作者： admin

Nestled within the compound of St Dominic’s RC Church in Penal, a unique initiative named *A Ray of Hope* is making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable and migrant children. Housed in two repurposed shipping containers, this child-friendly space provides education and a sense of belonging to over 70 children aged four to 13, many of whom are Venezuelan migrants. The project, which began in 2018 under the guidance of then parish priest Fr Robert Christo, has grown into a beacon of hope for displaced families. Today, Venezuelan priest Fr Jorge Amundarain leads the initiative, emphasizing education as a tool for empowerment. He stated, “Education helps children become individuals who can reason, think creatively, and develop their own ideas.” The program, which mirrors Trinidad and Tobago’s national curriculum, also includes subjects like Spanish, Venezuelan history, and geography to prepare children for their eventual return home. Despite its success, the initiative faces financial challenges, relying heavily on community donations and goodwill. Cristina John, the program coordinator, highlighted the struggle for consistent funding, especially after UNICEF’s budget cuts. The project continues to thrive thanks to local supporters, including The Children’s Ark, which donated one of the containers. With a teaching staff of four locals and two Venezuelans, including sports instructor Moises McNish, the program also bridges cultural gaps, introducing students to Trinidadian traditions like Divali. Fr Amundarain remains hopeful, stating, “May this project continue as long as God allows.” The team dreams of expanding to include teenagers but is constrained by limited space and resources. For those willing to help, contact details are available to support this vital cause.

Trinity College, Moka, has unveiled a powerful motivational sign featuring the words of its esteemed alumnus, Don La Foucade, a renowned motivational speaker and author. Installed in the college hall on October 13, the sign boldly proclaims, ‘There really is nothing impossible to you who believe!’ This installation, adorned with vibrant artwork by parent and graphic artist Jerome Harrylal, showcases the iconic Trinity College building against the Maraval hillside, symbolizing the school’s core values of Courage and Courtesy. Acting Principal Ann Niles highlighted the sign’s role as a visual reminder of the school’s mission to inspire students to embrace their potential and strive for success. The idea for the sign originated from a motivational session La Foucade led during the Form One August vacation camp, which left a lasting impact on students and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA embraced the concept, seeing it as a permanent tribute to La Foucade’s message of resilience and optimism. La Foucade, deeply moved by the installation, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to his alma mater’s legacy. He emphasized the intentional fusion of inspiration and school pride in the chosen phrase, hoping it will motivate future generations of Trinity students. Niles underscored the importance of belief in personal growth, national unity, and collective progress, urging students to never stop dreaming and to turn their aspirations into reality.

After nearly two decades in legal limbo, Trevor Huggins, a resident of Point Fortin, has been acquitted of the 2007 murder of his stepfather, Brian O’Shaughnessy. The verdict was delivered by a jury at the High Court in Port of Spain on November 3, marking the end of a prolonged and emotionally charged case. Huggins had been accused of fatally stabbing O’Shaughnessy at their family home in January 2007. During the trial, which commenced on October 1 before Justice Maria Busby Earle-Caddle, jurors heard compelling testimony from Huggins’ sister, who recounted discovering her stepfather bleeding from the neck after hearing his cries from the kitchen. She described her brother as mentally unstable and recalled witnessing him flee the scene. When apprehended by authorities, Huggins reportedly claimed, ‘God told me to do it.’ A knife was later found near the victim’s body. A post-mortem examination confirmed that O’Shaughnessy died from stab wounds to the neck and chest. Further complicating the case, a psychiatrist testified that Huggins had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was experiencing a relapse at the time of the incident. Justice Busby Earle-Caddle instructed the jury to consider a manslaughter verdict if they believed Huggins acted under the influence of his mental disorder. However, the jury ultimately found him not guilty of both murder and manslaughter. Huggins was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Shuzvon Ramdass from the Public Defenders’ Department, while the prosecution was led by Veonna Neale-Monroe and Shanelle Kissoon from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has introduced a groundbreaking digital Firearm User’s Licence (FUL) application system, marking a significant leap in modernizing its services. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro announced the initiative during a media briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain on November 4. The system, currently in its testing phase with 1,000 applicants, aims to streamline the firearm licensing process, making it more efficient and accessible to the public. Guevarro emphasized that the testing phase will allow the TTPS to refine the system before its full rollout, ensuring a seamless experience for both law enforcement and citizens.

In addition to the digital FUL system, the TTPS is intensifying efforts to ensure public safety during the upcoming festive season. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suzette Martin, who is spearheading the operations, outlined a comprehensive strategy to tackle crime and maintain order during Christmas and Carnival 2026. Martin highlighted the heightened risks associated with large crowds and public gatherings, stressing the importance of a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach. The strategy is built on three pillars: high visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and strong community partnerships.

To bolster security, the TTPS will increase foot and mobile patrols in key areas, including commercial districts, entertainment zones, transportation hubs, and residential neighborhoods. Tactical units, highway patrols, and divisional teams will collaborate on joint exercises focused on crime prevention, traffic management, and overall public safety. Real-time monitoring and crime pattern analysis will also play a crucial role in enabling swift responses and dynamic deployment adjustments.

Martin revealed that the TTPS has partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, municipal police, and other national security agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage across the country. Planning for Carnival 2026 is already underway, with the TTPS working closely with the National Carnival Commission (NCC), event organizers, and bandleaders to ensure the safety of attendees and the smooth execution of events.

While the TTPS is fully mobilized to ensure public safety, Martin urged citizens to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent crime. She advised safeguarding personal belongings, avoiding large cash transactions, and cooperating with law enforcement officers. Business owners and event promoters were also encouraged to collaborate with local police stations to assist with crowd control and traffic management. Martin reassured the public that the TTPS is committed to making the festive season and Carnival 2026 peaceful and safe for everyone.

The price of illegal drugs in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has seen a significant increase due to intensified efforts by both local and US forces to disrupt the narcotics trade. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro confirmed this development during a media briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain on November 4. He attributed the price surge to a reduction in the supply of narcotics entering the country, a direct result of recent US military strikes targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. These strikes, which have claimed over 60 lives, have yet to be substantiated with official evidence linking the deceased to drug trafficking. Intelligence reports from multiple agencies indicate a marked decrease in the flow of illegal drugs, particularly from Venezuela and Colombia, leading to a shortage in TT. This scarcity has driven up prices, with Colombian kush marijuana reportedly tripling in cost from $1,800 to nearly $6,000 per pound. Since the crackdown began, the TT Police Service (TTPS) has seized nearly two tonnes of marijuana, further exacerbating the shortage. Notable seizures include 268kg of Colombian ‘Creepy’ marijuana valued at $29 million on September 12, and 1177kg of the same strain worth $292 million on October 1. Commissioner Guevarro also highlighted ongoing efforts to curb local cultivation, including intercepting foreign seeds and eradicating marijuana plants. Addressing concerns that drug dealers might diversify their criminal activities to offset financial losses, Guevarro assured that strategies are in place, though he remained cryptic about the specifics. He also noted a decline in the sale of smuggled ‘wild meat,’ suggesting that the crackdown has disrupted broader smuggling networks. Despite some items still entering the country illegally, police have gained a better understanding of smuggling operations, enabling more effective interventions.