作者： admin

In an unexpected cultural shift, Trinidad and Tobago has embraced an unconventional Christmas icon—the Grinch—with a surprising twist beneath the green costume. Across supermarkets, malls, and holiday events, this once-villainous character now draws larger crowds than traditional festive figures, thanks to an unlikely performer: 33-year-old San Fernando resident Ayanna.

By day, Ayanna balances roles as a wife, mother of two, and corporate manager. But when she dons the iconic green suit, she undergoes a complete transformation into Dr. Seuss’s mischievous creation. ‘As soon as I put the Grinch costume on, I become Mr. Grinch,’ revealed Ayanna, who maintains mystery by withholding her last name as part of her character’s allure.

Her journey into character performance began during her industrial chemistry studies at UWI, where mascot work provided extra income. However, her Grinch portrayal stems from personal inspiration—she’s a self-proclaimed superfan of Jim Carrey’s iconic performance. ‘I wanted to embody his attitude and comedic genius,’ she explained.

The art of Grinch portrayal requires meticulous preparation beyond mere costuming. Ayanna practices vocal modulation, develops mannerisms, and maintains physical conditioning for the demanding role. ‘I do practice runs imitating the voice, mannerisms, and unique style,’ she noted, adding that hydration and stretching are crucial for the physically intensive performances.

Maxwell Pusey of Fancy Events, Ayanna’s employer, confirmed the Grinch’s surging popularity. ‘We’ve seen a significant increase in demand compared to previous years,’ he stated, noting the character’s introduction to their Christmas lineup four years ago was strategically intentional. Social media amplification through shareable content has further propelled the trend.

The Grinch’s evolved perception—from villain to entertaining mischief-maker—has driven this popularity surge. Pusey emphasized that the character now represents ‘a unique mix of humour, surprise, and playful mischief’ that resonates across generations. Notably, clients increasingly book the Grinch alongside Santa Claus, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances event engagement.

Ayanna’s performances require nuanced crowd reading, particularly with children. ‘Not every child responds well to him,’ she acknowledged, describing how she adapts based on reactions. Her most meaningful moment involved an autistic child who clung to her character throughout an event—a touching demonstration of the role’s impact beyond entertainment.

The physical challenges include maintaining character integrity despite heat and restricted vision within the costume. Yet the greatest reward, Ayanna shared, is ‘being able to not be this serious individual that my day-to-day life requires’ and fulfilling her personal mission of creating ‘as much fun as possible.’

As Trinidad and Tobago embraces this nontraditional holiday figure, the Grinch has found permanent cultural footing—not replacing Santa, but complementing him with playful mischief and unforgettable memories.

Cedar Grove Private School’s annual Christmas concert, aptly titled “A Christmas to Remember,” transformed into a spectacular showcase of youthful talent and seasonal cheer on December 9th at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA). The event brought together the entire school community for an evening that combined artistic expression with heartfelt celebration.

The performance lineup featured students across all grade levels, from tentative preschoolers experiencing their first stage moments to self-assured fifth graders preparing to transition to secondary education. The program skillfully blended traditional and contemporary elements through music, dance, and theatrical presentations, demonstrating the institution’s longstanding dedication to integrating visual and performing arts into its educational framework.

Among the most memorable segments were the youngest performers whose genuine enthusiasm captivated attendees. When occasional lyrics were forgotten, these children compensated with radiant smiles and spontaneous dance movements that generated waves of affectionate laughter and applause throughout the auditorium. Their colorful costumes—featuring Santa hats, angel wings, and elf outfits—added visual magic to the production.

The event’s proceedings were gracefully guided by Head Boy Kiran Mahabir and Head Girl Kaithlyn Heeralal, while special greetings were delivered by Natasha Moonilal and Kristin Sobers. They represented their respective husbands, Government Ministers Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Sean Sobers, who were engaged in parliamentary debates concerning fireworks legislation designed to protect children, elderly citizens, and pets.

School Supervisor Dr. Roydon Rampersad highlighted the institution’s exceptional academic achievements, noting Cedar Grove’s ninth-place national ranking among approximately 550 schools in Trinidad and Tobago based on Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination results. He emphasized the Christmas message of reflection, love, joy, and hope while congratulating students on their outstanding performances.

The artistic presentations ranged from the Senior Dance Club’s graceful interpretation of “Ave Maria” to the Junior Dance Club’s energetic “Carol of the Bells.” Younger students delivered charming renditions of “Jingle Bells” and “Merry Christmas Everyone,” while the fourth-grade class presented a musical comedy segment. The keyboard club performed a festive medley, and the steelpan ensemble offered a moving interpretation of “O Holy Night.”

Principal Dillan Daniel concluded the evening by thanking families and friends for participating in this celebration of joy, unity, and faith, reminding attendees of the seasonal call to support one another throughout the coming year.

A devastating chain of events that began with a fatal highway accident in Tobago has culminated in a shocking courtroom collapse, leaving a family without closure and raising serious questions about Trinidad and Tobago’s justice system.

In May 2023, Christian Adams, 38, a firefighter, and his wife Teresa Alleyne-Adams, 38, a civil servant, were tragically killed when their white Suzuki was crushed by an overturned dump truck on the Claude Noel Highway. The couple, known affectionately as Chris and Terry to their community, were en route to collect their children when the collision occurred, leaving three children orphaned.

The tragedy deepened days later when a relative who had traveled to Tobago for the funeral drowned during his visit, compounding the family’s unimaginable grief.

After two years of legal proceedings, the case reached its stunning conclusion on December 17 when prosecutors abruptly informed Justice Nalini Singh that no further evidence would be presented. The driver charged in connection with the incident was released, leaving the family without answers or accountability.

The case had initially garnered significant attention, with Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine attending the funeral and former Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis appearing at a memorial service. THA officials had publicly pledged to ‘take care of the children’ left behind by the couple, who were described as deeply devoted to their family and faith.

Despite three days of trial proceedings during which witnesses testified and were cross-examined, the prosecution invoked both the prosecutorial code and a directive from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to justify their decision to terminate the case, citing no reasonable prospect of conviction.

The collapse of the trial raises urgent questions about why authorities required two years to determine insufficient evidence existed, whether a coroner’s inquest might provide alternative avenues for truth, and what accountability measures exist for families failed by the justice system.

Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural community has erupted in protest following the government’s controversial decision to postpone the implementation of the new national coat of arms featuring the steelpan until January 2031. The move, authorized through Legal Notice No. 468, has drawn fierce criticism from cultural organizations and political opponents who decry it as a betrayal of national pride and cultural progress.

Pan Trinbago, the international governing body for the steelpan, expressed profound disappointment with the five-year extension granted for continued use of the previous emblem displaying three ships. President Beverley Ramsey-Moore characterized the delay as contradictory to the spirit of unity demonstrated when Parliament unanimously approved the symbolic change earlier this year. “We are deeply disappointed,” Ramsey-Moore stated. “Both government and opposition stood shoulder to shoulder in full support of the amendment.”

The organization emphasized that the steelpan represents more than mere symbolism—it embodies national resilience, cultural identity, and serves as a global industry. Ramsey-Moore stressed that deferring implementation until 2031 undermines cultural progress and diminishes the instrument’s significance to national identity, noting that the decision sends an unfortunate message to citizens who celebrated this long-awaited moment of national pride.

Opposition leaders have condemned the timing and secrecy surrounding the decision. Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales questioned why the government published the legal notice quietly during Christmas preparations, asking pointedly: “Why did the national instrument offend this country’s leadership so deeply?” He described the action as a “blatant attack on a cultural symbol of our national community.”

Former government officials including ex-Prime Minister Keith Rowley and former Energy Minister Stuart Young joined the criticism, with Young accusing the current administration of acting without transparency and demonstrating “extremist hatred and dark revenge” toward cultural symbols. Young connected the emblem delay to a broader pattern of hostility toward pan culture since May 2025, including sponsorship withdrawals from steelbands nationwide.

The controversy extends to financial considerations, with questions raised about potential savings from the deferral and costs associated with updating national currency. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended the decision as “a simple matter of common sense,” noting that both emblems have been in use since approval and that the extension merely sets a definite transition deadline. However, the minister did not provide cost estimates for updating currency designs.

The sponsorship aspect gained particular attention following September incidents where state-owned National Gas Company (NGC) terminated support for multiple steelbands, citing contract re-evaluations. Termination letters gave bands just seven days’ notice, fueling perceptions of systematic cultural marginalization.

Former Culture Minister Randall Mitchell summarized the growing concern: “The steelpan and the steelpan movement are under attack by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar government.” Mitchell highlighted the historical significance of replacing Columbus’s ships—symbols of colonial brutality—with the indigenous steelpan, making the delay particularly symbolic.

The government maintains that the phased approach prevents waste by replacing items only as needed, similar to how existing passports remain valid until renewal. Yet critics argue the decision reflects deeper issues regarding cultural prioritization and transparent governance, with the Christmas timing and lack of public consultation intensifying suspicions of political motivation.

Multiple educational institutions from northern Trinidad have officially withdrawn from the prestigious 2026 National Schools’ Panorama competition following what they describe as insufficient notice regarding the event’s relocation to Skinner Park in San Fernando. According to insider reports obtained by Newsday, approximately eight to ten schools have opted out of the musical championship.

The core issue, as explained by several anonymous musical directors and educators, revolves not around opposition to the southern venue itself, but rather the impractical timeframe for logistical preparation. The competition’s unexpected shift from its traditional home at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain to Skinner Park—coupled with its scheduling on Monday, January 19, 2026—has created insurmountable challenges for participating schools.

One musical director revealed that initial rumors about the venue change emerged approximately one month prior, but official confirmation from the Ministry of Education—which coordinates the event with Pan Trinbago’s assistance—remained ambiguous until recently. “When we did receive confirmation,” the director stated, “we were instructed to register despite our concerns, creating the false impression that northern schools accepted the southern venue without objection.”

The financial implications of the relocation have proven particularly burdensome. While the Ministry offered TT$3,000 in transportation assistance, directors estimate actual costs for traveling to San Fernando could reach TT$17,000—nearly double the TT$9,000 typically required for attending the Port of Spain event. This substantial increase renders participation economically unviable for many institutions, especially considering the competition’s top prize of TT$35,000 and overall preparation costs that can exceed TT$100,000.

Notable withdrawals include Bishop Anstey High School Port of Spain, Queen’s Royal College, and the 2025 champions Bishop Anstey East. Educators emphasize that with proper advance notice—ideally a full year—and adequate financial support, they would welcome the opportunity to bring the cultural event to Skinner Park. The current combination of short notice, inadequate funding, and problematic weekday scheduling has unfortunately made participation impossible for several northern schools.

Despite multiple attempts to contact Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath for comment, including WhatsApp messages and phone calls on December 22-23, Newsday received no immediate response from the Ministry regarding these concerns.