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The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced alternative venues for Carnival 2026 events following a sweeping ban on fetes at major public sporting facilities. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin revealed during a House of Representatives session on November 21 that the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS) and facilities in Chaguaramas have been designated as primary alternatives. This decision comes after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended a ban on Carnival-related events at key venues, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the Jean Pierre Complex, sparking concerns from industry stakeholders. The ban, initially imposed on the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, has been criticized by promoters who warn it could devastate the multi-billion-dollar Carnival and entertainment industry, a critical driver of tourism and foreign exchange. Benjamin assured that her ministry, in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission (NCC), is committed to supporting stakeholders and ensuring a successful Carnival. However, tensions flared during the parliamentary session as Diego Martin West MP Hans Des Vignes pressed for clarity on stakeholder consultations, only to be cut off by Speaker Jagdeo Singh for violating procedural rules. Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle also questioned the minister on additional venues, to which Benjamin reiterated the QPS and Chaguaramas as key locations. The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has urged the government to reconsider the ban, warning it could deliver a ‘death knell’ to the already vulnerable sector. Despite a scheduled meeting between the TTPA and Benjamin on November 21, no confirmation of its occurrence was provided, leaving industry concerns unresolved.

In the heart of eastern Uganda, Moses Kutoi, a respected clan leader of the Bagisu people, finds himself at the center of a cultural and familial storm. As paternity disputes surge across the country, Kutoi mediates sensitive family conflicts, often involving men questioning the resemblance of their children. For Kutoi, this issue is deeply taboo, rooted in ancestral wisdom, yet he feels compelled to intervene to prevent marriages from collapsing into violence. “Even I don’t resemble my father,” he recently told a skeptical man seeking his help. The rise of DNA testing, fueled by reports of well-known Ugandans discovering they are not the biological fathers of their children, has intensified these disputes. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reports a dramatic increase in voluntary DNA tests, with over 98% of results revealing non-paternity. Despite appeals from religious leaders like Anglican Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, who urged tolerance and faith, the demand for DNA testing continues to grow. In Nabumali, where Kutoi serves as mayor, the high cost of testing—over $200—makes it inaccessible for many families. Kutoi, drawing on his own experience, emphasizes the importance of unity and tradition, reminding disputing couples that children are a blessing regardless of biological ties. As paternity disputes increasingly intertwine with property and divorce proceedings, faith leaders like Rev. Robert Wantsala and Pastor Andrew Mutengu are stepping in to counsel families and mediate conflicts. Yet, as DNA testing becomes more prevalent, the challenge remains to balance modern science with traditional values in a rapidly changing society.

The National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) is optimistic about upcoming salary negotiations after the Trinidad and Tobago government formalized a 10% wage increase offer for public servants. The offer, covering two outstanding periods from 2014 to 2019, was presented to the Public Services Association (PSA) on November 21 during a meeting involving the Personnel Department and the Ministry of Finance. NUGFW President General Christopher Streete expressed his elation and hopes that his union, representing 17,000 daily-rated workers, will soon be invited to the bargaining table for similar discussions. Streete emphasized that the NUGFW had previously rejected a 4% offer under the former administration and supported the current government’s campaign promises for better terms. He also thanked the PSA for its persistence in resolving the issue and expressed confidence that other trade unions would receive comparable offers. The government’s economic briefing during the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the nation’s fiscal position to guide negotiations. Streete assured that if the NUGFW is not contacted by mid-week, he will initiate discussions to ensure his members receive their due.

A dramatic police-involved shooting unfolded in Arima on November 22 after a reported carjacking, leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old man who sustained gunshot wounds. According to a media release issued on November 23, the incident began when a woman was confronted by an armed assailant at her La Horquetta residence around 7 pm. The gunman, accompanied by another suspect, stole her Hyundai Elantra and fled the scene. Northern division police swiftly responded, intercepting the stolen vehicle and engaging in a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly fired at the officers, prompting the police to return fire in accordance with their use-of-force policy. The vehicle eventually crashed in the Mt Pleasant area, where the 25-year-old driver was found injured and hospitalized. His accomplice managed to escape into nearby bushes. Authorities recovered a firearm from the scene. In a separate but related operation, Inter-Agency Task Force officers discovered 3.1 kilograms of cannabis during a search in Snake Valley, Laventille. The operation, conducted between 2 pm and 8:30 pm on November 22, was led by senior officers including ACP Hazel, Snr Supt Ramnarine, Supt Ramsook, and ASP Singh. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

The tranquil fishing villages along Trinidad’s northeastern coast, from Salybia to Matelot, are facing unprecedented challenges as US military strikes against narco-traffickers have severely disrupted the local fishing industry. Fisherfolk, already grappling with fear and uncertainty, are hesitant to venture far from shore, leaving once-bustling fishing hubs like Toco and Saline Bay eerily quiet. The US has conducted 21 missile strikes since September 2, killing 83 individuals suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. This military escalation, coupled with thousands of marines and naval vessels stationed in the region, has created a tense atmosphere for coastal communities. At the Toco Fishing Centre, a key hub for fresh fish, stalls remain empty, and the compound is deserted, a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. Nearby, fish vendor Nixon Kissoon, 53, and his nephew Andrew struggle to adapt to the new reality. Nixon highlights the Coast Guard’s restrictions, which limit fishing to within two miles of the shore, making it nearly impossible to catch deep-water species like carite and kingfish. Fishermen on the west and south coasts face similar constraints. Nixon, a veteran of the industry, has pivoted to transporting fish from Orange Valley to Manzanilla and Toco, but the rising costs of fuel and wholesale fish have placed immense financial strain on families. Veteran fisherman Winston Miller, 63, echoes these concerns, describing the situation as a “high-risk gamble.” The economic fallout extends beyond fishing, with local businesses like clothing shops and food outlets closing early. Former MP Roger Munroe notes that the Toco lighthouse, a potential tourist attraction, remains closed. Calls for government intervention, such as subsidies, have grown louder, but local officials remain unresponsive. As the crisis deepens, the once-thriving coastal communities face an uncertain future.