分类： society

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro made his inaugural official visit to Tobago on October 10, marking a significant step in bolstering the island’s security framework. Guevarro, whose nomination was unanimously approved by Parliament on June 13 and officially appointed on June 18, engaged in high-level discussions with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and other key stakeholders to address pressing security concerns. The meeting, held at the Office of the Chief Secretary, focused on proactive strategies to enhance law enforcement, including the deployment of temporary police units in high-risk areas and leveraging advanced intelligence to guide operations. Augustine highlighted the persistent issue of boat and engine thefts, which continue to plague Tobago’s coastal communities. Additionally, the establishment of a coastal and riverine branch was proposed to safeguard marine spaces, including the ecologically significant Buccoo Reef Marine Park. The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) reiterated its dedication to collaborating closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to address emerging security challenges. Commissioner Guevarro acknowledged the positive trends in recent crime statistics but stressed the importance of sustained vigilance and strategic partnerships. The meeting was attended by THA Chief Administrator Denese Toby-Quashie, Tobago Division ACP Oswain Subero, Snr Supt Earl Elie, and other senior officers.

In a significant law enforcement operation, police have apprehended the owner of an illegal quarry in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, along with 17 employees, charging them with unlawful mineral processing without a license. The arrests, made on October 9, were part of a coordinated effort led by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and other senior officers, including Deputy Commissioner Natasha George and ACP Richard Smith. The suspects were charged under Section 45 of the Minerals Act and are set to appear in court on October 22. Each was granted $50,000 bail early on October 11. The operation targeted a site that had been under surveillance for over a year due to its involvement in illegal activities, including deforestation, unauthorized mineral extraction, and the financing of organized crime. Commissioner Guevarro commended the officers for their dedication and precision, emphasizing the TTPS’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and public safety. He urged citizens to support law enforcement in dismantling criminal networks. The site remains under police guard as investigations continue, with officers pursuing additional evidence and identifying further conspirators.

In a world increasingly fragmented by division, the essence of humanity—compassion, empathy, and care—takes center stage as communities across the globe celebrate cultural and spiritual festivals. This past weekend, significant numbers of people commemorated two pivotal events: the Ogun Festival and Divali. These celebrations not only honor tradition but also invite deeper reflection on what it truly means to be human. Divali, often associated with the lighting of deyas, home cleaning, and feasting, was given a profound twist this year. The National Council of Indian Culture introduced the theme of ‘Loka Sangraha’—Welfare of the World—encouraging participants to embrace a broader sense of responsibility toward humanity. At a yagna (prayer) led by Pandita Geeta Vaahini, the president of the Hindu Prachaar Kendra, attendees were reminded of the importance of social harmony and collective well-being, core tenets of the goddess Lakshmi, who is central to Divali. Similarly, the Ogun Festival, honoring the warrior god Ogun, emphasized themes of resilience, creativity, and generational wealth. Ogun, a deity of iron and steel, symbolizes the clearing of life’s obstacles through personal responsibility and adherence to Ifa/Orisa principles. Both festivals underscore the interconnectedness of life, urging participants to honor ancestors while fostering unity among the living, the unborn, and those who have passed. As the flickering lights of deyas and flambeaux illuminate the night, they serve as a reminder that prayer must be accompanied by action. Only through collective effort can we reclaim our humanity and build a safer, more functional world. Dara E Healy, a performing artist and founder of the Idakeda Group, emphasizes that these festivals are not just cultural events but calls to action for a better future.

In a chilling act of violence, a family of four was brutally attacked in their home in Friendship Village, San Fernando, during the early hours of October 10. The assailants, armed and ruthless, stormed the residence while the family was asleep, leaving three dead and one critically injured. The victims included Gracelyn Ramberan, 48, her husband Vijai Rampersad, and their 25-year-old son Randy Rampersad. Randy’s wife, Kimberly Rampersad, survived the attack but remains in critical condition. The incident has sent shockwaves through the usually peaceful village, marking a grim end to a week that saw at least 12 murders across the country. Relatives of the victims expressed their devastation and confusion, stating they have no clue as to the motive behind the attack. Gracelyn was killed inside the house, while Randy managed to stumble outside before collapsing and dying on the road. Vijai and Kimberly were rushed to San Fernando General Hospital, where Vijai succumbed to his injuries nine hours later. The police, who arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, reported that the gunmen entered through the front door and opened fire indiscriminately. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. The community, known for its close-knit nature, is now grappling with fear and uncertainty. This tragedy follows the recent murder of 13-year-old Mariah Seenath in the same area, though residents do not believe the two incidents are connected. A candlelight vigil is planned for October 11 to honor Seenath’s memory, as the community seeks to heal from these devastating losses.

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has been plunged into a state of terror as a surge in violent crimes claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals over five days, from October 6 to October 10. The nation, already under a state of emergency, witnessed a series of brutal incidents, including home invasions, street shootings, and stabbings, leaving communities in shock and the murder toll rising sharply from 276 to 288. The most recent tragedy occurred in the early hours of October 10 in Friendship Village, San Fernando, where gunmen attacked a sleeping family. Gracelyn Ramberan, 48, her husband Vijai Rampersad, 58, and their son Randy Rampersad, 25, were all fatally shot. Randy’s wife, Kimberly Rampersad, sustained critical injuries and remained hospitalized. Earlier in the week, on October 7, multiple killings unfolded across the country. Darren Mohamdally, 50, a construction company manager, was ambushed and shot dead in his van near his home in Chaguanas. That same day, Andrew Morales, 37, was gunned down in Cunupia following a dispute involving his girlfriend and another man. Isaiah Akeem Richards, 27, was also shot dead in Malick, while brothers Jovel Paul, 15, and Rodney Slater, 23, were ambushed and killed in San Juan. A street dweller in Woodbrook was fatally chopped in a separate incident. On October 6, three more lives were lost in unrelated attacks. James Marine, 61, and Kevin Bocage, 36, were shot dead in San Juan, while Ikeisha “Freeda” Wildman, 43, was stabbed to death in her Marabella home. Her nine-year-old son narrowly escaped unharmed. The escalating violence has left the nation reeling, with authorities struggling to contain the crisis.

Trinidad and Tobago’s justice system is facing a profound crisis, marked by systemic inefficiencies and a loss of public trust. Citizens witness daily the consequences: prolonged case delays, unresolved high-profile murders, and a remand population that overcrowds prisons while victims’ families await justice. The root of the problem lies in structural deficiencies, exacerbated by the Privy Council’s Pratt ruling, which mandates a five-year limit on executions for death row inmates. This ruling, intended to prevent cruel and inhuman delays, has inadvertently led to the commutation of sentences for convicted killers due to the system’s inability to process appeals promptly. Notorious cases, such as the 2021 abduction and murder of Andrea Bharatt, the unresolved 1998 killing of 11-year-old Akiel Chambers, and the 2014 assassination of Dana Seetahal SC, have further exposed chronic weaknesses, including lost evidence, prolonged committals, and delayed prosecutions. These failures are well-documented in media reports, court proceedings, and official statements, highlighting under-resourced prosecutors, outdated case management, and poor evidence-handling practices. To address these issues, urgent reforms are needed: publishing transparent case-backlog data, strengthening the Office of the DPP, modernizing digital evidence systems, empowering oversight bodies, creating a special review unit for cold cases, and bolstering witness protection. Justice must not depend on wealth or influence; every delayed indictment and lost exhibit erodes confidence in the rule of law. If Trinidad and Tobago is serious about security, equality, and democracy, fixing the judiciary must be the highest priority. Parliament must act before more families are denied justice.

Trinidad has been gripped by a wave of violent crimes, with five murders recorded overnight, including a double homicide in Valencia. This alarming spike in violence has pushed the monthly murder toll to 20, surpassing the 16 recorded during the same period last year. The annual count now stands at 292, compared to 490 in the previous year. The recent incidents have left communities in shock and raised concerns about public safety. The double murder in Valencia occurred at a bar along Valencia Old Road shortly after 1 am. Two men, Derrick Rowley, 26, and Shane Fulchan, 42, were shot dead by gunmen who stormed the establishment. Two others were injured but are reportedly in stable condition. In a separate incident, 73-year-old Stephen Lewis was fatally stabbed near the office of Arima MP Pennelope Beckles. Witnesses reported seeing an unidentified man and woman leaving Lewis’ home before he collapsed in a supermarket parking lot. Around the same time, 32-year-old Aledo Roberts was shot dead at his home in Wallerfield by a masked assailant. Earlier in the evening, 42-year-old Kurleigh Simon was gunned down in Maloney while walking with a relative and her 12-year-old son. The relative sustained a gunshot wound to her calf but survived. These tragic events highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community intervention to curb the rising tide of violence.

Coconut, a tropical treasure, is celebrated for its remarkable versatility in culinary applications. From its early stages as a source of refreshing coconut water to its mature form, which yields coconut jelly and dried flesh, this nut is a cornerstone of both sweet and savory dishes. Freshly grated coconut enhances candies, baked goods, and savory recipes, while coconut milk or cream adds a silken texture and distinct flavor to ice creams, desserts, soups, and curries. Despite the availability of processed coconut products like tinned milk and powdered forms, nothing surpasses the richness of freshly made coconut milk. A simple method involves blending grated coconut with hot water, straining it through a cloth, and squeezing out the milk, yielding about one cup per coconut. This process leaves behind a dry husk, ensuring maximum extraction. Beyond coconut, the article also highlights classic recipes like cassava pone, a baked delicacy combining cassava, coconut, pumpkin, and spices, and coconut-fried shrimp served with a zesty orange dip. These dishes showcase the coconut’s ability to elevate flavors and textures, making it an indispensable ingredient in diverse cuisines.

The body of Imraz “Clubs” Ali, a 60-year-old businessman from Charlieville who had been missing since September 4, was discovered on October 11 off a cliff along North Coast Road. According to sources, police have detained three suspects in connection with the case. One of the individuals reportedly confessed to the kidnapping and murder of Ali, leading investigators to the location where the body was discarded. Law enforcement officers are currently at the scene, working to recover the remains. Ali vanished after conducting a business transaction on the day of his disappearance. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.