分类： society

A recent exposé by Sunday Newsday has brought to light the alarming environmental and infrastructural impacts of illegal quarrying operations in Trinidad. The story, initially published on June 29, 2025, revealed how an illegal quarrying site in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was wreaking havoc on the region’s water supply and natural ecosystems. Following the report, newly-appointed Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro visited the site in July, leading to a temporary shutdown of the operation. However, in a shocking turn of events, Guevarro returned to the same location on October 9, this time shutting down a multimillion-dollar illegal quarrying outfit equipped with advanced machinery that had devastated acres of virgin forests, hills, and rivers. The operation, which had been converting tonnes of earth and rock into valuable aggregate, had been polluting the Guanapo River and threatening the Caroni Water Treatment Plant, which supplies potable water to hundreds of thousands of people. The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) had earlier issued warnings about the pollution, but enforcement actions were delayed until the media spotlight forced authorities to act. Investigations revealed that the quarry operator, based in Sangre Grande, had illegally excavated over five hectares of state land and was linked to similar activities in other regions. Despite political connections and profits funding legitimate businesses, the operator was arrested in the October 9 raid, along with 18 others. The case highlights systemic failures in environmental regulation and enforcement, raising questions about the future of Trinidad’s natural resources.

San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris has formally appealed to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to prioritize the restoration of two of the city’s most iconic yet neglected historic buildings: the old San Fernando Police Station and the Carnegie Free Library. In a letter dated October 6, 2025, Parris emphasized the urgent need for action to address the deteriorating conditions of these structures, which hold significant cultural and historical value. The mayor’s plea comes in light of the Prime Minister’s recent assumption of responsibility for heritage buildings, the National Trust, and the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) as part of a ministerial realignment. Parris, a member of the PNM party, commended the Prime Minister for her expanded heritage portfolio, describing it as a renewed commitment to preserving the nation’s patrimony. He highlighted the old police station, which was gutted by fire in 2009 and has remained in disrepair for over a decade, as a particular source of personal embarrassment, given that his great-great-grandfather, Samuel Atherly, was its architect. Parris also expressed concern over the worsening state of the Carnegie Free Library, a landmark built in 1919 through a donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The library, once a hub for education and community gatherings, now suffers from roof leaks, structural damage, and partial closures. Despite recommendations from the National Trust and NALIS for its restoration, no concrete action has been taken. Parris urged the Prime Minister to make these projects a priority, proposing that the Carnegie Library be transformed into a flagship cultural center for southern Trinidad, potentially housing a national archive or Prime Ministerial collection.

A recent tragedy involving an LPG gas tank explosion has highlighted critical gaps in public safety awareness and corporate responsibility. Ria George, a victim of the incident, followed advice to ‘take out the rubber and flip it over’ when she detected a gas leak in her kitchen. This fatal misunderstanding led to an explosion that claimed her life, underscoring the dangers of improper handling of LPG cylinders. The incident raises urgent questions about the adequacy of safety education and the accessibility of crucial information for households, particularly those in lower socio-economic brackets. Despite detailed safety guidelines available on the NP website, many remain unaware of these resources, leaving them vulnerable to similar disasters. The NP company’s passive approach to disseminating safety information has come under scrutiny, with calls for more proactive public education campaigns across social and conventional media. Historically, LPG-related incidents have been a persistent issue, with past measures like plastic seals proving insufficient. The recent tragedy has reignited debates about the need for stricter safety standards, routine testing of cylinders, and more robust consumer protection. As LPG remains a staple in households worldwide, especially in regions where electric stoves are cost-prohibitive, the onus is on companies like NP to ensure that safety is not an afterthought but a priority.

Domestic violence remains a deeply entrenched issue in modern society, prompting therapist Dr. Roz Roach to spearhead a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising awareness and fostering societal change. The upcoming performing arts production, *Sistas Calling TT*, is set to debut at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on October 25. This public education project seeks to educate the public and transform societal attitudes toward domestic violence.

At the launch event on October 9, Dr. Roach shared insights from her decades-long research and work with survivors in both Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. She emphasized the critical role of education in addressing the issue, stating, ‘The key to reducing domestic violence lies in education. We must change lives and penetrate the societal psyche to make a lasting impact.’

Dr. Roach highlighted the stigma faced by victims, who are often judged and even turned away by law enforcement and their own families. She noted that restraining orders and attempts to leave abusive relationships often escalate the danger, leaving victims with limited safe spaces or support systems, especially for those with children.

As the founder of *Dr. Roz’s Healing Place*, a Canadian shelter for women and children fleeing family violence, Dr. Roach has provided refuge and support to over 2,000 women since its establishment in 1984. The upcoming production is dedicated to the memory of Marcia Henville, a journalist tragically murdered by her husband in 2015. Dr. Roach recounted Henville’s heartbreaking story, revealing how she had sought advice for a ‘friend’ just days before her death, a common tactic among victims who feel ashamed to speak out.

Rashmi Ramsomair, One Caribbean Media’s environmental, social, and governance lead, underscored the urgency of the issue, citing 1,937 reported cases of domestic violence in 2024 alone. She emphasized that *Sistas Calling TT* is more than a campaign—it is a cultural movement aimed at combating this epidemic.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit islandetickets.com or contact 383-7174.