The vibrant poetry scene of Trinidad and Tobago has won international recognition as writer Ronaldo Mohammed was chosen to represent the country from June 7-11 at the 40th edition of the Poetry Market (Marché de la Poésie) in Paris, France.
Mohammed was one of ten exceptional emerging poets selected to showcase their work at the highly-anticipated literary event. The cohort stood out from 252 applications from hopefuls vying for a chance to participate in the programme. For the first time, the Caribbean region was a guest of honour at the Poetry Market, due to the alliance forged with the Transcultura programme, a media relase said.
The event followed a call for young poets from the Caribbean, 18-35 years, initiated under the auspices of the Unesco programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean, and the European Union through Culture and Creativity. It is funded by the European Union. As part of this opportunity, the poets were also featured in a special supplement of the Market of letters (Marché des lettres), a prominent publication of the event, which served as a testament to the rich literary talent emerging from the Caribbean.
Mohammed, a poet and teaching artist, draws inspiration from TT's culture, folklore, and the nuances of local dialect, to shed light on issues such as crime, violence among youth, gender-based violence, and the challenges faced by Venezuelan migrants in TT, the release said. His approach has been evident in his performances during this year’s First Citizens National Poetry Slam, which was the closing event of the 2023 NGC Bocas Lit Fest.
Mohammed credits local authors for his passion for writing and poetry. “I'm extremely proud to have represented TT at this literary event in Europe,” he said. “Through this opportunity, I was able to present my first-ever chapbook of poems, What Happens at the Edge of the World, which highlights the untold stories of people who have succumbed to and soldiered through the rough realities of life in TT society.”
He believes this achievement affirms his status as a rising star in the world of poetry.
The Poetry Market is an annual event that presents a unique opportunity for young Caribbean poets to expand their professional horizons, forge connections with influential figures in the European literary scene, and strengthen their networks. A dedicated stand promoting the works of these talented poets graced the heart of Paris at the Place Saint-Sulpice. (Source: Newsday, June 16, 2023)

Many people were left stranded in their houses on Monday owing to the South Oropouche River and its tributaries bursting their banks and causing severe flooding.
Particularly in the south, many roads became impassable, and people suffered significant losses.
Penal, Debe, Barrackpore, Woodland and Moruga were among the hardest hit communities, and on Monday afternoon, the water was still rising.
On Monday, the TT Meteorological Service (Met Office) upgraded Sunday's yellow riverine flood alert to an orange level alert for south Trinidad. The alert is set to end on Tuesday at 5 pm.
The office anticipated more rains "over the next 24 hours," which would raise the river levels even more.


Like the Met Office that called on people not to take unnecessary risks in flood, the Rural Development and Local Government Ministry urged people to avoid driving through or wading through rising floodwaters for their safety.
Affected people can seek shelter at the "activated emergency shelters" at the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) and the Barrackpore Regional Complex.
The ministry said two other buildings—Woodland Hindu School and Esperance Regional Complex —were "on standby" for use if necessary.
At New Colonial Road in Barrackpore, only trucks were able to drive through the floodwater.
Some residents, including Haffize Mohammed and businessman Nick Boodram, used a tractor to pass through floodwater. They said they were driving around and looking for anyone who might have been stranded on the road.
Mohammed said the water was so high at several areas off Rochard Douglas Road, like Sukhan Trace, that the tractor could not pass there.
"We went to see who we could have assisted. We helped about four people who were stranded on the road."
Boodram of Nick's Poultry Depot said if they had a helicopter, they would have used it to help the affected people.
There were reports of farmers losing their chickens to the floodwater in Barrackpore. Newsday was unable to venture further into the floodwater.
PDRC chairman Dr Allen Sammy said the corporation sent 200 sandbags to people in the Barrackpore area. The corporation was also distributing sandbags "on demand" to anyone.
He added," The flood was so bad that several schools, like Suchit Trace Hindu, Debe Hindu and Ramai Trace Hindu, were closed for the day."


He recalled at around 2 am, members of the corporation's disaster management unit (DMU) evacuated a family at Suchit Trace. This family was relocated to the shelter in Barrackpore.
Hours later, around 11 am, the DMU members evacuated a family at Mulchan Trace, off the Penal Rock Road, Penal, and relocated them with other relatives.
Sammy anticipated the situation to get worse, considering the rain was ongoing.
When Newsday visited Suchit Trace, parts of the road were still impassable.
Residents Ryan Ramlal and Ravi Jugmohan walked through the water to get to the other side of the road.
Ramlal said he wanted to buy a few items from a business place.
"We have vehicles, but we cannot use them," Ramlal said.
At Gopie Trace, a street away, the problem was similar. Drivers were seen rerouting as water flooded the roadway.
Oropouche West MP Davendranath Tancoo toured affected areas like Puzzle Island and Ragoonanan Trace in Penal, as well as Pluck Road, Woodland, on a truck on Monday.
He said the water was as high as four feet in some homes, "and the water is now starting to come."


Parts of Pluck Road were also impassable. Resident Ramdeen Manchand waited on the roadside, hoping the water would subside so he could get to his nearby home at Binda Trace.
Manchand recalled that his wife awakened him at about 1.30 am to inform him that floodwater was entering the house. The couple and their five children immediately began moving items to higher grounds.
"At least once a year, this area is flooded. Last year, we had flooding about two or three times. This year, the flood came earlier than usual. The hurricane season started a few days ago, and we already have this. Normally, we expect a flood a few weeks later."
He was unsure how high the water level reached into his home or the extent of the damage to the house and household articles. The house is near the South Oropouche River.
There were also reports of flooding at Siparia, Aripero, Fyzabad and Chase Village.
A summary from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) on Monday mid-morning said listed several reports of residential flooding in areas like Basse Terre Village, La Rufin, and La Fortune, all in Moruga.
It added that the water had subsided, and representatives from the Princes Town Regional Corporation's DMU assessed damage and distributed relief.
In the East Region, the ODPM reported two instances of street flooding, one at Cedar Grove in Mayaro and the other at Poole Valley in Rio Claro. A house was flooded at Jairam Trace in Navet, and a tree fell at Lassalle Trace in Biche. The bad weather also damaged the roof of a house at Tambi Lane, Rest House Village.
As of Monday afternoon, the El Carmen River in Caroni reached 73 percent capacity, and the Caroni River (Bamboo Settlement No 3) was at 64 per cent.
In case of an emergency, people can call any of the corporations as well as the ODPM at 511 or 800-ODMP (6376).
(source: June 12, 2023, Newsday)

News releaseJune 6, 2023, 11:30 a.m.—Winnipeg--Canada is a destination of choice for people looking to visit, do business or reunite with family and friends. That’s why we are committed to improving our immigration programs and services by making them more efficient and equitable for people around the world.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the addition of 13 countries to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. Travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. Effective today, eligible travellers from these countries can benefit from the program:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Costa Rica
• Morocco
• Panama
• Philippines
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay

Introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travellers to visit Canada for up to six months for either business or leisure. It will also help grow Canada’s economy by facilitating more travel, tourism and international business, and by strengthening Canada’s relationships with these countries while keeping Canadians safe.
This decision will also divert thousands of applications from Canada’s visa caseload, allowing us to process visa applications more efficiently, which will benefit all visa applicants.
Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (for example, by car, bus, train and boat—including by cruise ship), will still need a visitor visa. Travellers can visit Canada.ca/eTA to find out whether they’re eligible for an eTA and how to apply for one.
Quotes“This exciting development means that more individuals from around the world can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements. This expansion not only enhances convenience for travellers, it will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen global bonds with these 13 countries.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Canada is a destination of choice for so many around the world. We’re making it easier for more people to visit Canada, whether they’re coming to do business, sightsee or reunite with family and friends. Expanding the eTA program to include countries like the Philippines is also an important part of our Indo-Pacific Strategy, as we look to further engage in the region, build on people-to-people ties and make travel to Canada easier, faster and safer for everyone.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Canada has what the world wants, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our shores. Expanding the eTA for Canada is a major step toward helping our tourism industry soar to new heights. By streamlining the entry process for international travellers, we send a strong message that Canada is open for business, adventures and unforgettable experiences. This strategic move supports our visitor economy by injecting vitality into our local communities and creating countless job opportunities. It is not just about attracting visitors; it is about showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality that define Canada. Let us seize this opportunity to place our nation firmly on the global tourism map, all while building an economy that works for everyone."
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance
"Air Canada is pleased with the announcement today to implement a more user-friendly process to obtain authorization to travel to Canada and connect via Air Canada’s global hubs. The global market for travel and tourism is competitive, and finding easier ways for travellers to obtain their travel authorizations is beneficial not only to Air Canada, but also the entire travel and tourism industry in Canada."
– Lisa Pierce, Vice President, Global Sales and Air Canada Vacations
“Expanding visa-free air travel presents immediate opportunities for YVR to connect with more countries around the world, including key destinations in Latin America and Asia. That enhanced access to global markets will provide incredible benefits for our community and support local economic growth. This decisive policy action is a step in the right direction for YVR, British Columbia and Canada. It continues to provide opportunities for people to enjoy our world-class tourism experiences or reunite with loved ones, creates new jobs, and will deliver more direct revenue for our local economy.”
– Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority
Quick facts

• The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air.
  
• The eTA application is used by Canadian officials to conduct light-touch, pre-travel screening of air travellers. It costs CAN$7 to apply, and most applications are automatically approved within minutes.
  
• To apply for an eTA, travellers need only a valid passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the Internet.
  
• Almost 20.9 million eTAs have been issued since the eTA program was introduced on August 1, 2015.
  
• IRCC first expanded its eTA program in April 2017 to include eligible Brazilians, Bulgarians and Romanians. Canada lifted the visa requirement for all citizens of Bulgaria and Romania later that year. Today, eligible Brazilian nationals continue to enjoy visa-free air travel to Canada.
  
• Within the next year, Canada expects to receive 200,000 (or 20%) more visitors from these 13 countries. Within a decade, increased travel from these countries is expected to bring almost $160 million in additional tourism revenue.
  

ANGELO JEDIDIAH.
angelo.jedidiah@guardian.co.tt

Already standing on a historic and enviable reputation for the world’s finest cocoa beans, T&T is being prepared for the emergence of a booming chocolate industry.
The University of the West Indies (UWI), together with the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) yesterday hosted a foundation laying ceremony for the UWI Chocolate Factory, at Univeristy Field Station, Mount Hope.
According to CRC director Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan, this chocolate factory has been in the works for the past decade.
Umaharan said the factory is being built to materialise the CRC’s research, being the world’s oldest cocoa research institution and custodian to the world’s largest collection of cocoa (over 2,000 varieties).
“While we have a global reputation for the cocoa quality that we have, we need to build a reputation for our chocolate brands and other value-added products,” Umaharan said.
The 100 acres of farmland connected to the UWI Chocolate Factory is expected to be a beacon in rejuvenating abandoned old cocoa farms locally and regionally.
“This is one of the few agricultural industries that give us a comparative advantage in the global market and an opportunity to earn foreign exchange in a sustainable way,” he added.

The cocoa beans currently exported only captured 7.8 per cent of the total value chain, which the CRC is hoping to expand, along with creating employment opportunities and aiding in the development of the rural sector.
Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said the Government has identified agriculture and agri-procressing as key non-energy sectors that can aid in sustaining socio-economic growth.
“There has already been an expansion in the export of raw and roasted cocoa beans, cocoa powder, chocolate in blocks, slabs, bars and cocoa butter from $125.3 million to $156.5 million from 2021-2022. So the growth is there,” Gopee-Scoon said.
EU Ambassador to T&T Peter Cavendish told Guardian Media that the EU firmly believes in the quality of cocoa beans from T&T and rated it as the best in the world.

This was proven through the EU’s contribution of €250 thousand to the CRC’s procurement of machinery to be used in the factory.
According to CRC, the chocolate factory will be a part of its International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre, which will house a museum of cocoa plants, a cocoa tourism centre, a restaurant, labs and a ‘chocolate academy’ that will host interactive short courses in chocolate making.
The construction of the chocolate factory is expected to be completed and commissioned in January 2024. (Source: Trinidad Guardian, April 25, 2023)

Stakeholders have welcomed Erla Christopher’s appointment as TT’s new Commissioner of Police and the first woman in the country’s history to fill the seat of top cop.
But they warn that she will have some tough times ahead in not only attempting to rebrand the image of the Police Service but in minimising the fear of crime among a citizenry desperate for solutions.
Last Friday, Christopher was unanimously approved by the Parliament as the country’s next Commissioner of Police.
Criminologist Prof Ramesh Deosaran said Christopher assumes the position at “a very critical time” in the country given the state of public fear.
“It is not only the statistics but the epidemic of public fear of crime with the mounting increase not only in murders, which crossed 600 last year, but the increasing number of home invasions,” he said.
“So this means the right to private property is being severely attacked in a society that is supposed to be democratic. It means, therefore, that this new commissioner would have to save the democracy of the country in specific ways – the first being to remove the widespread fear in the public mind because with that fear, all other freedoms and rights will diminish.”
Deosaran said Christopher’s task will not just be to “look at statistics and hold meetings in Port of Spain headquarters,” but to help restore and maintain the challenges of democracy in the country.
Gender Affairs scholar and newspaper columnist Dr Gabrielle Hosein welcomed Christopher’s history-making accomplishment.
“All firsts are significant as women are still breaking the glass ceiling, the level of seniority which they could see but never reach because it was reserved for men,” she commented.
“The appointment of Erla Christopher is worthy of celebration. It’s also worthy that her appointment was widely supported by both sides of the House. I expect that for women in the police force, seeing this first must be inspirational as it should be.”


But Hosein noted that historically, women usually come into such leadership when there are established problems to solve, whether in relation to crime or other issues, like climate change.
Saying that these were problems that developed over periods when women did not have power over their response to solutions, she added, “We must keep in mind that the problem of crime and justice cannot be solved quickly or easily so realistic expectations are necessary.”
Hosein said women also experience what is called the “glass cliff,” in that they are few and far between at the top and yet are seen as a sex to not be competent when they cannot make miracles, “as women are often expected to do.”
In such situations, she said, society loses faith in womens’ different approaches and capabilities.
“The terrain for success and failure is always gendered and the problems of crime and justice remains one that fundamentally intersect masculinity.”
Criminologist Darius Figuera said Christopher’s appointment as police commissioner is a sign that TT has “finally entered the 21st century.”
He said she must now rise to the challenge.
“What we expect now is that Ms Christopher will exhibit all the leadership qualities that are demanded for the realities that we find ourselves in on a daily basis.”
Figuera believes Christopher is quite capable of fulfilling her mandate.
“I know for a fact that she does in fact have the desired leadership qualities and the knowledge base necessary for the job in this present juncture in our history. So, I am very, very assured with the appointment.”
(Source: The Caribbean Camera, March 22, 2023)

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  radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
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)