分类： society

Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, a lifelong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, was awarded the Medal for the Development of Women (Silver) on Republic Day 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights her over four decades of dedication to empowering women and combating gender-based violence (GBV) in Trinidad and Tobago. However, Mowlah-Baksh’s response to the honor was unexpectedly introspective. Rather than feeling elated, she expressed mixed emotions, questioning whether her efforts had been sufficient given the persistent challenges women face today.

For over three decades, Chandra Katwaroo has been a beacon of devotion, using her performances of the Ramayan and bhajans to inspire and uplift others. The Ramayan, an ancient Sanskrit epic by Valmiki, narrates the life of Lord Ram and imparts lessons on faith, resilience, and the duality of life. Katwaroo’s deep connection to this sacred text began in her childhood, as her father would read and expound upon it every Saturday, instilling in her a lifelong passion. Her favorite part of the epic is when Ram, exiled to the forest for 14 years, returns to his kingdom, greeted by the joyous lighting of lamps—a symbol of hope and triumph. Beyond her spiritual pursuits, Katwaroo is a gifted singer, actively participating in Hindu festivals like Ganesh Utsav, Pitr Paksh, and Divali. Her musical journey began at six, singing in school choirs and churches, which exposed her to diverse cultures and religions. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband and son, Katwaroo continues to share her music and teachings, traveling globally to spread messages of faith and empowerment. She has released nine albums, composed numerous songs, and received accolades for her contributions to culture and spirituality. Her mantra, ‘I filled my heart with love one day, to all I met I gave it away,’ reflects her unwavering commitment to helping others. Katwaroo’s life is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and service, as she continues to inspire countless individuals to recognize their inner divinity and purpose.

Trinidad and Tobago is facing a harrowing surge in violent crime, with seven murders recorded in just 24 hours in the eastern quadrant of the island. This alarming spike has pushed the weekly homicide count to 20, marking the bloodiest week of the year. The nation, already shaken by recent high-profile killings, including the triple murder of a family in Friendship Village and the ambush of a Chaguanas businessman, is now under heightened tension as the state of emergency (SoE) enters its 84th day. Despite the SoE, which was declared on July 18 and extended by Parliament for an additional 90 days, the relentless wave of violence continues to escalate. Social media and opposition politicians have expressed outrage, with some calling for a ‘state of extreme emergency’ to address the crisis. Former national security minister Marvin Gonzales criticized the government’s approach, stating that the root causes of crime, such as unemployment, gun trafficking, and judicial stagnation, remain unaddressed. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement but emphasized ongoing anti-crime operations. Meanwhile, the discovery of missing businessman Imraz ‘Clubs’ Ali’s body and a series of other brutal killings have further deepened public despair. The government’s promise to reduce crime within six months has yet to yield sustainable results, leaving citizens increasingly fearful and disillusioned.

The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Fire Service is grappling with a critical shortage of essential equipment, a situation that has persisted for over a decade. Acting Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Andy Hutchinson voiced his concerns during an educational fair at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain on October 10. Hutchinson emphasized that while acquiring new equipment is crucial, the lack of ongoing training programs has exacerbated the challenges faced by fire officers. He highlighted the need for comprehensive training to operate advanced equipment, such as Hazmat trucks, which are currently underutilized due to insufficient training. The last significant investment in the Fire Service was made in 2014 under the People’s Partnership administration, which allocated $53 million for vehicles, stations, and training. However, with the change of government in 2015, funding was withdrawn, leaving the Fire Service to rely on aging vehicles, some of which are up to 28 years old. Hutchinson criticized the recent purchase of substandard breathing apparatus sets, which fail to meet the safety standards of previous equipment and pose risks to fire officers. In 2024, Fire Service Association president Keone Guy also raised alarms about the outdated and insufficient gear used by fire officers nationwide, including shortages of hydraulic rescue tools, portable pumps, generators, and personal protective equipment. Despite these challenges, Hutchinson remains hopeful that the upcoming national budget will address these long-standing issues. He praised the dedication of fire officers and the collaborative efforts with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, expressing optimism for future improvements.

Anderson Zoe, a sports and physical education teacher at Matelot Community School, is among the six candidates competing for the presidency of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA). The election, scheduled for October 14, marks Zoe’s first foray into the TTUTA campaign trail. He is running as an independent candidate, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in the union’s leadership to empower teachers and address their concerns more effectively. Zoe’s campaign focuses on fostering greater teacher involvement through town hall-style meetings, both in-person and online, where educators can voice their opinions and propose solutions. He also highlights the importance of confidentiality for those who prefer private discussions. Zoe’s platform is primarily promoted through social media, as he funds his campaign out-of-pocket, describing it as a ‘weak financial campaign’ but one that has garnered significant support from teachers. Born and raised in Matelot, Zoe has a strong educational background, including studies at Valsayn Teachers College and the University of the West Indies. He is also a certified mediator and sports administrator. Zoe’s candidacy is driven by his belief that the union’s leadership has failed to address critical issues such as salary upgrades, promotions, allowances, and Unimed insurance. He also stresses the need for TTUTA to play a more active role in addressing school violence, advocating for a collaborative approach between the union and the Ministry of Education. Zoe urges teachers to vote for the change they wish to see in the union.

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.

At Felicity Hindu School in Trinidad and Tobago, the annual inter-school decorating competition on October 9 showcased the creativity and cultural pride of its students in preparation for Divali, the Hindu festival of lights. The event, attended by Newsday Kids, featured students from infants to Standard Five participating in various age-appropriate activities. Infant students colored printouts of deyas (traditional oil lamps), while older students engaged in more complex projects such as decorating clay deyas, creating Divali wreaths, and designing kalsa sets used in puja rituals. Principal Denesh Bhagwandeen emphasized the importance of Divali to the predominantly Hindu student body, many of whom also participate in local Ramleela re-enactments. The competition not only allowed students to express their artistic talents but also reinforced their cultural heritage. Projects were judged fairly, with the best designs selected for display during the school’s Divali program on October 16. The school will also host a Divali puja on October 17, further celebrating this significant festival.