作者： admin

A police-involved shooting in Trinidad and Tobago’s Central Division on November 22 resulted in the death of Trevon Cumberbatch of Kelly Village and the seizure of two firearms along with ammunition. The incident occurred during an operation led by the Central Division task force, supported by air units and canine teams, in the Caroni area. According to a police media release, officers approached the residence of a 38-year-old suspect who allegedly confronted them with a weapon. The suspect reportedly pointed the firearm at the officers, prompting them to discharge their service weapons in accordance with the use-of-force policy. The suspect sustained injuries and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. Authorities recovered a Glock 17 pistol and a magazine containing ammunition from the scene. The operation was coordinated by Senior Superintendent Bhagwandeen, Superintendent Glodon, and Assistant Superintendents Hernandez and Harrilal. In a separate operation on the same day, the Western Division Task Force conducted an exercise in Cocorite, where they discovered a Glock 19 pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander praised the officers for their bravery, emphasizing the risks they face in confronting armed criminals. Alexander urged criminals to reconsider their actions, highlighting the impact on their families and society. He also warned that raising a weapon at law enforcement would inevitably lead to severe consequences.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has initiated a comprehensive park-and-ride survey as part of its broader strategy to overhaul the nation’s transportation system. The survey, which was officially announced on the government’s communications platform, includes 12 questions aimed at understanding the public’s travel habits and preferences. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour, revealed the details of this initiative during a post-Cabinet media briefing on November 20. The proposed park-and-ride system will allow commuters from Arima, Chaguanas, Couva, and San Fernando to park their vehicles at secure locations and take buses or maxi taxis to Port of Spain. This concept, while not new to Trinidad and Tobago, was first popularized by former Port of Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing in 2012 as part of a traffic control experiment in Woodbrook. In a recent phone interview, Lee Sing praised the government’s plan, emphasizing the country’s financial constraints and the need for innovative traffic management solutions. He highlighted the importance of utilizing existing resources efficiently and expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the initiative. Lee Sing also suggested that similar traffic management strategies could be applied along the east-west corridor, including areas like Sixth Avenue Barataria and Boundary Road, Croisée. He urged the public to be patient and allow the plan to develop, noting that effective traffic management requires time, adherence to new rules, and consistent enforcement. The government’s park-and-ride initiative is seen as a progressive step towards addressing the nation’s transportation challenges and improving overall traffic efficiency.

The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has expressed profound concerns regarding the future of Carnival 2026 following a recent meeting with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. The meeting, held on November 21, was prompted by the government’s decision to prohibit the use of state-owned sporting facilities for Carnival-related events, including fetes. Notably absent from the meeting was Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, who was occupied with parliamentary duties. Instead, the TTPA engaged with the deputy permanent secretary and other ministry representatives. Despite persistent appeals to lift the venue bans, the government’s stance remains unaltered, casting a shadow over the upcoming Carnival season. A follow-up meeting is slated for November 25 to explore alternative solutions and potential support mechanisms. The TTPA emphasized its ongoing efforts to secure alternative venues but voiced significant worries about the industry’s sustainability under the current restrictions. In a parliamentary address on November 21, Minister Benjamin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting stakeholders, highlighting that the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has made spaces available in the Queen’s Park Savannah and Chaguaramas.

The San Fernando City Corporation marked its 37th anniversary with a vibrant celebration at City Hall on November 18, showcasing the creativity and vision of its youngest citizens. The event, which included a civic awards ceremony and reception, highlighted a unique photography exhibition titled *Our Cities, Through Our Eyes*. This initiative, supported by Unicef and led by renowned photographer Giacomo Pirozzi, empowered 16 children aged nine to 17 to capture the essence of their city through their lenses. Over an intensive week in August, the young photographers learned the art of visual storytelling, focusing on patience, empathy, and intentional framing. Their work, displayed in the auditorium lobby, offered a poignant glimpse into the beauty, challenges, and dreams of San Fernando as seen through youthful eyes. The photographs revealed themes of safety, belonging, joy, and the spaces where childhood thrives or falters. Maryam Abdu, Unicef’s chief of social policy for the Eastern Caribbean, praised the initiative, describing the images as more than art—they were stories, aspirations, and calls to action. She commended San Fernando’s leadership, including Mayor Robert Parris, for their commitment to the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, emphasizing the importance of integrating children’s voices into urban planning. The event also honored distinguished citizens, cultural icons, and public servants for their contributions to the city’s growth. As San Fernando continues to evolve, the anniversary celebration underscored the city’s dedication to fostering a community where every child can thrive.