THIS Monday (February 28) and Tuesday (March 1) marks our world-renowned and much anticipated Carnival days. Alas, for a second year in a row, Covid-19 has cast a long shadow on the event. This year, the most we’ve been able to get was “a taste of Carnival”.
While many count on Carnival Monday and Tuesday as being an unofficial, but usually paid, two-day break from work life and also time off from school, not so this year. It has already been declared by state officials that all public servants and school children must report to work and school, respectively, on those days.
As a rule, the court offices at the Supreme Courts (High Court and Court of Appeal) are closed on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Not this year though. On Carnival Friday (February 25, 2022) the Chief Justice issued a Notice in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette, No. 30 of 2022 (available online) advising that all court offices in the District or Magistrates Court, High Court (including the Family Court) and Court of Appeal will be open.
Much of the work of the courts are still being carried out virtually, including hearings and Trials. What the Chief Justice’s Notice means is that Carnival Monday and Tuesday are to be treated as normal work days. So, Judges and lawyers have no Carnival break this year.
Personally, I can’t say that Carnival has been high on my mind lately. There is so much happening around us right now… Russia is at war with Ukraine. It is only a matter of time before the effects of this war trickles down to affect us economically and otherwise in our home country.
Crime, disorder, and apathy from officials are at an all-time high. Criminals have formed themselves into mobs to rob citizens and businesses. They are all armed and extremely dangerous, as they have no fear of the police or our justice system.
After more than 48 hours, the four divers remain stuck in the pipe at the Gulf of Paria, whilst hope they may be found alive is at its dimmest. The treatment being meted out to family of the missing, as reported in mainstream and social media, is disgustingly poor and unconscionable. And so much more …
Remarkably, the night of Carnival Monday into Carnival Tuesday is an auspicious one, Maha Shivaratri, for Hindus, where prayers are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This annual observance marks the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in our personal lives and in the world. Devotees are expected to spend the night contemplating about values such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity and forgiveness – a concept, I am sure, is of general appeal to many.
As a country, we are wading in turmoiled waters. We must pray and contemplate, but we must also not forget our past in charting our future. Do you remember that important aspect of Carnival called “The Camboulay Riots”? It was a time when the people rose up against oppression. Like the Ukrainians fighting for their democracy, freedom and right to live, let us not remain complacent in the face of darkness. Be safe Trinidad and Tobago.
Disclaimer:The contents of this article are for general informational purposes only and/or contain the opinions and/or thoughts of the writer only. It does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader. For legal advice on your specific situation, please contact an Attorney-at-Law of your choosing directly. Liability for any loss or damage of any kind whatsoever allegedly incurred a consequence of relying on content in this article is thus hereby excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.
No Carnival Break for Judges, Lawyers
THIS Monday (February 28) and Tuesday (March 1) marks our world-renowned and much anticipated Carnival days. Alas, for a second year in a row, Covid-19 has cast a long shadow on the event. This year, the most we’ve been able to get was “a taste of Carnival”.
While many count on Carnival Monday and Tuesday as being an unofficial, but usually paid, two-day break from work life and also time off from school, not so this year. It has already been declared by state officials that all public servants and school children must report to work and school, respectively, on those days.
As a rule, the court offices at the Supreme Courts (High Court and Court of Appeal) are closed on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Not this year though. On Carnival Friday (February 25, 2022) the Chief Justice issued a Notice in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette, No. 30 of 2022 (available online) advising that all court offices in the District or Magistrates Court, High Court (including the Family Court) and Court of Appeal will be open.
Much of the work of the courts are still being carried out virtually, including hearings and Trials. What the Chief Justice’s Notice means is that Carnival Monday and Tuesday are to be treated as normal work days. So, Judges and lawyers have no Carnival break this year.
Personally, I can’t say that Carnival has been high on my mind lately. There is so much happening around us right now… Russia is at war with Ukraine. It is only a matter of time before the effects of this war trickles down to affect us economically and otherwise in our home country.
Crime, disorder, and apathy from officials are at an all-time high. Criminals have formed themselves into mobs to rob citizens and businesses. They are all armed and extremely dangerous, as they have no fear of the police or our justice system.
After more than 48 hours, the four divers remain stuck in the pipe at the Gulf of Paria, whilst hope they may be found alive is at its dimmest. The treatment being meted out to family of the missing, as reported in mainstream and social media, is disgustingly poor and unconscionable. And so much more …
Remarkably, the night of Carnival Monday into Carnival Tuesday is an auspicious one, Maha Shivaratri, for Hindus, where prayers are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This annual observance marks the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in our personal lives and in the world. Devotees are expected to spend the night contemplating about values such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity and forgiveness – a concept, I am sure, is of general appeal to many.
As a country, we are wading in turmoiled waters. We must pray and contemplate, but we must also not forget our past in charting our future. Do you remember that important aspect of Carnival called “The Camboulay Riots”? It was a time when the people rose up against oppression. Like the Ukrainians fighting for their democracy, freedom and right to live, let us not remain complacent in the face of darkness. Be safe Trinidad and Tobago.
Copyright © 2022 Neela Ramsundar, LL.B (HONS), L.E.C is a Civil Litigation Attorney at Law & Certified Mediator.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for general informational purposes only and/or contain the opinions and/or thoughts of the writer only. It does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader. For legal advice on your specific situation, please contact an Attorney-at-Law of your choosing directly. Liability for any loss or damage of any kind whatsoever allegedly incurred a consequence of relying on content in this article is thus hereby excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.