CARIBBEAN Court of Justice judge Peter Jamadar will receive an honorary doctorate from a Canadian university, in May.
Victoria University, part of the University of Toronto, said its chancellor, Nick Saul, a renowned food and social justice activist, will confer the degree on May 11. The conferral is part of Victoria University Convocation and Emmanuel College Graduation.
Jamadar graduated from Emmanuel College, one of two colleges in Victoria University in the University of Toronto, in 1997.
Commenting on the honour, Jamadar said he was humbled and grateful to receive this honour.
"During my time studying at Emmanuel College, my belief in humanity’s interconnectedness and desire to impact a better world through conscious reflection, learning, adaptation and change really took shape.
“My legal work has always been informed by my theological formation, and I am very pleased to be joining another generation of graduates during convocation as they pursue their professional and spiritual journeys.”
In its announcement, the university said, “Throughout his accomplished career, he has anchored his work in his insights from law and theology, and his desire to build equitable communities and societies.
“He has focused on human rights issues such as gender-sensitive adjudication and human trafficking, as well as strengthening the justice system for historically marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities. He is currently engaged with research on Indigenous and tribal peoples of the Caribbean, and on strengthening their rights and access to justice.”
It also quoted Dr Rhonda N McEwen, president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University, who said, “I had the pleasure to speak to Justice Jamadar for the first time when I delivered the committee’s good news on his selection. I left that call even more impressed with the ways that he has translated his learning at Emmanuel College into his work to transform the criminal justice systems in the Caribbean and in Africa.
“Justice Jamadar is pushing longstanding biases and bringing needed changes to how systems have positioned issues affecting women and LGBT2S+ people. Justice Jamadar exemplifies the values and skills that Emmanuel College graduates contribute to a better world.”
He received his master of divinity from Emmanuel College, which prepared him for his roles as a lay preacher and educator with the Presbyterian Church in TT, his biography says.
He has served as chair of the board of directors at St Andrew’s Theological College, the primary theological institution of the Presbyterian Church, which has had a long partnership with the United Church of Canada.
He was also a faculty member at St Andrew’s, teaching at the undergraduate level.
Jamadar’s theological studies and values led him to join the Foundation for Human Development in 1999, a charitable organisation whose mission is to facilitate authentic personal growth, social development and spiritual transformation. He currently serves as a Vision Circle leader and on its faculty as a course director, his biography says.
Jamadar comes from a family of lawyers stretching back three generations.
A retired Appeal Court judge of the Supreme Court of TT, he graduated from the Faculty of Law Cave Hill, Barbados and the Hugh Wooding Law School.
In 1984, he was admitted to the Bar. In 1997, he was appointed a puisne judge of the High Court, and in 2008, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal. In 2019, he was sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the apex court for several Caribbean states and an international court of original jurisdiction for Caricom treaty rights.
Jamadar is also deeply involved in judicial education and training nationally, regionally and internationally. In 2004, he completed the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute’s (CJEI) intensive study programme for judicial educators and serves as a Fellow and faculty.
He also holds a certificate in training judicial trainers from the University College London Judicial Institute.
As a researcher, he has spearheaded Caribbean-based research in procedural fairness in the courts, exploring the wellbeing of Caribbean judicial officers, and mindfulness as an aid to judicial integrity and performance.
He was also an adviser for Hope Centre, a home for abused and battered children.
He is involved with the UN Global Integrity Network and assisted in the development of a global social media protocol for judicial officers. He works with other international organisations such as Global Affairs Canada and UN Women in Caribbean justice sector reform initiatives.
Jamadar has written two books on democratic reform: The Mechanics of Democracy (1989), and Democracy & Constitution Reform in Trinidad and Tobago (with Dr Kirk Meighoo) (2008).
For the Foundation for Human Development, he has written Glimpses (2016), and “Insights (2023). He has also written extensive articles and various publications relating to law.
Jamadar is a certified transpersonal psychologist and a certified mediator.
He is also a certified PADI open-water diver, qualified reiki practitioner, and a certified swim coach.

RADHICA DE SILVA  [email protected]
A grand celebration is being planned for Naparima Girls' High School's 19 scholarship winners next Monday, as the school has copped the lion's share of national scholarships for 2023.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, school principal Karen Bally said she was delighted that despite the odds, the school has continued to excel not only academically but also in co-curricular activities.
She said the love and support that teachers showed to students during the pandemic bore fruit, as was evidenced in the number of scholarships they won.
All of the students spent the past two years doing online classes.
"Our staff members went above and beyond, answering emails, correcting work and sending back work all hours of the morning and night. They really embraced the technology and ensured that all students attended the online classes," Bally said.
When students failed to attend online classes, Bally said the teachers reached out to parents to find out what was wrong. For those parents who lost their jobs, the school used funds from the Past Students Student Aid Fund to equip students with devices and connectivity. They also helped with groceries and teachers formed online clubs to maintain social interaction with children.
"We took care of their mental, social and emotional well-being. In cases where parents lost jobs and students were struggling, our past students counselled where necessary and ensured that all financial needs were provided for," she added.
Bally said the sisterhood which existed at NGHS was responsible for the continued success of all students.
"We always want what is best for our students. When they come to us, they become ours and we do our best to make sure they succeed not only in academics but in every other way so they become their best self," she said.
She noted that the key to Naparima's success was strong partnerships with all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Presbyterian Church also congratulated the students.
"We are extremely grateful for the hard work and sacrifice of all our principals, teachers, students and parents of our five Secondary schools who have contributed to this success. Our schools received 39 scholarships out of the 100 awarded with Naparima Girls’ High School receiving nineteen, St. Augustine Girls’ High School receiving nine, Hillview College eight receiving eight and Naparima College receiving three," the PCTT said in a statement.
A total of 100 scholarships were awarded this year, of which 32 were open scholarships and 68 were national scholarships. (Source:  T&T Guardian, March 3, 2023)

Miss T&T Tya Jané Ramey wowed with her national costume at the prelims of the Miss Universe competition.
Described as the largest costume of the night, the gold costume with a large puppet reminiscent of Tan Tan and Saga Boy, was designed by Hott Stuff Promotions.
Missology, the platform that has been analysing beauty pageants since 1999, was impressed with Ramey's representation during the night which also included the swimsuit and evening gown segments.
They said she was a major standout of the night.
"Trinidad and Tobago is back after 5 years and may be well on the way to their 3rd Miss Universe crown. Tya Jané Ramey, the 6 feet beauty from Trinidad and Tobago was one of the major standouts of the night," the platform said.

​Ramey's evening gown was designed by Zadd and Eastman and the coverup for her swimwear featured a motif painted by artist Hayden Geeawan.
Judges will determine the semi-finalists from last night's show.
The results will be known at the pageant on Saturday when a new Miss Universe will be crowned.
The Miss Universe pageant is being held in New Orleans.

The Government and the consortium partners, bp Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago (bpATT), Shell Renewables Caribbean (Shell), and Lightsource bp, have completed negotiations on the development of a 112MWac/148MWp solar project.
The project is a significant milestone for the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy transition, as the first large-scale solar project.
Reaching agreement with the government enabled consortium partners to reach Final Investment Decision (FID) to commence construction on the project, with bp and Shell initially having joint shareholdings (50/50).
bp and Shell have signed a binding heads of terms agreement with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (a state-owned agency committed to supporting the sustainable development of the Trinidad and Tobago energy industry) or its affiliate for the option to take up a shareholding in the project.
Global solar leader, Lightsource bp, has successfully brought the project from inception to FID and will provide the construction management services.
The project is located across two sites, Brechin Castle (92MWac/122MWp), and Orange Grove (20MWac/26MWp).
Construction is set to commence on both sites in Q1 2023, and expected to be operational in Q3 and Q4 2024.
At the Orange Grove site, bp and Shell will collaborate with the University of the West Indies (UWI).
The partners joined forces in response to the Trinidad and Tobago Government’s Request For Proposal (RFP) for projects to underpin the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 15% in the Power Generation sector by 2030.
The projects will produce 302,500MWh of renewable electricity a year – that’s enough to power the equivalent of 42,500 homes and save 165,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
This is the first time the consortium of bp, Shell and Lightsource bp has ever worked together on a joint project.
With the experience of bp and Shell, as major operators in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy industry, combined with Lightsource bp’s global solar expertise, the group represents the huge potential to accelerate the energy transition through collaboration.
Kareen Boutonnat, Lightsource bp’s CEO of EMEA and APAC, added: “This consortium is a clear demonstration of how energy companies can combine experience and skill sets to support national decarbonization targets. We’re proud to apply our development, engineering, finance and new market entry experience to realise Trinidad and Tobago’s large-scale solar ambitions through this partnership and act as an enabler for the
country’s energy transition.”
David Campbell, bp Trinidad and Tobago president said: "We are proud to join our partners in the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s first commercial scale renewable energy project. We have been in T&T for over 50 years and are excited by the opportunity to support the country as it transitions to a lower carbon future. This is a significant milestone for the country as it has the potential to unlock future investments in renewable energy. In pursuing this activity through collaboration, we are able to leverage the strengths of Lightsource bp, bp and Shell for the benefit of T&T.”
“This project underscores Shell’s commitment to helping Trinidad and Tobago’s move towards a low-carbon energy future” said Eugene Okpere, Shell’s Senior Vice President and Country Chair.
“This solar project will supply the first green electrons to the grid and is a significant step in the country’s Energy Transition journey.
Collectively, Government, private sector and academia brought new perspectives to help chart new territory for this country’s renewable energy future and we look forward to what will come.” (Source: the Loop, Dec 10, 2022)

UNLIKE with climate change, there is no such variability in the Christmas season, a universal season of hope, peace, joy and love, initiated by Christians but enjoyed by near everyone, says President Paula-Mae Weekes.
In her annual Christmas message to the country, Weekes offered sentiments of hope, particularly for those who are without everyday necessities during the season.
"Climate change is a hot topic, pardon the pun, in local, regional and international fora.
"We lament the deleterious effect that natural phenomena and human action have had on our planet, making environments inhospitable, causing cataclysmic weather events and adversely affecting the sustainability of countries, in particular small island states," said Weekes.
"The rhythms and seasons of nature have become ad hoc and disordered and predictability seems to be a thing of the past.
"We scramble to forecast meteorological conditions and are forced to find ways to mitigate and deal with the vagaries of climactic tendencies. Certitude of seasons appears to be ancient history."
But, she added, "There is no such variability in the Christmas season when Christians world-wide remember and celebrate the birth of the Messiah.
"(While Christmas has) a special and specific meaning for the Christian faithful, these seasons can be tapped into, assimilated and enjoyed by everyone.
"Sadly, Christmas is not an unqualified time of celebration and rejoicing for all our citizens ... For many, it is difficult and can even be deeply distressing.
"The contrast between a season of celebration and a season of want and despair is particularly poignant."
But, there is hope, Weekes said, which "does not obviate the existence of our trials and tribulations, but gives us the strength to keep going, fortified by the knowledge that, as the old Persian adage states, 'This too shall pass'.
"An important aspect of hope is waiting patiently for what we do not have, even as we do all within our power to improve our situation, refusing to be defeated by present circumstances, and pressing confidently toward a better outcome.
"Hope anchors us, redirecting our gaze from the immediate issues and troubles of the world to a vision of peace and goodwill to all men."
Weekes said it may seem counter-intuitive "to expect a season of peace when living in a climate of peril and insecurity – the alarming and appalling murder rate, recent devastating flooding, and the sky-rocketing cost of living are among the things which, if allowed, can surely disturb or displace any feeling of peace."
In spite of external factors, we can experience a peace that comes from within, she said.
"Such peace allows us to keep focussed on and work our plans and accomplish our goals even as we exert energy and effort to deal with challenges and hindrances.
"It is the ability to maintain a state of harmony, tranquillity, serenity and calm amid the tumult of daily life."
Weekes said, "One can practise prayer, mindfulness, meditation, yoga or even deep breathing in an attempt to be internally unmoved and undaunted when confronted by the vicissitudes of life. It might need to be a daily discipline in order to be successful."
While many families across the nation will be without "trappings of Christmas" or even bare necessities, she said, one may wonder how they can be joyful in this setting.
"There is no easy answer. However, the generosity of benefactors, the presence and camaraderie of friends and family, the sharing of whatever little one has and the comfort of faith are all potential sources of joy.
It may take an active search, and a deep dive, phrases not usually associated with joy, to unlock that state of being, but it is not impossible."
A season of love is the easiest for all to embrace, she said.
"The precious and priceless gifts of compassion, empathy, patience, presence and a listening ear are all demonstrations of love at no cost. We can give these valuable gifts freely at Christmas and at every other opportunity all year through."
Whatever our situation, Weekes said, we can feel and demonstrate love to those nearest and dearest and can extend it to those outside of our immediate circle.
"We are not often called upon to give such sacrificial love, although the heroic acts of many of our citizens, often at great personal risk are apt demonstrations of this divine principle.
"In this Christmas season let us love each other freely, extravagantly, deeply and unconditionally, and may the seasons of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love continue long after the twelve days of Christmas are over."
Weekes' Christmas message may be her last as President as Government has given notice that the Electoral College will convene in January to elect a Head of State. Official sources report that Weekes will not serve a second term. (Source: Newsday, Dec 25, 2022)

UWI Open Campus is celebrating its alumna Alyssa Mohammed, who has won the 2023 Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship.
A media release from the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor and principal of the UWI Open Campus said Mohammed outperformed ten candidates from across the Caribbean.
Mohammed, a TT national, graduated in 2022 with a BSc in sociology with first-class honours. She is currently doing a postgraduate diploma in gender and development studies at UWI, St Augustine. Said to be passionate about gender equity, Mohammed hopes to work to advance the position of women in the Caribbean.
She said, “I have a long history of working for and volunteering with local nonprofit women's organisations, especially Muslim women's organisations, and I am very passionate about improving the gender inequality situation at home and at large."
She hopes to study the MSc in sociology or the MPhil in sociology and demography at Oxford. She will take up her scholarship at the university in October 2023, and will be among a cohort of over 100 global scholars doing fully sponsored postgraduate studies.
She said, "I hope (it) will allow me to look at gender issues on a macro scale...the interconnections between gender and other institutions and social processes in society.
She hoped it will allow her "to make a tenable gender impact, especially in the areas of sexual health and reproductive rights and agency.”
Gary Asselberg, Mohammed’s teacher at Open Campus, and coach for the Rhodes Scholarship interview, hoped all Open Campus students follow her path to learning.
That path, he said, "is the ability to grasp core concepts in one context and then apply that knowledge in an unrelated context to produce a fresh and exciting explanation of how things are and why. Her ability for transference is a talent that is difficult to teach, yet Alyssa did learn, and so can you.
"She intuitively understood the concept of confirming negatives, that a failed investigation has the potential to bring us closer to the truth.
"These character traits are a prerequisite if one is to thrive under the spotlight as a young leader for gender issues in the Caribbean.”
Pro vice-chancellor and principal at Open Campus Dr Francis Severin was delighted by the news.
He said, “Alyssa’s accomplishment in this rigorous and competitive Rhodes Scholarship, underscores the critical importance of the Open Campus, its mission of empowering the hitherto under-served in the Caribbean, and unequivocally proves that those who do not see the value of the Open Campus beyond the ‘conventional’ towns and cities, are tragically misguided and deluded.
"Alyssa Mohammed bears incontrovertible witness to our tremendous value. Well done!”
The release said the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programme. The Rhodes Scholar is chosen based on stringent criteria, including academic achievement, personal energy, a desire to make a difference and the capacity to collaborate with others to accomplish one's goals.
(Source: Newsday, Nicholas Maraj, Nov 18, 2022)

The sea is eroding the coastline.  Very sad to see  (Source:  Zando Ruthless, Nov 21, 2022 on Angelo Bissessarsingh Virtual Museum of Trinidad & Tobago). 

Trinidad and Tobago has made National Geographic's annual list of superlative destinations for travellers to visit next year.
The list, which features 25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023, was split into five categories including community, nature, culture, family and adventure.
The 'Best of the World 2023' list is as follows:
Community: Where conservation benefits everyone

• Greece — Visit the Dodecanese Islands where women-led ventures are leading the charge in sustainable tourism.
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Spend a long weekend in a vibrant Great Lakes city that celebrates its cultural community as much as its breweries.
• Alberta, Canada — Experience how long-held traditions and contemporary perspectives intersect with Indigenous tourism outfitters.
• Laos — Board a new high-speed train that makes lesser known regions accessible to tourists and brings economic opportunities to locals.
• Ghana — Explore Black heritage and hang out with a fashion-forward crowd in the capital, Accra.

Nature: Escapes to wild, beautiful places 

• Botswana — Marvel at the biodiversity as well as the programmes to rehabilitate endangered species, create wildlife corridors, and develop community-owned tourism projects.
• Scottish Highlands — Linger in the place where a rewilding movement is aiming to restore the original landscape and native flora and fauna.
• Slovenia —  A longtime leader in sustainable tourism, set off on new gastrotourism biking routes that visit farms, vineyards, cheesemakers, and other food producers.
• Big Bend National Park (Texas, United States) -- The park brings to life the frontier legend of Texas but the landscape will also surprise you.
• Azores, Portugal — Applaud award-winning sustainability programmes that conserve the natural wonders of this volcanic archipelago known for whale watching and thermal springs. 

Culture: Places where history and heritage rule

• Egypt — Visit King Tut’s new home at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum and see Luxor’s Avenue of the Sphinxes.
• Busan, South Korea — Visit the nation’s second-largest city.
• Italy’s Appian Way — Make a pilgrimage through Europe’s ancient "superhighway".
• Charleston, South Carolina — Explore culture and history - with a side of Low Country cuisine - at the International African American Museum.
• Longmen Grottoes — See one of the world’s largest assemblages of stone statues at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Henan Province, China.

Family: Inspiring journeys for all ages

• Trinidad and Tobago — Help save the turtles in one of the most important leatherback turtle rookeries in the world.
•  Switzerland — Ride the rails to quaint Alpine towns for chocolate, hiking, and skiing.
• San Francisco, California — Gather around a campfire with Golden Gate views at Presidio Tunnel Tops and hike the urban Crosstown Trail.
• Colombia — Go birdwatching in the avian paradise that is also the enchanted land of Disney’s Encanto. 
• Manchester, England — Visit the playing grounds of a storied soccer team and be inspired by the city's art scene.

Adventure: Adrenaline-pumping outdoor excursions

• Choquequirao, Peru — An isolated Inca site that’s under the radar but soon to be more accessible.
• New Zealand —  Rekindle your sense of adventure post-pandemic in the country that invented bungee jumping.
• Utah, United States of America — Get your adrenaline rush in less visited areas of the popular adventure state.
• Austria — Hike the cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of mountaineering villages to sample local culture.
• Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico — Its protected waters boast the largest aggregations of sharks and manta rays in the world. (Source:  The Loop, October 26, 2022)