分类： society

In a recent letter to the editor, Arthur Dash critiques the misuse of statistics in a study cited by Rhondall Feeles of the Single Fathers’ Association of TT. Feeles referenced an unnamed laboratory study claiming that 143 out of 440 men who underwent paternity tests over five years were not the biological fathers of their children. Dash argues that extrapolating this statistic to the broader population is misleading, as it misrepresents the global rate of paternity discrepancies, which is realistically between one to four percent. Dash emphasizes that men seeking paternity tests often already suspect they are not the fathers, skewing the results. Moreover, even using Feeles’ data, two-thirds of the men tested were indeed the biological fathers, highlighting a troubling trend of men contesting child support responsibilities. Dash also points out that many women, especially those facing domestic violence or financial constraints, are reluctant to seek court orders for child support. The Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA TT) calls for addressing these issues to promote gender equality and respectful family relations. They advocate for readily available paternity tests without stigmatization and emphasize the importance of extended family networks in childcare. The letter concludes by urging society to reject harmful stereotypes and support families in navigating complex relationships.

A chilling incident unfolded on the evening of November 7 in the quiet community of Salick Trace, Guapo, Point Fortin, when 27-year-old Josiah ‘Cake’ Phillip was fatally shot by an unidentified gunman. The tragic event occurred near the intersection of Salick Trace and Augustus Trace, just a short distance from Phillip’s home. Witnesses reported that the assailant, clad in a black hoodie and dark three-quarter pants, fired a single shot to Phillip’s head before fleeing the scene. Phillip, described by his uncle Kelon Lewis as a ‘cool and quiet person,’ was rushed to the Point Fortin Hospital but was pronounced dead by Dr. Ragoobar at 8:20 pm. The victim, who was unmarried and had no children, was the only son of Lisa Lewis. His death has left his family, particularly his mother and sister, in profound grief. Relatives mentioned a prior altercation involving a threat to Phillip’s life, though no police report was filed. Law enforcement officers, including PCs Balkaransingh, Sonny, and Roopchan, responded swiftly to the scene, while the Homicide Bureau of Region Three initiated an investigation. Phillip’s body has been transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital mortuary, with a post-mortem examination scheduled at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James.

A catastrophic fire in Vega de Oropouche, east Trinidad, on November 7 left three homes and a mini-mart in ruins, but the timely intervention of a vigilant neighbor saved 15 lives, including seven children. The blaze erupted around 3 am in a mini-mart, where LPG gas tanks exploded, rapidly spreading the inferno to adjacent homes. The neighbor, preparing for his market work, noticed the fire and immediately alerted residents by honking his car horn and shouting warnings. His actions prompted the frightened families to flee, though they lost nearly all their possessions. Tragically, a pet dog perished in the flames, and two vehicles were destroyed. Residents expressed frustration over the delayed response from the Sangre Grande Fire Station, which was reportedly locked and unmanned. Firefighters from Arima eventually arrived over an hour later to extinguish the blaze. Taryn Bhola, a resident severely burned while attempting to salvage belongings, described the ordeal as surreal and emphasized the need for better emergency services. Local officials provided immediate aid, including mattresses, food, and access to government grants for rebuilding. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the fire service’s inadequacies, with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledging systemic issues and pledging improvements.

The serene neighborhood of Whiteland in Williamsville was thrust into turmoil on November 7 following a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 37-year-old Stephen Vialva. The incident unfolded at his mother’s residence on Paradise Avenue, where Vialva, known for his tumultuous behavior, was fatally shot during a heated confrontation with a male relative. According to reports, Vialva, in a drunken state, had threatened his family and returned to the house armed with a gun. A scuffle ensued, during which the 39-year-old relative attempted to disarm him, resulting in two gunshots that struck Vialva. The relative sustained minor injuries and was treated at the hospital. Police recovered a pistol, a magazine, and ammunition at the scene, and while the incident is not classified as a homicide, it is being treated as an “occurrence” pending further investigation. Vialva’s mother, Elizabeth Atwell, who had previously obtained restraining orders against him due to his violent tendencies, was present during the altercation. The family revealed that Vialva had been terrorizing them for 17 years, with his behavior worsening when intoxicated. The incident has left the community in shock, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.

On November 5, the Ganesh Utsav Foundation in Otaheite became a hub of spiritual fervor as devotees from various regions gathered to celebrate Kartik Snaan, a sacred ritual bath observed during the Hindu holy month of Kartik. This annual event symbolizes spiritual purification, aiming to cleanse the body, mind, and soul of sins and negativity. The two-hour service, led by Pundit Sunil Seetahal-Maharaj, included heartfelt prayers and the offering of personal gifts, reflecting the deep gratitude of the participants. Devotees expressed their thankfulness to God for the simple yet profound blessings of life through this water thanksgiving ritual. The celebration was marked by moments of unity and devotion, as individuals clasped hands in prayer and made offerings at the shoreline, embodying the essence of spiritual renewal and communal harmony.

A fatal accident occurred in the early hours of November 8 on the Solomon Hochoy Highway near the Corinth Overpass, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Arvin Williams. Williams, a resident of London Street Extension in St Joseph Village, San Fernando, was pronounced dead at the scene. Reports indicate that he was returning home after dropping off a friend in Golconda when the incident took place. According to police, Williams was driving his red Nissan Frontier along the northbound lane of the highway when he lost control of the vehicle near the Cipero Bridge, crashing into the bridge’s walls. The van subsequently plunged into a ditch 30 feet below, landing on the bank of the Cipero River. Emergency responders from the Mon Repos Fire Station, including FSSO Hernandez, arrived at the scene and used specialized equipment, known as the ‘jaws of life,’ to extract Williams’ body from the wreckage. Dr. Bahal, the District Medical Officer, examined the body and ordered its transfer to the San Fernando General Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Officers from the Southern Division, including Cpl Khallie, WPC Nysus, and PC Madhoo, conducted an on-site investigation and collected evidence. The wreckage was later towed to the Ste Madeleine Police Station, where Cpl Khallie is leading the ongoing investigation. This tragic incident echoes a similar fatal crash in the same area last year, where two friends, Sachin Teeluckdharry and Ryan Ramnanan, lost their lives after their vehicle veered off the highway and landed in the Cipero River.

Pumpkin, a staple in many cuisines, is celebrated for its versatility and year-round availability. This humble squash, available in varieties like calabaza, rough skin, and rupee, is a traditional ingredient in dishes ranging from peas and pelau to veggie roti and pepper sauce. Its soft flavor makes it a perfect match for warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, and ginger, enhancing both savory and sweet recipes.