分类： society

In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking, a 14-year-old Venezuelan girl played a pivotal role in the arrest of four suspected traffickers in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago. Despite the trauma of her ordeal, the teenager displayed remarkable composure and provided critical information to National Security agents, leading to the successful operation. The Ministry of Homeland Security confirmed the arrests in a statement, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the Counter-Trafficking Unit (CTU), the army, and the police. The pre-dawn raid, codenamed Operation Ironheart, targeted multiple locations linked to a suspected trafficking network and resulted in the detention of two Trinidadian nationals and two Venezuelan men on human-trafficking charges. Three other Venezuelans were held for immigration violations. The rescued girl is now under the care of the Children’s Authority. Deputy Director of the CTU, Dane-Marie Marshall, praised the teen’s bravery, stating that her evidence was instrumental in the arrests. Marshall expressed confidence in the strength of the case, emphasizing the CTU’s commitment to prosecuting offenders. She also highlighted the vulnerability of Venezuelan nationals due to geopolitical and economic challenges in their home country. The operation is part of a broader national strategy to dismantle organized trafficking networks. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander commended the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved, reaffirming the government’s resolve to combat human trafficking. According to the US Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons report, Trinidad and Tobago maintains a Tier 2 ranking, indicating significant efforts to address the issue despite not fully meeting minimum standards. CTU Director Allan Meiguel noted that since the unit’s inception in 2013, 80 individuals have been charged, resulting in two convictions. He urged the public to utilize the CTU’s 24-hour hotline to report potential trafficking cases.

The Remembrance Day parade serves as a solemn occasion to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation, protecting citizens from tyranny. This year, however, marked a notable absence of key political and security figures, including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Homeland Security Minister, and the Commissioner of Police, who traditionally lay wreaths in their official capacities. While the absence of these leaders may have been due to valid reasons, it raises concerns about the diminishing presence of dignitaries at such significant events. The author, Gary Griffith, emphasizes that this ceremony is not merely a military affair but a national observance that requires the participation of all leaders. The Prime Minister, as chair of the National Security Council, and the Opposition Leader, as an alternate commander, hold direct responsibilities over the military. Similarly, the Homeland Security Minister and the Police Commissioner play crucial roles in supporting the Defence Force and protective services. Griffith appeals to those in authority to prioritize this event, dedicating just one hour annually to honor the fallen. Such attendance not only pays respect to past sacrifices but also inspires current members of the Defence Force and protective services, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to those who serve.

The Tobago Visual Arts Association (TVAA) has unveiled its newly elected executive board for the 2025-2027 term, following a pivotal election held at the historic Kimme Museum in Mt Irvine, Tobago. The election, conducted on October 5, underscores the association’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and promoting the visual arts and artists of Tobago. The newly appointed leadership includes Martin Superville as president, Arletys Arias Valdespino as vice president, Natasha Amber Shaw as secretary, Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas as assistant secretary, Duneski Lora Pileta as treasurer, Nicolas McKenna and Kemo De Leon as ordinary members, and Dr. James Armstrong as immediate past president. Martin Superville, a self-taught artist with over three decades of experience and the owner of an art gallery in Tobago, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. ‘It is an honor to lead the Tobago Visual Arts Association during such a transformative period for our creative community,’ Superville remarked. ‘My goal is to fortify the connection between Tobago’s artists, our institutions, and the broader Caribbean art world. Together, we will continue to narrate our stories through color, movement, and imagination, celebrating Tobago’s unique spirit with every brushstroke.’ The TVAA extended its gratitude to the outgoing members and past leadership for their invaluable contributions to the local arts community. The new board has vowed to enhance creativity, collaboration, and opportunities for Tobago’s artists through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and advocacy for the visual arts sector. The association remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive artistic community that mirrors Tobago’s cultural richness and diversity. For more information, contact the TVAA via email at tobagovisualarts@gmail.com, call 771-5455 or 709-9988, or visit their Facebook page.

In a decisive move to address the growing issue of noise pollution, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on November 12 the immediate cessation of all fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The announcement, made via social media, highlighted the unbearable noise levels that have long plagued local residents. The Prime Minister emphasized that her government is committed to tackling this issue head-on, a promise made during her campaign. The Brian Lara Stadium has been a popular venue for major Carnival events such as Stink + Dutty, Out in South, and Prestige. Additionally, Persad-Bissessar revealed plans to introduce the Fireworks Legislation and enhanced noise pollution laws by the end of 2025. These new regulations will include designated quiet hours and stricter controls on fetes, music trucks, residential parties, and bars.

Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd has announced the commencement of a salvage operation to recover the remains of Pete Phillip, an employee presumed dead following the partial collapse of Rig 110 in December last year. The operation, led by a US-based contractor, is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, currently underway, focuses on risk mitigation and site stabilization to ensure the safety of personnel, protect the marine environment, and preserve the integrity of surrounding assets. Regulatory approvals, including a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), have been secured. Additionally, ‘Letters of No Objection’ have been obtained from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Ministry of Works and Transport – Maritime Services Division, and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency. Phase two will involve the recovery of Phillip’s remains and the removal of the rig structure. The company has kept Phillip’s family informed and remains committed to a safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible process, coordinating closely with regulators and stakeholders.

Yara Trinidad Ltd emerged as the standout winner at the American Chamber of Commerce’s TT (Amcham TT) 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards, held on November 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. The company secured the prestigious Excellence in HSE Award, while Sonriz Engineering Services Ltd received an honorable mention. Additionally, Yara Trinidad Ltd claimed first place in the Towards Operational Resilience Category, with ASCO Logistics Ltd earning honorable mention in the same category. The event, which marked a significant milestone for Amcham TT, celebrated outstanding achievements in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) across various industries. In the Outstanding Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Environment Project category, National Energy Corporation of TT Ltd won the large energy category for its Phase II Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Education Project, while La Brea Industrial Development Company Ltd took the small energy category. The Airports Authority of TT triumphed in the large services category. Acado Foods, a division of Acado Trinidad Ltd, won the large manufacturing category in the HSE Evolution Award, with Nu-Iron Ltd securing the large energy category and the TT Unit Trust Corporation winning in the large services category. CEO Nirad Tewarie emphasized the evolution of the awards from a recognition program to a movement fostering shared values of safety, health, and environmental care. He praised the leadership of awardees, highlighting their resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Head judge Gerard Rajkumar noted the awards’ expansion beyond the energy sector, reflecting the growing importance of HSE across industries. He also detailed recent enhancements to the awards process, including mentorship programs aimed at supporting companies in achieving HSE excellence.