On 14 March 2025, in Penal, Penal-Debe, residents protested to denounce a pensioner who diverted a river to prevent erosion on his land. The protesters denounced that this puts their homes and livestock at risk of flooding. The residents met with authorities during the protest to demand action.

Summary

On March 14, 2025, residents in the Penal area of Trinidad and Tobago staged peaceful protests against a pensioner who diverted a river to prevent erosion of his land, creating flood risks for residents' livestock and homes. The protest scale was limited and consultations with authorities proceeded.

Supply-chain impact

• Agriculture sector: Livestock and crops exposed to flood risks with potential impact on regional agricultural productivity
• Regional transportation: Temporary disruption to road traffic and logistics movement within the Penal-Debe area expected if flooding occurs
• Infrastructure: Risk of damage to regional drainage facilities and road infrastructure due to river diversion
• Energy: Limited direct impact as the area is distant from Trinidad and Tobago's major oil and gas industry regions

Watch points

• Need to confirm whether and when authorities implement river restoration measures and flood prevention measures
• Requirement to track improvement status of drainage facilities in the area before the rainy season (June-December)