作者： admin

During a visit to Trinidad in late September, a casual shopping trip in Valpark turned into a heartfelt conversation about the changing scents of tradition and nature. The shop owners, a warm and welcoming couple, shared their excitement for the upcoming Divali celebrations, revealing their innovative plan to use deyas with wicks in water instead of the traditional coconut oil. While this modern twist is fascinating, the nostalgic aroma of coconut oil-soaked deyas remains unmatched, evoking cherished memories of past Divali celebrations spent with friends like the Sharmas, lighting deyas at dusk and savoring the homely scent that preceded Mrs. Sharma’s lavish vegetarian feast. The couple also reminisced about the once-special sight and smell of grapes and apples on Trinidad’s streets during Christmas, a seasonal treat that has now become commonplace, losing its unique charm. This conversation sparked a deeper reflection on how many natural and traditional scents seem to be fading from our lives. The scent of rain, sea spray, freshly-mown grass, and even the aroma of old book pages are becoming less noticeable, likely due to environmental degradation, urbanization, and shifting cultural habits. The impact of human activity on nature, including atmospheric heating and pollution, has altered the way life smells. Even the simple pleasure of smelling books, known as bibliosmia, may become a relic of the past as e-books dominate. The conversation also touched on the profound connection between scent, memory, and emotion, suggesting the idea of ‘scratch and sniff’ hubs to revive these endangered aromas and evoke nostalgic emotions. As one friend lamented, her sense of smell has been drastically diminished after multiple bouts of COVID-19, highlighting the fragility of this sensory experience. This reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the scents that shape our memories and emotions.

Felicity Hindu School in Trinidad and Tobago recently hosted its annual inter-school decorating competition in preparation for Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated on October 20. The event, held on October 9, showcased the creativity and cultural pride of its 455 students, predominantly Hindu, who participated in various age-appropriate activities. From infants to Standard Five, students engaged in tasks ranging from coloring deyas (traditional oil lamps) to crafting intricate kalsa sets and Divali wreaths. The competition not only highlighted artistic talent but also reinforced cultural traditions, with some students planning to use their creations in home puja ceremonies. Principal Denesh Bhagwandeen emphasized the importance of such events in fostering cultural awareness and providing a break from academic routines. The best designs from each class will be displayed during the school’s Divali program on October 16, followed by a puja ceremony on October 17. The event underscored the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural heritage, offering students a platform to express their creativity while celebrating their traditions.

The concept of tolerance, often hailed as a virtue, is increasingly being scrutinized for its underlying implications. While tolerance is commonly understood as the act of enduring something or someone one dislikes, it often carries an implicit sense of superiority. This perspective, deeply embedded in societal norms, raises questions about its true value and impact on marginalized groups. The author of this commentary argues that tolerance, as it stands, perpetuates a hierarchical mindset, where the tolerator assumes a position of dominance over the tolerated. This dynamic undermines the dignity of those on the receiving end, reducing their existence to something merely ‘endured’ rather than respected or embraced. The commentary draws on academic research, including a study by Verkuyten, Yogeeswaran, and Adelman, which highlights the negative psychological and social consequences of being tolerated. These include threats to self-esteem, belonging, and identity, as well as perceived injustices and social withdrawal. The author also references a Belgian report on LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing that marginalized communities seek respect, not mere tolerance. The piece concludes with a call to move beyond tolerance, advocating for acceptance, cherishing, and embracing diversity. It urges readers to reflect on their own attitudes and strive for a more inclusive and empathetic society. The commentary also advises consulting mental health professionals for deeper insights into the complexities of these issues.

In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying, a multi-million dollar operation in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was halted on October 9 by a strategic police intervention. The operation, which had been ongoing for months, involved the unauthorized extraction of minerals from state lands, causing extensive environmental damage. The quarry operator, who had previously resumed activities despite an earlier shutdown in July, was arrested along with 18 employees. Charges were filed on October 11 for processing minerals without a license. The illegal site featured advanced equipment, including conveyor belts, rock-crushing machinery, and a fully air-conditioned concrete building. The police are now investigating the operator’s real estate portfolio, suspected to have been funded by the illicit profits. The operation not only stripped valuable resources but also devastated a pristine forest and endangered local wildlife. Legal quarrying requires licenses, royalty payments, and site rehabilitation bonds, but the absence of national remediation efforts has left small organizations to address the environmental fallout. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro’s decisive action signals a commitment to protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s natural heritage. However, without stricter legal consequences, illegal quarrying will continue to exploit state lands, highlighting the need for robust enforcement and judicial follow-up.

In a significant development for Tobago, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro announced a remarkable 300% decline in homicides on the island. Speaking on the Tobago Updates morning show on October 10 during his first official visit, Guevarro revealed that while Tobago recorded 24 or 25 homicides at this time last year, the number has dropped to just six this year, with four of those cases already solved. Guevarro attributed this success to the strategic leadership of Tobago commanders, including ACP Oswain Subero, head of the division, Snr Supt Earl Elie, and other senior officers, who implemented a comprehensive ‘all of Tobago’ approach to crime prevention. However, he emphasized that crime-fighting is a collective responsibility and urged Tobagonians to remain vigilant and avoid becoming soft targets for criminals. Guevarro also highlighted the police’s proactive use of preventative detention powers under the ongoing state of emergency, with 79 orders executed and 46 still outstanding. Additionally, he praised the school-oriented policing initiative introduced in high-risk schools in September, noting its positive impact in reducing violence through a softer, more engaging approach, such as officers playing badminton and fixing ties with students. During his visit, Guevarro met with Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine to discuss crime-fighting and security strategies. Guevarro’s appointment as police commissioner was unanimously approved by Parliament on June 13, and he officially assumed the role on June 18.