作者： admin

A recent letter to the editor has highlighted the growing distress caused by the excessive use of fireworks during the Divali celebrations on October 20. The author, Aarti Gosine, expressed deep disappointment over the disruption, which turned what should have been a peaceful and joyous religious event into a night of chaos and fear. The loud explosions not only terrified animals, causing some to flee, get injured, or even die, but also severely affected vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly and those with health conditions. The noise was so intense that it was likened to the sound of wartime bombs, making the situation unbearable for many. Gosine called for immediate action through stricter enforcement, legislative review, or community awareness campaigns to ensure that future celebrations are conducted with respect and consideration for all. She urged the editor to use their influence to address this issue and take meaningful steps to protect both people and animals in the community.

In a compelling letter to the editor, Navin Persad advocates for the imposition of higher taxes on fireworks, drawing parallels to existing taxes on cigarettes and alcohol aimed at curbing their use and protecting public health. Persad highlights the significant yet often overlooked harms caused by fireworks, including the release of harmful fine particles (PM2.5) and toxic metals into the air, which exacerbate conditions like asthma, heart disease, and respiratory problems, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Additionally, the noise from fireworks, which can exceed 150 decibels—louder than a jet engine—can lead to hearing damage, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, affecting not only humans but also pets and wildlife, who often suffer from panic, injuries, or displacement. Persad argues that increasing the cost of fireworks would reduce their use, as evidenced by the decline in tobacco and alcohol consumption following price hikes. The revenue generated from such taxes could be allocated to fund professional public displays, enhance emergency services, and promote public education on responsible celebration. While some may view fireworks as a cultural tradition, Persad emphasizes that traditions evolve, citing past changes like indoor smoking bans and seatbelt laws. He also addresses concerns about illegal sales, suggesting that robust enforcement and community celebrations can mitigate such risks. Ultimately, Persad contends that taxing fireworks is a prudent step toward creating a cleaner, quieter, and more compassionate society, where celebrations bring joy without harm.

Sewa International Trinidad and Tobago (Sewa TT) is set to host its sixth annual clothing drive on October 25 and 26 at the National Council of Indian Culture’s (NCIC) Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas. This initiative, which began in 2018, has grown into one of the largest textile recycling efforts in the Caribbean, blending environmental sustainability with humanitarian service. Sewa TT’s president, Revan Teelucksingh, emphasized the drive’s evolution, noting its innovative collection and distribution systems have improved each year. The event not only redistributes gently used clothing but also fosters regional collaboration, particularly with Sewa Dominica, Sewa Guyana, and Sewa Suriname, to enhance disaster response logistics. The clothing drive has had a profound impact on the community, providing professional attire for job trainees and law students, and comfort for long-stay hospital patients. Volunteers have also found a sense of community and lasting friendships through their participation. The drive’s system ensures dignity for recipients by allowing them to select clothing in a private setting. Additionally, it addresses environmental concerns by reducing textile waste in landfills. Despite challenges such as funding and time constraints, Sewa TT remains committed to transparency and efficiency, with less than five percent of funds allocated to administrative costs. The organization’s growing volunteer base and partnerships with supermarkets and corporate sponsors highlight the collective effort’s success. Teelucksingh encourages more people to get involved, emphasizing that even small contributions can make a significant difference. The 2025 drive aims to improve the racking system for displaying donations, with a budget exceeding $500,000. For more information or to donate, visit www.sewa.org or contact Sewa TT via WhatsApp at 333-SEWA.