分类： society

In a dynamic display of youthful insight and advocacy, 36 participants from secondary schools, youth organizations, and tertiary institutions across Trinidad and Tobago gathered at the Red House on November 24 for the 22nd annual Youth Parliament debate. The focal point of the event was a proposed Cyberbullying bill, which aims to address the escalating issue of online harassment through a structured two-tiered offence system. The bill includes provisions for threats of violence, sexual harm, targeting children, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and impersonation. Penalties proposed range from mandatory counseling and community service to fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, the bill introduces a takedown provision, empowering law enforcement to seek court orders for the removal of harmful content or its preservation as evidence in legal proceedings. Kachay Marcano, a Polytechnic Institute student and ‘opposition leader’ in the debate, emphasized the urgency of enacting legislation to combat the pervasive impact of cyberbullying, citing the rapid dissemination of harmful content on social media. She highlighted the dehumanizing effects of such actions, urging the government to balance freedom of expression with the right to safety and dignity. Johann George of Milat, representing the opposition, underscored the severe mental health consequences of cyberbullying, referencing alarming statistics from the Journal of the American Medical Association that link cyberbullying victims to a 50% higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts. On the government side, Zyane Bissoon of the Trinidad Youth Council acknowledged the existing framework to combat cybercrime, including the 2011 Data Protection Act and the efforts of the cybercrime unit since 2019. Delano Joefield of the Tobago Youth Council highlighted recent amendments to the Sexual Offences Act and the Offences Against the Person Act, which now criminalize voyeurism and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Despite differing perspectives, the debate underscored the need for updated legislation to address the evolving digital landscape. Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh praised the participants for their leadership and commitment, expressing confidence in the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s democracy.

The Scotiabank Foundation has strengthened its collaboration with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CADV) by launching an innovative economic empowerment initiative aimed at supporting women affected by domestic violence. This program extends beyond traditional psychosocial assistance, focusing on equipping survivors with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to foster financial independence and rebuild their lives. In 2024, Scotiabank’s contributions enabled CADV to provide critical services, including trauma counseling, legal aid, relocation support, and educational assistance for families in need. Building on this foundation, the Foundation has donated $120,000 to enhance CADV’s Psychosocial Services Programme with a six-month economic empowerment component. The initiative will benefit fifteen survivors, offering three months of hands-on training in garment construction and sewing, followed by three months of business development guidance. Participants will learn essential skills such as pattern drafting, machine operation, and garment assembly, alongside business planning, market research, financial management, and marketing strategies. Scotiabank emphasized that its commitment to CADV is action-oriented, with employees actively driving change through the bank’s Empower Employee Resource Group. Volunteers lead sensitization workshops to raise awareness and amplify CADV’s mission of creating safer, stronger communities. Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, General Manager of CADV, praised the partnership as a model of multi-layered involvement, highlighting its developmental impact on participants and their families. Gayle Pazos, Senior VP and Managing Director of Scotiabank TT, underscored the initiative’s transformative potential, stating that it empowers women to gain confidence, rebuild their lives, and achieve economic independence.

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left a community in shock, UNC councillor Romona Victor and her common-law husband, Rodney Ramsumair, were found dead in their Siparia home on Sunday afternoon. Police are investigating the case as a suspected murder-suicide. The couple, who had been together for 16 years, were discovered in their bedroom, with Victor found in bed and Ramsumair nearby. The tragic event has left both families devastated and searching for answers. Rodney’s father, Boysie Ramsumair, has urged the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances until the forensic report is released. He emphasized that while the couple had occasional disagreements, there were no signs of the relationship deteriorating to such a tragic end. Boysie described their relationship as strong and supportive, highlighting their shared ambitions and the family’s close bond. He also revealed that Rodney had taken on a fatherly role for Romona’s teenage son from a previous relationship. The elder Ramsumair expressed frustration over the rampant speculation on social media, urging people to consider the trauma the families are enduring. As the investigation continues, the community awaits the autopsy results to shed light on the events leading to this devastating outcome.

A 69-year-old pensioner, Jairam ‘Baba’ Balliramsingh, remains hospitalized with first-degree burns after bravely rescuing his five-year-old grandson from a devastating house fire in Debe. The incident occurred on November 22 at their two-storey concrete home on Ramai Trace, Congo Village. Balliramsingh, who is now in the intensive care unit at San Fernando General Hospital, rushed into the burning living room to save his grandson, Travis Jagroo, who was later discharged after being treated for smoke inhalation. The fire, which broke out around 9 am, destroyed significant household items, including an air-conditioning unit, furniture, and clothing. Balliramsingh’s wife, Rosina, recounted the harrowing experience, praising her husband’s selflessness and the swift response of neighbors who helped extinguish the flames before fire officers arrived. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by PC Seecharan, while the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation’s Disaster Management Unit has provided emergency relief to the family.

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the community of Siparia in shock, UNC councillor Romona Victor and her common-law husband Rodney Ramsumair were found dead in their home on Sunday. The police have classified the case as a murder-suicide, with Ramsumair allegedly killing Victor before taking his own life. The discovery was made by Victor’s father, Francis Victor, who described the scene as harrowing and deeply traumatic. Francis revealed that he had long feared for his daughter’s safety due to the volatile nature of her relationship with Ramsumair, which had been marked by frequent conflicts and reconciliations. Romona, known for her dedication to her constituents, had a private life fraught with challenges. Autopsies confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma to the neck, while Ramsumair succumbed to poisoning. The tragedy has prompted condolences from political leaders, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. Ramsumair’s father has proposed a joint funeral, though the Victor family has yet to decide on the matter. The incident underscores the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for intervention in troubled relationships.

The tragic murder-suicide involving UNC councillor Romona Victor and her common-law husband Rodney Ramsumair has sent shockwaves through the community of Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago. The couple, who had a tumultuous 16-year relationship, were found dead in their home on Sunday afternoon. Victor’s father, Francis, discovered the bodies during a visit to deliver vegetables. Victor was found under blankets on the bed, having succumbed to blunt force trauma to the neck, while Ramsumair was found on the floor, having ingested a poisonous substance. The incident has drawn reactions from both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who emphasized the urgent need to address domestic violence and protect women and girls. Persad-Bissessar, also the MP for Siparia, expressed her condolences on Facebook, urging victims of domestic violence to seek help. She praised Victor as a dedicated public servant who served her community with compassion and humility. Beckles, the Arima MP, highlighted the broader societal issue, citing alarming statistics that one in three women faces domestic or gender-based violence. She called for stronger legal measures, better resources for gender-based violence units, and improved police response to such cases. The tragedy coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on November 25, adding to its poignancy. Siparia mayor Doodnath Mayhroo visited the Victor family, offering support and facilities for the funeral. He described Victor as a hard-working councillor and urged women in abusive relationships to seek help and protection. The municipality will appoint an interim caretaker for Victor’s district until a by-election is held.