分类： society

In a significant move impacting Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival celebrations, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced stringent restrictions on the use of major venues for fetes during the 2026 Carnival season. The decision, revealed on November 18 via social media, follows an earlier announcement on November 12 that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer host Carnival fetes. The Prime Minister has now extended this ban to include the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Jean Pierre Complex, two iconic venues that have historically been central to Carnival festivities.

Persad-Bissessar stated that she has directed the Attorney General, John Jeremie, and the Minister of Sport, Phillip Watts, to enforce an immediate prohibition on all fetes at these locations. However, she noted that exceptions would be made for events occurring between the Thursday before Carnival Monday and the Saturday following. These events must adhere to strict timing guidelines, starting no earlier than 12 noon and concluding by 10 pm.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to balance cultural traditions with community well-being, stating, ‘As we move forward, my Government remains committed to balancing culture and community well-being, protecting our traditions while safeguarding the peace of citizens.’ She also highlighted the importance of addressing noise pollution, instructing the National Carnival Commission to design sound systems that minimize disruptions.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions, as these venues have long been synonymous with Carnival’s vibrant energy and cultural significance. While some applaud the move as a step toward preserving public peace, others express concern over the potential impact on the spirit and economic benefits of the festival.

Jamal Joseph, who fled from Carrera Island Prison on November 14, was successfully apprehended on November 17 following a coordinated effort between the Police Service and the Prison Service. The breakthrough came when a prison officer spotted an unusual object in the water while driving along the Western Main Road around 2:30 pm. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be Joseph, who had sustained multiple injuries during his escape. The Carenage Police were promptly alerted, and Joseph was captured near Tembladora Park at approximately 3 pm. Currently, he is receiving medical treatment under the watchful eyes of prison officials. Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding his escape are still underway.

A devastating home invasion in Penal has left a 19-year-old girl without her parents after Raffeak Vialva, 51, and Babita Vialva, 40, were fatally shot in their home on November 17. The incident occurred around 3 am when an unidentified assailant, armed with a sledgehammer, forcibly entered their residence on Penal Rock Road. The couple’s daughter awoke to the sound of gunfire and discovered her father bleeding on the ground and the gunman standing over her mother, demanding money. Despite being ordered to return to her room, she heard additional gunshots, resulting in her mother’s death and her father succumbing to his injuries en route to the hospital. Relatives and neighbors expressed shock and confusion, describing the Vialvas as a peaceful, hardworking family with no known enemies. Investigators are treating the case as a botched robbery, though no valuables were taken. The community has been left traumatized by the brutal attack, which follows a series of similar incidents in the area. Authorities have launched Operation Festive Shield to enhance safety during the holiday season, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

On November 16, hundreds of participants, including runners, walkers, and cyclists, gathered at Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad for the annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Organized by the NGO Arrive Alive, the event featured a 5K run/walk, a memorial walk, and solidarity rides across various locations in Trinidad. The event aimed to honor those who lost their lives or were affected by road traffic accidents while advocating for safer roads. The United Nations formally endorsed this global observance in 2005, emphasizing the importance of remembering victims and supporting their families. The event’s slogan, “Remember. Support. Act.,” called for collective action to prevent future tragedies. Sharon Inglefield, President of Arrive Alive, stressed the need for national commitment to road safety, urging stakeholders to work together to save lives. Stéphane Barc, Country Manager of Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, highlighted the company’s dedication to safety, both in the workplace and on the roads. Eli Zakour, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, emphasized the government’s data-driven approach to road safety, focusing on education, enforcement, and engineering. The event also recognized the contributions of sponsors, including Perenco as the Platinum Sponsor, Mobil, Starbucks, and Capital Signal Company Limited. Participants engaged with informational booths hosted by the police, fire service, and Global Medical Response Ambulance Services, reinforcing the importance of road awareness and emergency preparedness. The day concluded with a competitive 5K run, with winners in both male and female categories announced. Arrive Alive expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support in reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.