Tobago Correspondent
February was a month of memorable events in Trinidad and Tobago, from environmental crises to devastating news and bomb-dropping events.
While it is too much to tell in one piece, there are key stories that rocked the country that month.
As the year ends, there’s no doubt the month of February will be etched in the minds of citizens as a historic month—especially for Tobagonians.
No one anticipated a major environmental disaster that nearly destroyed Tobago’s tourism sector, marine space and economy.
On February 7, the region looked on in terror as bunker fuel blanketed the shoreline off the coast of Tobago from an overturned MV Gulfstream barge.
Within hours divers confirmed there was no life on board.
The vessel was actually carrying 35,000 barrels of fuel and affected approximately 15 kilometres of coastline and local wildlife.
Days into the incident, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine raised concerns about the Government’s handling of the crisis, suggesting there were unanswered questions due to withheld info by the Government regarding the vessel’s identity.
The Government revealed the vessel was being pulled by an unknown tug (later identified as the Solo Creed). The line may have snapped sending the barge drifting, undetected and soon crashing into a coral reef in Cove.
Augustine noted, “Those unanswered questions remain unanswered at this point such as, who is the owner of the vessel that ran ground in Tobago and is leaking oil.”
Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan denied these claims, saying that the Government had been in constant contact with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
The Tobago Emergency Management Agency and the THA, soon after, launched Operation Gulfstream to contain the spill, but the spill managed to cause environmental damage as oil reached Petit Trou lagoon mangrove—a protected site—and beaches like Lambeau and Rockly Bay within days of the wreckage.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, following a tour of the disaster, lamented the island will need all the help it can get.
During a press conference in Tobago, days after the disaster, Dr Rowley said, “At the national level we may require help because once we start talking about salvaging where they could get the vessel into a situation where they can control what goes on, we may have to have outside help.”
At the end of February, a hydrographic survey was conducted on the wreckage site to give the salvaging team a clear plan to have the vessel removed.
Several villages were affected by the spill. While some residents in Lambeau continued with their daily routines, others struggled with the effects. Fisherman Kenwin Ramkissoon lost his boat and fishing equipment to the spill, leaving him emotionally distressed and financially struggling to even purchase food.
One other resident like retiree Thomas McClatchie was not as bothered by the fumes.
However, there were concerns about the long-term impact on the economy. Business owner Osborne Bruno also coped with the situation, focusing on his work despite the challenges.
The Lambeau Anglican Primary School had to be closed since the pupils and staff complained of feeling sick from the strong fumes, while a nearby preschool reopened as parents felt the area was safe.
Despite the damage to the environment and some economic struggles on one side of the community, life in parts of Lambeau carried on with limited disruption in February.
Lisa hits back hard
at TSTT
On February 19, before a Joint Select Committee (JSC), former TSTT CEO Lisa Agard accused the company’s then acting CEO, Kent Western, of misleading the public and a JSC about a major cybersecurity attack in October 2023.
Agard revealed that the attack initially began on October 3 but was only made public on October 9, even though she didn’t learn about the earlier breach until a month later.
She claimed that the TSTT board blocked her from addressing the public directly and as such she failed to advise customers about the extent of the breach.
In her argument, Agard told the JSC, “Why was the CEO not told about this breach that occurred on October 3? Why did all the communications to the CEO about the breach indicate it occurred on the 9th of October?
“I had to literally beg the chairman and the board of TSTT to be allowed to communicate with the public.
“The board only approved communication to everyone except the general public, claiming that it would strain the resources of the contact centre, among other things.”
She went on to condemn Western for allegedly blaming her office for misleading statements made by Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales.
She referred to the CEO’s intent as deceptive before she demanded that he make a public apology.
Agard also raised concern about serious lapses in TSTT’s cybersecurity response, including how an employee’s breached laptop allowed the attack.
She asked why the board did not act transparently and insisted that the failure to communicate effectively with customers showed a lack of responsibility.
While Gonzales later apologised for inaccurate statements in Parliament, Agard defended her actions, explaining that she had no role in those miscommunications.
Soon after Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) called for an investigation into the allegations made by Agard.
CWU Secretary General Joanne Ogeer called for accountability if these claims were substantiated, including the removal of those responsible for hindering Agard’s attempts to inform the public.
Also at that time, Opposition Shadow Minister of Public Utilities, Barry Padarath demanded that Gonzales testify before the JSC in light of the explosive allegations from Agard.
Murders on the rise
Throughout February, crime remained a major focus as murders climbed only weeks into 2024.
One heartbreaking incident was the killing of a child in Laventille.
The Laventille community plunged into mourning on February 22 when 12-year-old Ezekiel Paria, a Standard Five pupil of the Eastern Boys’ Government Primary School, was killed by a stray bullet near his Laventille Road home. His death sparked community grief and protests, with calls for justice and an end to gun violence.
Before scores of mourners, one Laventille resident described the incident as a sad time for the community.
She said, “He was so good in heart and in spirit. I will miss him. He was so kind. He was not a rude child at all. He was very, very, very kind.”
Throughout the month, the country saw several notable, but not entirely gruesome, crimes, including the arrest of three individuals linked to a gang organisation in Penal and a Petit Valley man caught with an AR-15 rifle and cash.
Despite isolated incidents like a stabbing and robbery, for Carnival, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds reported no major violence during the celebration.
However, gun violence continued throughout the month.
Erla in the line of fire…again
Also in February 2024, Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher’s contract came under review as it was expected to end in May.
It all occurred after she faced scrutiny during her appearance before Parliament’s JSC on National Security, where she struggled to address questions about crime-fighting strategies, particularly involving the mandate of the Beyond the Tape crime-fighting TV show.
She struggled in her response explaining, “The show,” taking a couple seconds to think before adding, “should be a replica of the thoughts and sentiments of the TTPS executive.”
She admitted to the chairman, “There may be times where the presenter is a bit adverse to the thoughts of the organisation.”
At that time there were increasing concerns raised over the competence of the Commissioner, who in early February admitted to missing anti-crime targets set for 2023.
Despite the questions surrounding her ability to lead and reach targets, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley backed her, reiterating the Government’s unwavering support for her in the fight against crime.
Prime Minister Rowley had said that he had no intention to use the platform to dismiss the National Security Minister or the Commissioner of Police in light of concerns over murders and gun violence.
From King of Soca to King of Calypso
On a more feel-good event in February, Machel Montano made history by winning his first Calypso Monarch title at the Dimanche Gras show.
The soca king impressed the crowd with his energetic performance of Soul of Calypso, a song he wrote after learning about the origins of calypso music at the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
Following his win. He explained that his studies helped him understand the art form and inspired him to create the song.
“I feel very overwhelmed because I could not have dreamed of this happening. In all my years I could not have seen this happening. That will take some stepping back.”
He also shared that Soca and Calypso, although different, are both deeply connected in Trinidad and Tobago’s musical culture.
Montano’s win was seen as a significant moment for both musical genres. His performance, which featured appearances by other Soca legends, showed how the two genres can blend together.
While Montano’s victory was celebrated, there were strong performances from other e, including Karene Asche, who placed second, and Mical Teja, who earned fourth place.
