon, and job evaluations were not addressed.
Forbes warned that the CPO had seven days to respond to the latest communication before the union considers further action. He also mentioned a letter sent to Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales on 1st February 2024.
Protest over job safety and security by members of the Communication Workers’ Union
On 27th February 2024, Communication Workers’ Union members staged a protest outside the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) head office in Port of Spain, expressing concerns over job security and management’s handling of various issues.
Union President Joanne Ogeer voiced employees’ fears of potential reductions and criticised the company’s failure to advance negotiations on cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) despite increased profits and revenues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ogeer also pointed out the company's failure to provide necessary uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE) and training, and expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of pension plans and benefits for retirees.