分类： society

As the new year unfolds, Caribbean culinary traditions welcome the seasonal arrival of pigeon peas, a legume variety that graces markets from December through March. Food expert Wendy Rahamut highlights the remarkable versatility of these peas, which feature prominently in diverse culinary applications ranging from traditional rice dishes and hearty soups to innovative plant-based burgers and even vegetarian lasagna.

Selecting quality peas requires discerning observation: optimal specimens appear in plump pods with peas nearly bursting through, while smaller peas or visible worm damage typically indicate less desirable second-crop varieties. Rahamut recommends purchasing fresh or frozen peas to enjoy their distinct flavor profile throughout the year.

The article presents three meticulously crafted recipes demonstrating the pea’s culinary adaptability. Chicken Pelau incorporates the legumes into a complex layered dish where marinated chicken undergoes caramelization with brown sugar before combining with pumpkin, coconut milk, and parboiled rice. Pigeon Pea Patties blend cooked peas with sautéed aromatics, crushed potato, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, formed into patties for shallow frying. Most innovatively, Pigeon Pea Piononos feature plantain rings stuffed with seasoned pea mixture and baked until achieving a perfect crust.

Each recipe provides precise measurements, detailed preparation techniques, and serving specifications, embodying the cultural significance of pigeon peas in Caribbean cuisine while offering practical guidance for home cooks seeking to explore this seasonal ingredient.

In a striking development within Trinidad and Tobago’s transportation sector, former Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner has issued a compelling challenge to current minister Eli Zakour regarding the implementation of newly doubled traffic fines effective January 1. While expressing support for the punitive measures designed to combat roadway lawlessness, Warner has raised critical questions about whether government fleets will be subjected to the same rigorous standards now imposed on citizens.

Warner’s open letter, composed during his tenure in the People’s Partnership administration (2011-2012), acknowledges the necessity of strengthened penalties to address the escalating disregard for traffic regulations. However, he pivots to two fundamental concerns: the alarming prevalence of jaywalking behavior and the roadworthiness of state-owned vehicles.

The former minister describes an emerging ‘bounce me nah’ culture where pedestrians immersed in mobile devices step into traffic with dangerous confidence, ignoring signals and crossings. This behavior, he notes, endangers both pedestrians and motorists alike, particularly elderly drivers navigating congested thoroughfares.

More significantly, Warner scrutinizes the maintenance standards of government vehicles spanning multiple agencies—including ministerial SUVs, NP tankers, T&TEC, WASA, TSTT vehicles, emergency response units, and PTSC buses. He questions whether these vehicles undergo regular inspections matching the newly intensified standards applied to private citizens. Warner emphasizes that public confidence in enforcement hinges on the perception of equal application to both citizens and government entities.

Calling for full transparency, Warner requested disclosure of inspection protocols, associated taxpayer costs, and implementation timelines if such measures exist. If not, he demands explanation for the exemption. The former minister concludes by commending Zakour’s courage while urging comprehensive, fair, and credible enforcement supported by functioning systems and visible accountability.

In a world increasingly fragmented by political polarization and contested elections, Trinidad and Tobago stands as a remarkable example of democratic resilience and cultural cohesion. Heritage consultant Vel A Lewis presents a compelling examination of how the nation’s diverse social fabric has become its greatest strength.

The Caribbean nation’s stability is rooted in its deeply ingrained democratic traditions, where peaceful power transitions and respect for electoral outcomes have become normalized despite global trends toward election disputes. This political maturity, Lewis argues, is intrinsically linked to TT’s multicultural identity—a rich tapestry woven from Indigenous, African, Indian, European, Chinese, and Syrian influences.

This diversity manifests through vibrant cultural expressions that serve as social coping mechanisms. Carnival transforms tension into masquerade, while artistic traditions like calypso, steelpan, tassa, and chutney provide spaces for resistance and collective meaning-making. The nation’s religious pluralism—encompassing Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Orisha, and Spiritual Baptist traditions—further reinforces shared values of compassion and tolerance.

Despite facing contemporary challenges including crime concerns and geopolitical tensions with neighboring Venezuela, TT’s historical pattern demonstrates a society that “bends without breaking.” The author identifies the distinctive national temperament—both playful and prayerful—as key to this resilience, encapsulated in the popular local saying that “God is a Trini” reflecting collective confidence in overcoming adversity.

Looking toward 2026, Lewis advocates for strategic investment in cultural preservation as essential to sustaining democratic foundations. Priority recommendations include completing the National Museum and Art Gallery restoration, enhancing protection for heritage sites, and strengthening support for visual and performing arts. These investments, the consultant contends, represent not merely cultural preservation but active reinforcement of the resilience that has carried the nation through previous challenges.

The conclusion emphasizes that Trinidad and Tobago’s story of beauty, diversity, faith, and perseverance provides a template for maintaining national confidence amid global uncertainties through purposeful cultural stewardship.