no problem

I already did, the option is oldest first or newest first at the bottom of the page, maybe I should add it on the top also. :doubt:

Tobago DJ's leg severed in highway accident
Elizabeth W Allard Tobago Bureau
Monday, May 22nd 2006
Trinidad Express

Tobago DJ Andre Warner lost his left leg yesterday in an accident involving a three-tonne truck. Warner and driver Solomon Mckoul, a Fire Officer of the Crown Point Station, were travelling from Roxborough, when the truck in which they were travelling along the Claude Noel Highway, near Spring Garden junction, spun out of control.

Warner's leg was wrapped around a metal brace on the outside of the truck. It was severed. As he clung to life, Mckoul kept speaking to him. Warner was rushed to the Scarborough Regional Hospital, then transferred to Trinidad for further medical treatment. Mckoul was also treated for injuries, but not kept in hospital. Both men were returning from a party at Roxborough. Police diverted traffic on the highway for several hours after the accident which occurred around 2.50 p.m.

Cops investigate sex attacks on minors
Sunday, April 16 2006, Newsday News

MARAVAL POLICE have confirmed that they are investigating two incidents in the district in which children were allegedly sexually assaulted.

In one incident, a 15-year-old Paramin boy is being questioned about an incident involving his six-year-old neighbour.

Meanwhile, in the same community a 14-year-old boy, is being questioned about the alleged sexual molestation of a four-year-old boy.

According to reports, the police plan to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in both cases, since minors are involved.

How T&T won sea row
Julian Kenny
Sunday, April 16th 2006
Triniad Express

If Trinidad and Tobago were islands in the middle of an ocean there would be no problem. A line from the outermost points of the islands say from Chacachacare, to the St Giles Islands off north-eastern Tobago, to Galeota Point, to Icacos Point and back to Chacachacare, would enclose the archipelagic waters of the country. From this line extending outwards 12 miles would be our territorial sea. And for a distance of 200 nautical miles in all directions there would be an Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ, over which the country would exercise a certain degree of sovereignty, such as for example rights to the natural resources of the zone. This would all be in accordance with the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

We are a pair of small islands at the southern of the Lesser Antilles, and the distances between us and our neighbours in the islands, as well as on the continent, are substantially less than 200 nautical miles. A problem arises when states are either opposite or adjacent to each other where geography really demands cooperation in delimiting territorial seas and exclusive economic zones. This is where UNCLOS comes into play as the convention that took many years in its development established a formula for dealing with delimitation and resolution of disputes.

One of the measures provided where states are separated by less than 400 + 24 nautical miles is to use the median line or equidistance principle as the basis for negotiations between parties. Essentially this is a hypothetical line on which any point on the line is equidistant from particular reference points on each state. Let me explain. If you are proceeding in a pirogue, east or west, from the mid-point between Galera and Crown Point and maintained the same distance from these points you would be traveling along the median line between the two islands and you could continue this well into the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea. There are many such theoretical equidistance or median lines between countries. It is only after negotiations are completed that any such lines, or agreed modifications, are finalised that they become accepted boundaries recognised in international law.

What is our position? We are first, an archipelagic state with an outer territorial sea of twelve nautical miles. The earliest delimitation was that of the Gulf of Paria dating back to Colonial times. More recently, there was the delimitation of the boundary with Venezuela dividing the Columbus Channel and extending out onto the continental shelf many miles out to sea, a delimitation that Mr Manning opposed! The ruling of the arbitration tribunal that has so occupied the attention of both countries has now determined the boundaries between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. All that remains is determining that boundary between this country and Grenada to the north. Once this is done our EEZ will have become fully delimited.

So why has the matter gone to arbitration at an international tribunal at what must have been enormous costs to both countries? There has been a sort of modus vivendi between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados recognising the equidistance line between the countries for about two decades. While discussions and negotiations have been progressing over the years two factors have disturbed the relationship, the technological advances in marine offshore drilling and demands for petroleum and natural gas, and, expansion of Barbadian fishing activities across the equidistance line into what has now become the determined EEZ of this country.

Let us take the first, the submarine resources. Barbados, as any other country, has energy needs and has to look at the resources that may occur on its side of the line. Trinidad and Tobago has over the past few decades severely depleted its onshore petroleum and gas resources and is currently maximising extraction of those offshore particularly to the east and south-east. But it is well known that there are also extensive resources to the north and around Tobago. So what were the negotiating positions of both countries? Barbados wanted to come south of the equidistance line. Trinidad and Tobago wanted to move to the north. So what was decided? The arbitration tribunal simply disallowed the claims of both sides and formalised the equidistance line for most of its length with some adjustment at the line out in the Atlantic.

Next let us take the fisheries issue. It should be noted first that Barbados actually recognised the equidistance line for purposes of fisheries - this recognition is supported by the fact of its application for a fishing treaty south of the line. Had it historic fishing rights, the UNCLOS terminology, there would have been no serious impediment. Now, exactly what did the tribunal decide on fishing rights. Nothing really, except that it was beyond their jurisdiction and that Barbados should negotiate with Trinidad and Tobago, which had a duty to conserve the fishery resources within its EEZ. This is in accordance with the Article 62 of UNCLOS that gives the responsibility to the coastal state to manage and conserve fisheries resources, making provision for that state to make available appropriate fractions of the allowable catch, as determined by the coastal state. If the coastal state decides to utilise all of the allowable catch that is the end of the matter.

Now let us put this in some sort of perspective. The decision to go to arbitration was that of Barbados, arising from an event where two Barbadian fishing vessels were arrested off Tobago in what was T&T waters and brought before the magistrate's Court in Scarborough, as they have done in the past and not only with Barbadian vessels. Under circumstances that today remain obscure, they were released, and a war of words erupted, leading to the unilateral decision of Barbados to go to arbitration in accordance with UNCLOS procedures. A fit of political pique? Trinidad and Tobago had to comply. The result as I have summarised above, at enormous costs to both countries, and a matter that could more effectively have been settled with level heads and professional diplomacy.

Concerning the effect of the ruling on Trinidad and Tobago the important thing to note is that all the resources in the EEZ in the now included maritime boundary to the south, petroleum, gas and fish are under the sovereignty of this country. Contrary to what Ms Mottley has said to the people of Barbados, the ruling did not preserve the right of Barbadian fisherfolk to fish within the EEZ of this country. They never had such rights. The ruling recognised the responsibility of Trinidad and Tobago to conserve its resources and its duty negotiate in good faith with Barbados agreement on what part of the allowable catch may be made available to Barbadian fisherfolk. And remember that Barbados has a significantly larger area of EEZ that does this country, an area that apparently cannot support its fleet of far water fishing vessels. Perhaps they might consider reducing the numbers of vessels. But in fairness to her, and I expect to all losers, one has to put some spin on the outcome. Her Prime Minister suggests let's get on. And the allowable catch? T&T must commence a comprehensive stock assessment study of the flying fish resources around Tobago to determine allowable catches. A splendid opportunity for UTT to show its mettle.

Shaw Park was always the place for cultural events , until THA mess it up. Seeing that Clico is in this, should not be a problem to purchase the land.

leave he wildlife alone but if they must build a house incoporate the wildlife surrounding them

ex the house we currently have in canada, every year the birds does build a nest on the landing under de ceiling towards the front door ......years ago we tried removing it but it kept building over and over so we just leave the nest inde corner it shelter from the rain and wind.

in the spring time we usually see little baby birds 2 or 3 in the nest... the only thing is when that happen the mother bird does not like anyone on the landing... she does fly in a tight circle to chase youu away from de youngsters and if u not careful the mother bird does suprise you from behind.. and on eo ther thing that is drag is cleaning the landing from de birds dropping othewise we does co-exhist.

i aggree with the owner of the land .......they could have worked out something long before but refuse ...as theys ay does always like to wait till the last minute. With regard to the enivronemtn once u dsestory very hard to get i back to it previous state.

No access to Jazz Fest site 'If THA fails to compensate me...'
Darren Bahaw dbahaw@trinidadexpress.com
Friday, April 14th 2006

A TOBAGO landowner has threatened to cut off the only access route leading to the Plymouth Jazz Festival if the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) fails to compensate him for using a portion of his property as a roadway by April 18.

The three-day festival, scheduled to kick off on April 21, features appearances by international and local performers including Sting, Toni Braxton, Natalie Cole, Doug E Fresh, Machel Montano and Shurwayne Winchester.

Retiree Thornhill Carrington is claiming $560,000 for the land, in addition to other charges for the continued use of the property.

Carrington filed a lawsuit against the THA on September 13, 2005, claiming trespass and illegal occupation after a temporary road was constructed through his land in October 2004.

"The Tobago House of Assembly has failed to act as 'a responsible public body' and has failed and/or refused to provide a proper means of access to and egress from the proposed Jazz Festival site, and in fact has illegally and unlawfully trespassed upon our client's property to create a temporary access-way to the venue," attorney Martin George wrote to the THA's legal advisor Alvin Pascall yesterday.

George stated a valuation report had listed the open market value of the property as $560,000 and suggested a monthly rental fee of $2,500 as well as a contingency fee of $1,200 a month but the THA has failed to settle the matter.

The attorney described the actions of the THA and the corporate entities hosting the second annual festival as reckless and irresponsible to encourage tens of thousands of jazz aficionados and music lovers "to trespass over our client's land to and from the event.

"We wish to make it clear to the THA and its corporate partners that unless this matter is settled and amicably resolved by appropriate and adequate payments made to our client on or before 18th April, 2006, our client hereby notifies you that no permission or consent shall be given for anyone to pass and re-pass over his said lands, for access to, and egress from, the Plymouth community and/or the Plymouth Jazz Festival and you and your corporate sponsors would be well advised to seek alternative venue", George added.

He warned that should there be no resolution of the matter by April 18, Carrington intends to seek an injunction from the High Court to stop the Jazz Festival "in order to ensure that there is no mass trespass and illegal passing and re-passing over his lands between 21st to 23rd April, 2006."

On March 15, Pascall wrote George referring to the January 9, valuators report and noted that THA "may consider the acquisition of the said property" and accepted the open market value of the property as well as the monthly rental charges.

Pascall said then that the THA was open for discussion and always ready to compenaste for legitimate losses sustained by its burgesses once the claim was justified and supported.

Carrington has refused to accept an offer by the THA of $3,500 a month for the temporary use of his land, measuring over 36,700 square feet.

The landowner claims that he has been deprived of the use of his land and that the construction of the temporary access road has destroyed the natural environment of his property after trees and other vegetation were removed for the project.

London warns Bajan fishermen
Thursday, April 13 2006
Newsday News

BARBADOS fishermen should not take “basket” from their deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley and try to fish in Tobago waters.

This in a nutshell, was the warning from THA Chief Secretary Orville London as he commented on the ruling of the Arbitration Tribunal at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in the Hague, which favoured Trinidad and Tobago on the fishing agreement.

London said he hoped Barbados fishermen would continue to “err on the side of caution” and not veer into Tobago waters. The ruling was clear, he said, adding: “Until such time as there are bilateral discussions and negotiations, I hope Barbados fishermen are not persuaded by the deputy Prime Minister’s statements which seem to suggest that they have a right to wander into Tobago waters.”

He said he expected that the authorities — the Coast Guard —would be monitoring Tobago’s waters to ensure that there is no illegal fishing. Mottley, who claimed that Barbados had been victorious before the arbitral tribunal, stated Barbados fisherfolk were entitled to be accorded access to traditional fishing grounds — namely Trinidad and Tobago waters.

London added that there was no incident (of Barbados fishermen fishing illegally in Tobago waters) during the period of the arbitration. London said he was very satisfied with the ruling because it brought a degree of certainty to the situation. “We now have an opportunity as stakeholders, on behalf of Tobago fishermen, to reopen negotiations for a new fishing agreement.

He stressed that Trinidad and Tobago could now negotiate on its own terms. “Initially the Barbadians were claiming that they had a historical right to fish in Trinidad’s waters. That situation is no longer valid,” he said, since the ruling made it clear that it was “Tobago’s waters”.

London praises tribunal team T&T/Barbados fishing dispute resolved
Earl Manmohan Scarborough
Trinidad Express
Thursday, April 13th 2006

THA Chief Secretary Orville London has said he was not "really surprised" at the outcome of the maritime boundary dispute between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados before the Arbitration Tribunal at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in The Hague.

He was relieved that the matter had been finally settled.

London said it would have been difficult for Barbados to prove its case, adding that any threat to Trinidad and Tobago's fishing and energy industries had been destroyed by the ruling.

He said the country could now go back to exploring its natural resources in the area.

London said he wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate this country's team at the tribunal hearing headed by Attorney General John Jeremie which also included former THA Director of Fisheries and now Education Administrator Dr Arthur Potts for a job that was well done.

He said Potts was among a team of technocrats that made out the successful case for Trinidad and Tobago before the tribunal.

The tribunal was headed by Stephen M Schwebel, former President of the International Court of Justice and included Ian Brownlie QC of Blackstone Chambers in London; Prof Vaughan Lowe, Chichele Professor of International Law, Oxford University; Prof Francisco Orrego Vicuna; and Sir Arthur Watts QC.

TT/Bajan fish row — MARISSA WILLIAMS:
Newsday News Tobago Bureau Wednesday, April 12 2006

T’go fisherfolk head not impressed

PRESIDENT of the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA) Emille Louis yesterday said the ruling by the tribunal at the Hague in the Netherlands on the maritime boundary dispute between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, has not “strongly impacted” the current situation between the countries and basically left Tobago fishermen “right back where we started.”

Louis who said he had not yet heard from the negotiating teams but was informed about the ruling via a press release sent to his home, told Newsday his initial reaction was one of disappointment that after two years of “face to face negotiations” between the countries they could not among themselves, arrive at the same decision taken by the tribunal.

“We already discussed all things the tribunal ruled on.

That question of drawing a line between both countries and making the necessary adjustments was spoken about. The ruling is basically that, ‘okay you all go back home and work out something in good faith’, and I think it’s a little embarrassing that we are right back where we started,” Louis said.

“In a way, we now have to go back and restart the negotiating and go back over the same grounds that we couldn’t agree on before with Barbados,” he added.

He told Newsday, that since the incident in which two Barbadian fishermen were arrested for illegally fishing in Tobago waters, there were several reports by Tobago fishermen that Bajan vessels were seen fishing in Tobago waters.

He said the fishermen all assumed no arrests had been made as the matter was before the tribunal.

Louis said that bearing in mind Caribbean governments were coming together to implement the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), he hoped the new negotiations between both countries will be resolved quickly and amicably, saying these were the type of issues that “we need to iron out among ourselves.” Despite Louis’ concerns, fishermen at Pigeon Point and members of the Tobago public told Newsday they were pleased with the ruling in that “it gives us some satisfaction.” Efforts to reach THA Chief Secretary Orville London for a comment proved futile.

Louis said the current flying fish season which started last November was a disaster and this was through no fault of the Barbados fishermen but rather the impact of current exploration for gas and oil in the area.

“This has done more damage than the Bajans have ever done,” Louis said.

He said seismic surveys have had the effect of shutting down the island’s entire flying fish industry for the past three months and resulting in the unemployment of persons within the industry.

Bomb scare at Crown Point
Newsday News, Tuesday, April 11 2006

OPERATIONS at the Crown Point International Airport in Tobago were suspended for approximately an hour yesterday following a bomb threat at Republic Bank’s branch located in the airport.

Reports are that shortly after 2 pm, Airport Authority officials were contacted by the bank manager who reported receiving an anonymous call that a bomb was placed on the compound. The relevant authorities including the Fire Service, Police and Bomb Squad were immediately called in and the area was quickly vacated.

Truck driver killed while checking out another mishap
Elizabeth W Allard Tobago Express Bureau
Saturday, April 8th 2006

Curiosity got trucker Keith George killed, police said.

The Lowlands man became Tobago's first road fatality for the year, police said.

George was struck by an oncoming vehicle near Lambeau along the Claude Noel Highway yesterday.

Reports indicated that George was proceeding south along the highway when he saw an accident, got out of the truck he was driving to investigate, and was then struck head-on by an oncoming car.

He died on impact.

The driver of the car escaped with minor injuries.

George was pronounced dead by County Medical Officer of Health Dr Mentor Melville and removed to the Scarborough Mortuary, where an autopsy will be done.

Police officials are investigating the accident.

Great News

Workmen achieve historic landmark on Scarborough jetty
Tuesday, April 4th 2006

Workmen on the $16 million extension of the Scarborough Jetty recently achieved an historic landmark by making the largest single pour of concrete, 1,000 tons non-stop in tidal water. It was also the first for Readymix (Caribbean) Ltd pumping the concrete through a quarter mile of line on the restricted jetty during the longest ever attempted non-stop operation, 17 hours. The workers were able to dismantle the entire structure in an hour and clean the jetty to make it safe for tourists due to arrive on a cruise ship at 8 a.m.

A spokesman told the Tobago News: "These warrior youths voluntarily spent 40 active hours without rest, then smiled and watched the tourists walk down their jetty." He added: "All that Trintobagonian youths require is correct motivation and challenge and they will excel. Sadly, it is the leadership that is lacking."

Work on the jetty extension is being carried out by Seaworks (Caribbean) Limited and it is likely to be handed over to the Port Authority next month. Meanwhile cruise ships are to make four calls at Scarborough in April before the 2005/2006 season comes to an end. The Braemar calls at 7 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) with 720 passengers.

The Ocean Village with a capacity for 1,800 passengers will call on April 10 and 24, while the Ocean Majesty with a capacity for 613 passengers will call on April 20. The cruise ship season ends with the call by the Ocean Village on April 24. The Tourism Division is estimating that nearly 60,000 visitors would have come to Tobago during this year's season, which started on November 21, 2005.

WILSON UNVEILS NEW LOOK SCARBOROUGH
Tuesday, April 4th 2006

Downtown Scarborough will take on a new look from today (Friday). While squatters have been given notices by the owner to remove their businesses from the busy Wilson and Milford Roads intersection, the Tobago House of Assembly will commission Phase 1b of the Scarborough Beautification Project today (Friday) at 10 a.m. Tourism Secretary Neil Wilson will commission the site which comprised a beautifully landscaped area with lights, greenery and rock garden on the western side of the Port Authority Terminal bordering the sea.

Three cannons retrieved from the Scarborough Bay, known historically as Rockly Bay adorn the area. One of the cannons was retrieved from the bay that came from a ship that was sunk there during the "Battle of Rockly Bay" in 1677.

Wilson said it was a very valuable bronze cannon that was mounted on a French flagship that sunk in the battle.

Following the unveiling ceremony of the cannon, Chief Secretary Orville London will hand over the keys to the 23 tenants of the new booths on the Scarborough Esplanade at 2 p.m.

There are four booths allocated to garment manufacturers, one leather craft, four souvenirs, four confectionary, one art and painting, seven food related, one local jewelry and one photography. The monthly rental of a booth range from $300 to $400.

Up to press time on Wednesday workers were busily engaged in cleaning up the booths, manicuring the grounds and ensuring everything was ready for the big occasion.

Wilson said he had written state-owned National Petroleum Marketing Co Ltd requesting it to have the two fuel tanks between the two points repainted to fit into the new look Scarborough. On Monday workers were seen putting on a fresh coat of white paint on the tanks, which haven't been painted for several years.

Signal Hill Govt defeats all comers in Music Festival
Tuesday, April 4th 2006
Signal Hill Government Primary School proudly flew the music flag of Tobago when they defeated all comers at the 2006 National Music Festival at the Queen's Hall, Port of Spain last Monday and Tuesday with a double victory.

According to information received from one of the school's top teachers Anderson Charles, Signal Hill Primary took top honours for choirs numbering 20 and under and for choirs with more than 20 members.

According to a proud Charles, the larger sized choir (over 20) received a standing ovation on Monday when they performed two numbers 'Ratta' and Sengabahambago', while the smaller size choir rendered 'Jamboleay' and 'Akee' on Tuesday and won big time against all the big names from Trinidad.

John Arnold leader of the Signal Hill Alumni Choir trained the double national music Festival champion school choirs before he left on a tour to Germany. The duties for drilling in the choirs were then taken over by schoolteacher chairman Phillips George. Signal Hill Government Primary was the Primary School attended by Soca Super Star Shurwayne Winchester, who paid a visit to the school last week.

Meteorological Office to set up rain system
Tuesday, April 4th 2006

The Crown Point Meteorological Office plans setting up a rain measurement system throughout the island. As a first step, Meteorologist Aldric Cummings presented a $6,000 rain gauge to the St Michael's Anglican School, The Whim on World Meteorology Day last Thursday. The school is the first educational institution to receive the gauge because of the "discipline and interest" shown by the pupils during a recent lecture series.

Cummings said at the presentation of the instrument to principal Ina Brebnor that he was impressed with the interest shown by her pupils compared with the other schools involved in the lecture series. He said his office plan to present between 12 to 15 gauges to schools around the island to record rainfall on a daily basis. He said his staff would be checking the work of the pupils on a regular basis to ensure accuracy.

Tobago man crushed while fixing car
Elizabeth W Allard Tobago Bureau
Friday, March 31st 2006

A Mary's Hill, Tobago man died after he was crushed by a vehicle he tried to repair.

Isaac James' body was discovered around 7 a.m. yesterday.

He had been pinned below a vehicle he was working on.

Police believe that the incident happened on Wednesday night because James' overhead light was still on.

Several residents described him as a very nice person.

Ken Williams, a resident of Signal Hill, said he would visit James every morning, to assist in taking care of his animals.

He arrived yesterday morning and kept calling him, but his calls went unanswered.

It was then he made the discovery.

James lived alone and has been in the area for more than 50 years.

Theodore James, the brother of the accident victim, said he was shocked when he saw the body of his brother.

An autopsy will be performed today.

Tobago projects crash ....No more work on Hospital, Library, Financial Complex, Crown Point expansion, L’Anse Fourmi Link Road
From DERSON CHARLES, Scarborough
TnT Mirror News, March 31, 2006

SURROUNDED by heaps of rubble where once stood the island’s premier sporting and cultural complex at Shaw Park is a solitary wooden building. It is a building that houses a small office staff of about 12 persons in the Division of Education Youth and Sport of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) that has responsibility for the maintenance of all recreation grounds across the island. When TnT Mirror visited the area recently, several workers expressed concern about their tenure in the building.

They related that they were given notice since August of last year, that to make way for the planned demolition of all the structures making up the Shaw Park Complex. “Everything else has been pulled down but we are still here,” said one worker. “Last Monday, the contractor asked us why we’re still here because he’s ready to pull down our building,” the worker continued.

“We’ve been in touch with officials from our department but they keep telling us that they can’t find any suitable place to relocate us. “We still here waiting. “We are all frustrated.” When Mirror contacted the Administrator, Dr. Arthur Potts about the situation he confirmed that the Division has been working towards relocation of the workers. “We have been looking at several options, but you know the high rental cost situation in and around Scarborough.

“The contractor did indicate that they could have relocated the building outside of the area,” he said. “All that was needed was to put down a foundation base and move the wooden building to it. “This would have taken a few days to be completed. It was never done by the contractor,” he declared. Potts assured, however, that the matter was under active consideration. THA Chief Secretary, Orville London had promised to construct a modern cultural complex at Shaw Park at a cost of $30 million.

However, Mirror was reliably informed by a well-placed source that the project seems to have hit a snag at the design stage. “It seems as if the decision to mash up Shaw Park Complex was hasty and premature as the new designs are not even ready yet,” revealed the insider. Meanwhile, several THA projects across the Sister Isle seem to have grounded to a halt including the controversial, new $135 million Scarborough Hospital, the Scarborough Library, the Financial Complex, the L’anse Fourmi/Charlotteville Link Road and the Crown Point Expansion Airport. Tobagonians have been complaining bitterly about the snail pace of these projects as well as the deplorable conditions of the roads, especially in the windward area.

Cargo ferry to replace 'Panorama'
Ruth Osman
Wednesday, March 29th 2006

GOVERNMENT soon will be leasing a roll-on roll-off cargo ferry to replace the MF Panorama, which will be dry-docked in July of this year.

Minister of Works and Transport Colm Imbert said that tenders were recently evaluated and that the proposed vessel will carry more cargo than the Panorama.

Imbert, who was speaking at the annual general meeting of the Shipping Association of Trinidad and Tobago at Crowne Plaza, Port of Spain, yesterday, also announced that a fast passenger ferry will be purchased by the end of this year to run the Trinidad-Tobago route along with a leased ferry.

"Negotiations with the preferred bidders are currently underway ...," he said.

Last November, Government had invited tenders for the acquisition and lease of two fast-ferries to replace The Cat and The Lynx, which will be leaving in April and October, respectively.

It has been reported that Austal and Incat, two Australian-based companies which had provided tenders for both the wet lease and the acquisition, are the main contenders in the bidding process.

The construction of a new ferry passenger terminal building at Port of Spain also was highlighted by the minister, who said that the building, which is scheduled for completion in December this year, would offer an improved ticketing system and a modern passenger waiting area.

Fraser's 2006 hit Calypso to be exposed to youth
Monday, March 20th 2006

Efforts are being made to have Giselle Fraser's 2006 hit Calypso 'Another Youth Gone Again' be exposed to the island's youth in the form of theatre. Secretary of Community Development and Culture Cynthia Alfred in disclosing this last Saturday said this would be an opportunity for those who it targeted may not have heard it and be part of it and "make in-roads into the thinking of our children and grand children".

She said she would be holding discussions with her Assistant Secretary Wendell Berkley and Administrator Gregory Smith to ensure that this was done. Alfred was speaking at the launch of the School for the Arts at the Fairfield Complex. The first workshop will run for ten weeks, three hours per week at different venues in the island. It is extended to all ages preparing for the Heritage Festival in July, The Prime Minister's Best Village competition and all festivals and production that involved the visual and performing arts.

Giselle's Calypso was composed by Vice President of the Senate Rawle "Axe Back" Titus. The main objectives of the programme are to encourage community development through the arts and to acknowledge the primary role of the art in developing and sustaining culture and promote knowledge and understanding of the historical and social content of the art, both with Trinidad and Tobago and within a global context. The launch included performances by Tobago Calypso Monarch Tobago Rio, Drummers of Tomorrow and Giselle Fraser.

Tobago school under watch after gas leak halts classes
Elizabeth W Allard Trinidad Express Tobago Bureau
Saturday, March 18th 2006

A gas leak at the chemistry lab of the Scarborough Secondary School left two pupils hospitalised on Wednesday.

Reports revealed the incident happened around midday.

Principal Joan Sebro said a gas release mechanism needed to be tightened at the chemistry lab.

The situation was said to have been kept under control.

A 14-year-old pupil who was hospitalised on Wednesday, suffered a relapse and was readmitted, at the Scarborough Regional Hospital on Thursday. After school was dismissed early on Wednesday, classes returned to normal on Thursday.

Fire and Ambulance officials responded to the incident and the area is being monitored.

Tobago Lowlands Mall: Rising Slowly
By MARISSA WILLIAMS Tobago Bureau
Nesday News 17.03.2006

The TT$100M Gulf City Lowlands Mall in Tobago is already one year behind schedule but work on the mega-project is moving at a feverish pace to give prospective tenants their allotted space, on which most have paid their deposits. The sod for the massive project was turned in 2002, the brainchild of Dominic and Sean Hadeed who realized that, despite the island’s rapid development, it was missing a major shopping destination. Gulf City Ltd which has been in the mall business for 25 years, also owns Gulf City Mall in San Fernando. The mall’s management is hoping to have the ground floor ready by Easter. The mall, according to a brochure, was set to open in two places. The first, which will measure about 170,000 sq ft was expected to be opened in March 2005. The second, measuring about 50,000 sq ft is expected to be opened at a later date.

Built on 20 acres of land in Lowlands just off the Claude Noel Highway and five minutes away from the Crown Point International Airport, the Gulf City Lowlands mall is said to be twice the size of Gulf City La Romaine and is proposed to be three times the size of West Mall and four times the size of Long Circular Mall. Some of the popular businesses such as Radioshack, Payless Shoe Source, West Port, Khan’s Gold Designs and Detour Gents and Footzone have already registered as tenants but are yet to open their doors in the multi-million dollar mall. According to the local magazine in which the advertisement appeared, businesses like AA Laquis, Payless, Scotiabank, Nigel R Khan Booksellers, Movie Town, Radical Designs, Off the Wall, Burger King, Blimpie, Subway and KFC were coming to the mall.

“You too will be excited to be part of Gulf City Lowlands. So get ready. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss,” said the advertisement. One tenant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said while they were frustrated with having to wait so long, they were prepared to hold some strain. “Tobago is a good place to be and it will boost our business,” said one fast food CEO. Another prospective tenant, who also, asked to remain unnamed, said, they too were prepared to wait. “It’s an opportunity,” she said, noting the business in Tobago was booming and they wanted to take advantage of it. “There is not much we can do, we will wait,” she added. Both Detour and RadioShack representatives said they saw Tobago as a good investment. While they would have liked to set up shop by now, both noted that they would wait until the mall is opened.

However, not all the shops have been leased as management is still looking for the “correct tenants,” Gulf City Limited Tobago-based representative, Anthony Mohammed, said in an interview. Given its proposed size, he was asked whether the mall’s management could have a problem sourcing tenants for the Gulf City Lowlands Mall. “Not at all,” he said. “In fact about two-thirds of our tenants have already paid their deposits to secure their spots and I am not talking about $2,000. We have their guarantee that they are coming but because of the setbacks, I think some of them have become disillusioned,” he added. He said more tenants are being screened, “but now that we are down to the nitty-gritty, we want to make sure that we have the correct mix of clients. Not too much or too little of the same stores,” he said. On whether such a mall can be sustained in Tobago, he said he was a bit concerned that it might have been too big for the island, “but there is nothing that my directors have not touched that has not turned to gold. They have looked at the project from all angles,” he said.

Despite all outward appearances, he said the situation was not as serious as it seemed, since the electricity, water and other basic amenities had already been installed. Drawing reference to the mall’s Francis Fashion and Shoe Locker outlet that was opened last October, he noted that the actual opening of the businesses depended on the speed at which the owners outfitted their stores. He said that the delay in the completion was neither the fault of Gulf City Limited nor contractors, Beaver Construction Limited, but rather due to some hiccups with prompt delivery of material and labour.

The project has however recently encountered a problem with roadway access. Mohammed declined to elaborate, saying that permission from the property on to the highway has to be given by the Tobago House of Assembly. “We have a little glitch there but we will solve it because at the end of the day, the mall is going to benefit everyone,” he said. A meeting has also been sought by the Hampden Village Council who, according to Mohammed, have concerns about the project’s size and its impact on their community. He is not too worried though and is certain that as soon as the residents realise the implications that the erection of the mall will have on the real estate value of their properties, they will be satisfied. He pointed out that the downside to the development would be that the area would not be as quiet as it was previously, “but that’s the price we have to pay for progress”.

Mohammed added that Gulf City Limited was totally committed to the project and, like the tenants, was ready to begin reaping the rewards. With a new completion date set for the end of this year, the two-storied butterfly-shaped structure will house 54 main shops as well as 40 kiosks where cosmetics, gift items, perfumes and local art can be bought. Mohammed said that management has not yet settled on the restaurants that will occupy the food court but indicates they are among the popular fast food chains “Food has to appeal to everyone and fast food has become very popular,” he said, noting there are already enough Ms Esmes and Ms Sylvias on the island. A number of fine dining restaurants will also be available on the premises. The top floor of the mall has been specifically designed to accommodate a night club, which is not yet leased, and a casino of which the potential tenant already has a branch set up on the island.

The foundation of a much needed MovieTowne cineplex is currently being laid at the right wing of the project. The four-screen movie theatre is expected to be completed in time for the July/August movie releases. Mohammed pointed out that while the mall shopping concept is directed at the youths, serious consideration had been given to the island’s high visitor rate as well as the number of international festivals that were hosted on the island. As a result, a fully air-conditioned atrium designed to host international functions was incorporated into the mall’s plans. There will also be an external festival facility for local activities such as the Tobago Heritage Festival. The mall’s conference room, standing at 9,000 sq ft will be the biggest on the island.

“By the time we are finished, it is going to be the most upscale building in the entire country. The interior will be much nicer than the hotels and it is going to have a Tobagonian feel,” he said. “The decoration is also going to take on a Caribbean feel,” Mohammed boasted as he pointed to some drawings of the hibiscus and other tropical flowers on the wall above the kiosk village. He said, “We have taken into consideration the island’s tourism thrust and we are trying to make sure that the standard of the mall can match any other in any part of the world.”

The tiles, he said, were imported from Malaysia; fittings from Texas and the furniture in the food court was imported from England and Italy. In the absence of adequate entertainment and dining on the island, Gulf City Ltd wants to stay opened for at least six and a half days per week to fill the void. Mohammed said that management would have to gauge the opening hours to fit in with the island’s needs and customs.

Programme launched to create safer Tobago
Earl Manmohan Scarborough
Thursday, March 16th 2006
T'dad Express

The Tobago Community Safety Programme was launched on Tuesday to respond to the upsurge of crime affecting the island's economy. The main objectives of the programme are to create safer and more secure communities for Tobagonians and visitors; to mobilise communities to take responsibility for and participate in the safety concerns of their communities; to enhance the relationship between law enforcement agencies and communities; and to promote and create a culture of lawfulness.

The committee mandated to carry out these objectives is headed by PRDI co-ordinator Anslem Richards and includes stakeholders and representatives from the Tobago Chapter of the Chamber of Commerce, the police service, the hotel industry, faith-based organisations, the departments of youth, social services and education, the media and various community leaders and members of the public.

In an address to the inaugural meeting of the committee, Chief Secretary Orville London said the programme was only one of the initiatives to be instituted, as the decision makers respond aggressively to the upsurge of crime on the island. He noted that 30 soldiers were already on the island in joint patrols with the police in specially designated areas and arrangements were being made to recruit personnel in preparation for the enactment of the Assembly Police Bill.

EMA lays down rules....Canadian firm to drill for gas off Tobago
Friday, March 10th 2006, Tobago News

The Tobago House of Assembly has been engaged by a Canadian multi-national corporation Petro- Canada in its effort to extract natural gas and petroleum resources from fields off Tobago's North Coast. As a result the Scarborough Learning and Research Institute (SLRI) as a public service contribution has presented a basic background to the situation for the residents of Tobago and the community at large. It recalled that Petro-Canada, through its predecessors, has been active in Trinidad since the early 1970s. The company, as operator, made several gas discoveries in the North Coast Marine area off the northern coast of Trinidad. However, exploration and appraisal was suspended in 1981 as non-commercial.

In 1997, a re-working of agreements across three concessions created a new production-sharing contract covering the North Coast Marine Area (NCMA-1) operated by British Gas. Following unitisation, Petro-Canada was awarded a 17.3 per cent interest. Two successful appraisal wells were drilled and feasibility studies showed the economic potential for exporting the gas as liquefied natural gas (LNG). In September 2001, a production platform was installed on the Hibiscus field and the first gas was achieved in August 2002. A dedicated sub-sea pipeline runs some 110 kilometres from the platform directly to the Atlantic LNG liquefaction facility at Point Fortin. The LNG is sold into the US through long-term supply contracts.

Petro-Canada has applied for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) to allow it to drill an exploratory well in Block 22 situated to the north of Tobago. In the light of this the Environment Management Authority (EMA) has issued to Petro-Canada a draft Terms of Reference for the conduct of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed drilling activity. After considerable review of the said draft Terms of Reference for the conduct of an EIA, a component of the CEC, the following are worth noting:

1) The draft Terms of Reference for the conduct of the EIA are expansive, comprehensive, flexible and adequate to ensure the issues that would affect Tobago's physical, environmental, and socio-economical space are taken into consideration;

2) During the consultative process and during discussion with respect to socio-economic issues special emphasis should be placed on the direct and indirect financial benefits this project in provide for the THA as an institution and, the peoples of Tobago via the development of community;

3) Further, specific discussions must be had to explore a partnership between the THA and Petro-Canada for the development of the Human Capital of Tobago so that the young people of Tobago may benefit directly from the potential employment opportunities that this project may offer.

Channel 5 pulls plug on 'Rise and Shine'
Friday, March 10th 2006

Tobago Channel 5 has pulled the plug on Anthony Hector, the host of its morning talk show "Rise and Shine". Although the station which also owns the island's cable television company Trico Industries Limited did not publicly give a reason, viewers are speculating that the show was taken off the screen a week ago following an incident two months before when Finance & Planning Secretary Dr Anslem London was allegedly libelled by Hector in commenting on missing THA funds.

London reported the matter to the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad & Tobago (TATT) requesting an investigation. However, it was later discovered that the tape of that morning's show had no information on the alleged libel. London in response alleged that the tape of doctored.

Channel 5 has been advising viewers via a ticker tape on mornings that "our regular morning program Rise and Shine has come to the end of its first year of broadcast. This program is now being reviewed and will return on a date to be announced".

Salary hike for soldiers
Friday, March 3rd 2006, TObago News

Members of the Defence Force are to receive a 60 per cent pay increase over the period January 2005 to December 31, 2007. Cabinet agreed to the increases at its weekly meeting last week Thursday. They will receive 28 per cent in the first year, 22 per cent in the second and ten per cent in the third, starting from the lowest ranks, through the middle and up to the higher ranks. A statement said although there was an initial agreement of a 42 per cent increase across the board, it was not possible to implement such an arrangement since it would have adversely affected the integrity of the relative rates within the rank structure. It added that because it was an interim arrangement, the National Security Ministry in collaboration with the Defence Force had given high priority to the immediate conclusion of a salary review exercise, which will provide it with a definitive salary structure.

More $$ for Tobago politicians
Friday, March 3rd 2006, Tobago News

The Salaries Review Commission (SRC) has recommended hefty increases in salary and allowances for the Chief Secretary, Deputy Chief Secretary, Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Presiding Officer, Deputy Presiding Officer, Minority Leader and Councillors of the Tobago House of Assembly with effect from April last year. Chief Secretary Orville London's monthly salary will take a $4,700 jump to $27,300, an increase in transportation allowance to $4,700 and a subsistence allowance of $1,250. Entertainment will be paid for by the Assembly.

The recommendation, which Prime Minister Patrick Manning said in the House of Representatives on Friday that his government would accept means that London will receive almost $100,000 in back pay up to the end of February. He is also entitled to four first class plane tickets to any BWIA destination for himself, his wife and unmarried children under 18 years at the end of his full term in office or he can opt to receive a travel grant of $20,000 a year. In addition, he is entitled to 30 calendar days vacation leave a year and free medical and pension. Like all other Assemblymen, London is entitled to a constituency office allowance including free official stationery, free postage within Trinidad and Tobago and $9,500 for rent, employment of three persons, telephone and electricity.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cynthia Alfred is due $78,100 in back pay, representing salary, a transportation and subsistence allowances for the 11-month period. Her salary has been increased by $5,800 per month to $20,300, a transportation allowance of $3,550, a housing allowance of $5,750 and a subsistence allowance of $750. She is also entitled to a personal chauffeur. Her arrears in salary and allowances would amount to $79,750. A Secretary's salary will move up by $5,600 to $19,600 and an Assistant Secretary salary by $4,400 to $15,400.

A Secretary is also entitled to a monthly housing allowance of $5,750, a transportation allowance of $3,550 and subsistence of $750, while an Assistant Secretary will get a transportation allowance of $3,450, a similar amount of $3,450 as a housing and a subsistence of $750. All the above office holders are also entitled to a telephone allowance of $400 plus the up keep of a constituency office as Assemblymen. The arrears due to a Secretary is $77,550 and an Assistant Secretary $61,050 up to the end of February.

Presiding Officer Ann Mitchell-Gift is in line to receive a monthly salary of $16,800, a transportation allowance of $2,500, a housing allowance of $3,450, a telephone allowance of $400, a personal chauffeur and entertainment to be paid for by the Assembly and medical and pension benefits. The Presiding Officer is due $62,150. The Deputy Presiding Officer of the Assembly will receive $11,200, a transportation allowance of $2,750 and a telephone allowance of $400 in addition to an entertainment allowance to be paid for by the Assembly.

Minority Leader Ashworth Jack's monthly salary has been increased by $3,000 to $13,300, a transportation allowance of $3,200, a subsistence allowance of $750 and a telephone allowance of $400 in addition to an upkeep allowance for a constituency office. His back pay for the period would amount to almost $45,650. Minority Councillor Hochoy Charles' monthly salary will be $7,000, an increase of $2,000, a transportation allowance of $2,500 and a telephone allowance of $300. His back pay would amount to $28,600.

The salary of an Assemblyman who is not office holders is now $9,100 with a transportation allowance of $2,720 and a telephone allowance of $300 in addition to entertainment for official purposes. All Assemblymen and Councillors are also entitled to a car loan at 6 per cent per annum, car repair loan up to $20,000 and a car insurance loan also at 6 per cent per annum.

In making their recommendations, the SRC members noted that because of legal limitations regarding the number of Secretaries in the Assembly, the duties of the office holders had become more burdensome, challenging and complex, while the role of Assemblymen had become more challenging with rising expectations for the provision of services from the general public. The also noted that Councillors were also expected to play a more effective role in staff development and government.

Private security for crime 'hot spots'
Friday, February 24th 2006
Tobago News

The Tobago House of Assembly plans to hire private security to patrol the crime "hot spots" in the island. Chief Secretary Orville London disclosed this at the weekly post Executive Council press conference on Thursday. He said the plan would be carried out "even if it is a pilot project" until the Assembly established its own police force. He said he expected a "more meaningful response" from National Security Minister Martin Joseph to his request for the early passage of the required legislation.

He explained that the private security patrols would be used especially on secluded beaches and villas in the south west of the island where three British golfers and their watchman were injured in a cutlass attack by four masked men on February 5 at a villa in Mt Irvine and the rape and robbery of an 80-year-old British national at a villa in Carnbee the next day. No one has been charged for any of the offences.

London said he had met with the Hoteliers' Association and they were in agreement with the plan. In fact, association president René Seepersadsingh, while condemning criminal acts against tourists, told the Tobago News on Tuesday that the plan was a good one in the short term and his association would support it. "Yes it's a step in the right direction and would serve to compliment the present resources on the island.

Seepersadsingh said there was need for greater security on the island, especially over this weekend when a large number of Trinidadians would be here to get away from Carnival. He said the majority of hotels, guesthouses and villas have been booked up for the weekend.

London told reporters that a recent Thames Report had stated that Tobago was one of the most tourist economies in the world, adding that the Assembly's challenge was to diversify away from tourism. However, he said, tourism was going to be a way of life for Tobago in the future and this was badly being threatened by criminal activity on the island. He noted that it was the intention of the Assembly to first fix Tobago for Tobagonians and then the tourists, but Tobagonians had to recognise that there was a correlation of how they responded to the tourists. "Everyone has to recognise that every criminal act is our enemy and it affects our lives," London said.

Roxborough residents wants more manpower at police stations
Friday, February 24th 2006
Tobago news

Residents of Roxborough are calling on the authorities to provide additional manpower and vehicles at the area's police station.

The Roxborough Village Council claimed in a press release on Tuesday that, at any given time, there were only three officers to a shift and complainants were told that it would be a security risk to leave a single officer at the post while the others attended to reports. Further, the village council said there was only one broken down vehicle assigned to the station that always needed fixing, resulting in the inability of officers to promptly respond to reports.

It said that it had repeatedly made requests for increased patrol in the area, which it claimed was the largest geographical police district in Tobago. It noted that two famous tourist attractions, the Argyle waterfall and the award winning Rainforest, were the responsibility of the station.

The village council added: "The strength of the station is being taken for granted and it is right in the vicinity of the Argyle waterfall that saw 29,000 visitors in 2005."

The release said members were looking at a proactive method rather than reactive when dealing with crime, adding that if it was not proactive then "we will find ourselves in a position where people will vandalise these treasured items and it will adversely affect us later on because there would be more travel advisories". The council said it was instrumental in the relocation of the station from Station Hill to a more comfortable building on Union Street but there was still concern since the nearby office of the Windward Carnival committee was broken into last weekend and a computer stolen.

even the ferry crew running the lynx not safe......

The Lynx crew held up
Friday, February 24th 2006, Tobago News

The foreign crew of The Lynx was held up on Tuesday night in Port of Spain and as a result was too traumatised to operate the fast ferry on Wednesday.

Port Authority acting CEO Christopher Mendez said in a statement that due to circumstances beyond its control it had cancelled the sailing of The Lynx at 6.30 a.m. from Port of Spain and 12 noon from Scarborough. Normal sailing was scheduled for Thursday.

He advised passengers with tickets for Wednesday to have them revalidated for future sailings.

Bandit beats, robs businessman
Guardian 23.02.2006

The hunt is now on for a bandit who attacked and robbed a Scarborough businessman early yesterday morning. According to police reports, Edgar George was at his bakery when he was attacked. George’s bakery is located at Piggott Street, uptown Scarborough, in the vicinity of Radio Tambrin.

The bandit overpowered George before beating and tying him up. George’s establishment was then ransacked by the bandit, who made off with an unknown quantity of cash and items. A street cleaner heard screams coming from within the bakery and, upon checking, found George. The police was alerted and George was taken to hospital where he was treated and discharged. Scarborough CID are investigating.

Suspects in tourist attack released
Newsday News 20.02.2006

IN ITS latest advisory to citizens, the British Foreign and Common-wealth Office has slammed the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service as being "weak" as it dealt with the inability of the Tobago police to charge anyone with the attack on four tourists in Tobago recently.

The advisory, issued last Friday, declared that law enforcement in Trinidad and Tobago was "weak" and stressed that the Tobago authorities’ inability to apprehend and prosecute persons in the attack on the tourists was a "serious concern".

The advisory further warned British citizens regarding the crime situation in TT. Meanwhile, the four suspects detained by police in connection with a recent cutlass attack on the three British nationals during a failed robbery attempt at a Mt Irvine villa, were released after they could not be pointed out during an identification parade.

The men, ranging in ages from 20 to 27, were reportedly detained during an exercise by police in the Bethel district days after the incident. The victims – John Michael Jones, 69; Christopher Stock, 67, and Stuart Anderson, 70 – who were in Tobago to participate in an International Pro Am Golf tournament, were reportedly attacked by four masked armed men on February 5.

The three were at the time relaxing with their wives around a swimming pool at the villa in Pinehurst Avenue, Mt Irvine. The visitors managed to fight off the bandits who subsequently fled the scene empty-handed but not before raining missiles on the premises. Jones and Stock were injured, while a car was damaged, police said. Stock was transferred to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for specialised treatment for injuries sustained to his left eye. The visiting group was later relocated to a hotel at Crown Point

alot of people think the police is slow action, can you really blame them, I know Tobago as a quiet, lay back and slow sometimes, can we really think the police would spring into action on every incident. I think a whole new attitude as well as training should be adopted - simular to the Bahamas, St. Marteen, and other caribbean island which have the same problems, but seek to protect their visitors by protecting their frequent paths.

For Tobago it would be plymouth to canaan, where it should be contantly monitored. Protecting places like Turtle beach, Grafton,black rock, Mt. Irvine, buccoo, shivan, and bon accord. These are the place that seems to have no focus by the police, and which is most frequent used by our visitors. That path have the most cafes and restaurants and seems to be expanding evaryday. You travel after 10pm and mostly visitors travel these roads, which is badly lit roads and few to no police presence.

what the cost for utilitesin general per month such as water, electricity, telephone etc roughly?

The people who is serious about travel, and have more of a common sense knows that peak in crime is only that, Tobago is generally a safe and quiet place. All the visitors who have been to Tobago before would surely ignore such a notice, even by their own country.

I'm more concern about the cost of living in Tobago, I'm just told a memory card for a digital camera cost $750.00. I can't find anything less than a dollar in a canaan supermarket store.

British slam Tobago authorities, cops in travel warning
Darryl Heeralal
Saturday, February 18th 2006, Trinidad Express

THE British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has criticised the Tobago authorities and the police in a strongly-worded updated travel warning. In its latest advisory yesterday, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that on the island, "law enforcement is weak" and said the "inability of the Tobago authorities to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators is a serious concern".

The office recommended against staying in villas in the south west of the island around the Mount Irvine Golf Club. The travel advisory was re-issued with amendments to the summary, the Trinidad and Tobago Crime, and local travel sections. There have been several violent attacks, including rape against British nationals in Tobago recently. The travel advisory spoke of a rape in a "central village" on the island earlier this month.

Tobago is to small for this non-sense people should reorganized themselves and clean out the drugs and crime from the island. I talk to alot of trinis and they prefer to visit Tobago over Trinidad simpley b/c it quite and does not have all the crime and drugs as T'dad. They usually book most of the vacation in Tobago with only 3 or 4 days in Trinidad. Matter of fact i haveat least 3 friends that travel like that.

I say the first place to start is the police force and tha and then work your way down ...similar to tnt where i say the police force and de parliament and eventually things hsould get back real nice for the islands

Teen sex scandal rocks Tobago
By Leah Mathura-Dookhoo, T'dad Guardian 17.02.2006

Scarborough police are now investigating a shocking sex ring in Bethel, Tobago, involving teenage girls who are being recruited as sex slaves.

They believe the girls who are barely 14 are being drugged and used to fulfil sexual fantasies of locals and foreign couples throughout the small island.

The probe began a week ago when a 58-year-old resident of Bethany went in search of her daughter who had gone missing since last November.

The woman told the Guardian in a telephone interview yesterday that after she got no response from Tobago police she decided to conduct her own investigations.

Her leads took her to an abandoned building which is used as a drug haven and which has turned into an overnight brothel.

The woman said she was brought to tears last week Sunday when she witnessed several young girls being escorted into the building blindfolded.

According to another resident, the girls have caused quite an upheaval in the community, since a once small and district has turned into a traffic nightmare during the day and at nights.

"It's sad that this is happening on our tiny island and police not doing anything," the 58-year-old woman said.

"You have babies being dragged into the place...You could tell by their movements that they are under some sort of drug.

"These are the young girls who come from single-parent homes and they believe their mothers don't like them, so they go with these men for attention."

A police source confirmed yesterday that an investigation has being launched into the incident but declined to give details on the probe.

Emotional about the fate of the young women, residents say the girls were very young and were caught frequently with men at various locations on the island engaging in sexual activity or disrespectful behaviour.

"You can tell by the look in their eyes that nothing is right about their thinking. Only two weeks ago, a 13-year-old was found having sex with two men on a deserted beachfront," another said.

"Even young Trinidadian girls are coming in and having group sex with these sick people who pay them large sums of money."

They say even women are beginning to visit the rundown building to have sex with the young females.

"From our bedrooms we see everything," one resident said.

The 58-year old woman who has been monitoring operations at the brothel said that deals were made on the front compound of the property where money is paid before sexual activity began.

"After they pay up, the men or women are taken inside the building," she said.

A source said yesterday that over the past few months, high-ranking members of the island's police service have been transferred to Trinidad, causing most of the reported cases to go cold.