Regional

STUART Young is the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

He said he will lead this country with integrity, inclusion and accountability. Young took the oath at President’s House, St Ann’s, on March 17, becoming TT’s eighth prime minister.

Outgoing prime minister Dr Keith Rowley and his wife Sharon Rowley were among the audience. Rowley was the first sitting TT prime minister to voluntarily step down before a general election. Young said it was an honour to be there, not just as prime minister “of this great nation. “But at a pivotal moment where our nation’s rich diversity offers us a powerful way forward – a new chapter for TT.” He spoke briefly about the cultural diversity of the country, which he called a “spectacular expression.”

“As I speak, our Christian brothers and sisters are observing Lent, our Muslim brothers and sisters are engaged in the holy month of Ramadan, our Hindu brothers and sisters have just celebrated Phagwa and will soon be entering the sacred period of Navaratri…All while we prepare to commemorate Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day and Eid ul-Fitr with our respective brothers and sisters.” He said this coexistence is not found anywhere else in the world.

“It is this very foundation, our national unity built on respect, inclusion and shared purpose, along with our fighting spirit, that I believe holds the power to propel our nation forward.” He added, “It is also the very foundation that shaped a boy born on upper Henry Street in Port of Spain into the person who stands before you today, honoured to be the prime minister.”

He said his parents, Priscilla Hosein-Young and Richard Young, taught him to work hard, serve others and take on injustices when he had the power to make a change.

He urged that TT’s greatness does not lie in the hands of any individual leader or government but rather “in the hands, hearts and minds of each and every citizen. “As we begin this new chapter together, this is my commitment to you: I will lead with integrity, inclusion and accountability. “We will harness our unique strengths, diversity and aspirations to build a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. “We will put aside differences, leverage our collective experiences and expertise and champion the necessary reforms to transform and strengthen our nation and uplift our people.” He said the work begins now towards a safer, stronger and prosperous TT. He thanked Rowley for his service to TT, saying, “We are truly grateful, sir.”

Once a new prime minister is sworn in, all ministers vacate their posts. Also at the ceremony, former housing minister Camille Robinson-Regis was sworn in as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Twenty-one ministers have been sworn in (on March 17th) for the new Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago, with most returning to their regular portfolios.

The Prime Minister has also opted to create new Ministries, including the Ministry of Youth Development and National Services, to be headed by the Fitzgerald Hinds. (Taken from Trinidad and Tobago NewsDay)

Regional

Over 200 Police Officers Complete Landmark Sandals Corporate University Leadership Training

In a landmark collaboration between law enforcement and Sandals Resorts, 210 senior officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have successfully completed an intensive leadership training programme designed and delivered by the Sandals Corporate University (SCU).

Their achievement was celebrated on Thursday, March 13, at Sandals Montego Bay, marking a significant step in strengthening leadership within the force and reinforcing the critical link between security and Jamaica’s tourism industry.

Spearheaded by Sandals and Beaches Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the leadership training programme was developed through discussions between the JCF and the tourism business community in St. James to enhance leadership skills within the force.

The intensive training session equipped JCF officers with key leadership and self-development principles, strengthening their ability to lead effectively within their ranks and engage with the public.

This first cohort represents the successful completion of the pilot phase, which trained over 50 percent of the leadership team of 400 officers from the Area One division—comprising Trelawny, St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland. The training was conducted over 10 days, from November 11, 2024, to January 9, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang commended the Sandals Corporate University and highlighted the reduction in crime that Area One is now experiencing.

“Area One has seen the largest reduction in homicides this year, particularly over the last eight weeks,” Dr. Chang stated. If this trend continues, the area will have recorded just over 100 homicides across all four parishes this year—compared to last year, when St. James alone exceeded that number.

Meanwhile, the Security Minister also applauded the SCU, emphasising what he indicated was its growing national significance.

“Knowing the history of Sandals, I am confident that the Sandals Corporate University will soon become one of Jamaica’s most important educational institutions. It is a pleasure and a privilege to have the police force being part of the groups that are working with the Sandals Corporate University,” Dr. Chang said.

The Importance of Security in Tourism

Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake added that the SCU’s initiative underscores the importance Sandals places on security in the tourism industry.

“I want to acknowledge the visionary leadership of Sandals and the wider St. James tourism business community for this outstanding example of corporate responsibility and their deep understanding of security’s role in protecting this essential industry,” Commissioner Blake stated.

During the event, Sandals’ Executive Chairman, Stewart presented the graduating officers with their certifications, stressing that the programme is not just about learning new concepts, it’s about transforming leadership in Jamaica.

“Your leadership will continue to shape the future of this country,” Stewart told the JCF leaders. “Tourism is a key pillar of our economy, and the JCF’s role in safeguarding this sector is absolutely paramount. This ecosystem thrives on the linkages we create, and I am privileged to work alongside individuals committed to making Jamaica a better place through collaboration between the private sector and policymakers.”

With the successful completion of the pilot phase and 210 JCF leaders now trained and certified, Senior Corporate Director of the Sandals Corporate University Dr. Luz Longsworth announced that SCU is advancing to phase two. This next stage will facilitate training for additional leadership team members as well as rank-and-file officers, guided by findings from a training needs assessment.

SCU is the educational arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, providing team members across nine countries in the region with opportunities for academic and professional growth. Through partnerships with internationally recognised universities, professional organisations, and local educational institutions, SCU offers programmes ranging from basic hospitality training to structured learning pathways that can ultimately lead not only to higher education degrees but also to community development. (PR)

Regional

Gonsalves Offers to Give Up US Visa to Allow Cubans to Continue Working in SVG.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says he is willing to lose his U.S visa if it means Cuban doctors will be able to continue working in his country.

Dr. Gonsalves says he is confident that upon review, the U.S government will see that his country is not partaking in any malpractice.

This follows the US government’s announcement about visa restrictions for public officials from countries benefiting from the Cuban labour export programme.

Regional

Former Jamaican ambassador, Curtis Ward advises CARICOM leaders to take note

CARICOM leaders are being warned to take careful note of the transactional nature of U.S. foreign policy, following a testy Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky.

The meeting descended into a shouting match on Friday.

The U.S. President accused the Ukrainian leader of gambling with World War Three by refusing to accept the terms of a deal being negotiated to end the war with Russia.

Ukraine has not been invited to participate in the negotiations.

The unprecedented diplomatic stand-off has cast fresh doubts about America’s commitment to Ukraine’s security in the face of Russian aggression.

Students of international relations, politics and history no doubt watched in amazement Friday as the U.S. President berated the leader of a country that has been invaded by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The public spat represents a sharp break in U.S. foreign policy.

America has given more than 100-billion dollars in military and development aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Former Jamaican ambassador, Curtis Ward, says Friday’s exchanges in the Oval Office diminished the dignity of the office of U.S. President.

Ambassador Ward, who served as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations with Special Responsibility for Security Council Affairs, says leaders in the Caribbean must take note of how the Ukrainian leader was treated by Trump.

Trump has threatened tariffs on countries that have not complied with his demands on trade and immigration. Canada and Mexico have faced such threats.

Ambassador Ward says there are other areas of concern where Trump may attempt to exert influence in the region.

After asking Zelensky to leave on Friday, Trump has told him he can return to the White House when he’s ready to make a deal.