作者： admin

On October 25, 2025, Natasha Athara Lewis, a dedicated educator and advocate for disability inclusion, marked a historic milestone as she received her postgraduate diploma in education with distinction from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine. Wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy, Lewis described the moment as a triumph of resilience, representation, and personal achievement. Her journey, marked by perseverance and advocacy, has inspired countless individuals across Trinidad and Tobago.

Lewis, a mature student and teacher at Malick Secondary School, has spent her life transforming challenges into opportunities. Born in St. James, Port of Spain, she began her education at the Princess Elizabeth Special School for the physically handicapped, where she learned the value of perseverance. Supported by her family, church community, and what she calls her ‘village,’ Lewis overcame numerous obstacles, including surgeries, physiotherapy, and speech therapy, to achieve greater independence.

Her educational path continued at St. James Secondary School, followed by professional certifications in dressmaking and design. Despite facing daily challenges, such as climbing 40 steps on crutches at the John S Donaldson Technical Institute, Lewis persisted, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, she began her teaching career, blending her passion for education with her advocacy for inclusion.

Lewis’s journey is also marked by her entrepreneurial spirit. In 1992, she founded Athara’s Designs, a fashion brand that transforms discarded materials into wearable art. She views her creations as a metaphor for the potential of individuals with disabilities, often overlooked but capable of extraordinary contributions. Although her business is currently on hold due to her teaching commitments, her designs continue to inspire.

At UWI, Lewis found a supportive and inclusive environment, which she credits for her success in completing her postgraduate diploma. She also faced new challenges during her teaching practicum, navigating inaccessible classrooms with the help of administrators and peers. These experiences, she noted, not only shaped her but also educated others about the importance of true inclusion.

Beyond the classroom, Lewis has partnered with the Ministry of Social Development to lead sensitization campaigns on accessibility and disability rights. She credits her former educators, Miss Myers and Maria D Thomas, for instilling in her the belief that teaching is a mission of empowerment and equity.

Lewis’s unshakable faith and resilience have been her anchors throughout her journey. She emphasizes that inclusion is not charity but justice, urging society to recognize the diverse talents and creativity of differently-abled individuals. Her advice to parents of children with disabilities is to love, support, and envision a bright future for them.

In her closing remarks, Lewis expressed gratitude to her family, friends, mentors, and UWI for their unwavering support, stating, ‘This accomplishment is not mine alone – it belongs to all of us.’

In the decade leading up to the Emancipation Act, Tobago’s planting community braced for the anticipated consequences of the anti-slavery movement. Fearing violent resistance from the African population, which they labeled as criminal, authorities implemented stringent measures to maintain control. These included harsher laws, an expanded and more regulated police force, and enhanced judicial facilities. A new courthouse was constructed above the marketplace, providing magistrates with larger spaces to operate. Simultaneously, the police forces in Scarborough and Plymouth were bolstered by a new law that introduced two additional magistrates to oversee law enforcement and address offenses. These magistrates were required to hold court sessions twice weekly, year-round, and were empowered to appoint constables to maintain order during market days and apprehend offenders. To accommodate the expected rise in incarcerations, the Scarborough Jail was expanded. The prison’s design was rooted in four key principles: the anticipated increase in prisoners due to societal tensions, the need to prevent escapes, the deterrence of external assistance to inmates, and the enforcement of labor as a core component of incarceration. The new facility, constructed by John H Noding, was a two-story structure designed to be escape-proof, with reinforced walls, iron gates, and secure partitions. A committee was established to oversee the project, ensuring its timely completion by June 1, 1824. Parallel to these developments, the militia was strengthened through a 1827 law that introduced strict regulations, mandatory enlistment for free men aged 16 to 55, and provisions for uniforms and weaponry. Notably, the law allowed for the inclusion of black and colored sergeants and corporals, a pragmatic move driven by the shortage of white men. However, racial distinctions persisted, with black and colored members positioned on the left during parades. Despite these efforts, the tide of history was against the planters, as the anti-slavery movement in Britain gained momentum, making the abolition of slavery in the colonies inevitable.

In October 2023, Elspeth Duncan was invited to lead a morning relaxation and meditation session at the Good Deeds Day Regional Conference, held at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort. The event brought together participants from across the Caribbean, all committed to fostering positive intentions and actions. During the session, a participant from Spread the Love Curaçao gifted Duncan a handmade “love and kindness” rock inscribed with the message “Strong Together.” This simple yet profound token serves as a symbol of the Caribbean’s enduring unity and shared identity. Duncan reflects on the region’s unique strengths, including its cultural diversity, resilience, and collective spirit, which have historically enabled Caribbean nations to overcome challenges. She emphasizes that the Caribbean’s true power lies in its ability to come together, not just in times of celebration but also in moments of crisis. This unity was recently demonstrated in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in late October. Despite the devastation, social media was flooded with calls for assistance and solidarity, highlighting the region’s deep sense of community. Duncan also draws attention to the often-overlooked victims of natural disasters—animals. Her NGO, Venus Doggess Of Love, is organizing a film-screening fundraiser to support the Montego Bay Animal Haven in Jamaica. While the funds raised may seem modest, Duncan believes that every contribution, when combined with others, can make a significant impact. The Caribbean’s ability to unite in adversity, she concludes, is what makes it a true superpower.

Trinidad and Tobago is home to a wealth of biodiversity, including the Aripo Savannas, the nation’s last remaining natural savanna ecosystem. Despite its designation as an environmentally sensitive area (ESA) in 2007, the Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve (ASSR) faces ongoing threats from illegal squatting, land clearing, and poaching. Over the past decade, at least 28 acres have been lost to squatters, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protection measures. The lack of clear boundaries and enforcement has exacerbated the problem, with some signs marking the perimeter being ignored or absent entirely. The construction of the Elmina Clarke-Allen Highway has further isolated the savannas, making it difficult for wildlife to disperse. One proposed solution is the construction of a security fence along the entire 96,000-foot perimeter, estimated to cost around $5 million. This fence would serve as a physical barrier to illegal entry, improve wildlife corridor usage, and facilitate easier patrolling by the Forestry Division. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is well-positioned to manage such a project, given its experience with initiatives like the $69 million Nariva Swamp Restoration. While fencing may not be visually appealing, it offers a reversible and practical solution to safeguard this critical natural resource. Education and community involvement remain ideal, but fencing may be the necessary ‘last resort’ to ensure the Aripo Savannas’ survival.