分类： society

As the world marks Divali on October 20, 2025, this vibrant Hindu festival continues to illuminate hearts and homes across Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Known as the Festival of Lights, Divali, or Deepavali, holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, celebrated with immense enthusiasm not only in India but globally. The festival derives its name from the Sanskrit words ‘deepa’ (light) and ‘avali’ (a row), symbolizing a row of lights that dispel darkness and ignorance. In TT, the festival is referred to as Divali, reflecting the local linguistic adaptation. The celebration is marked by the lighting of deyas—small clay oil lamps—adorning homes, streets, and public spaces, alongside the use of firecrackers and akashadiwas (large lamps). Divali is steeped in rich mythology, with legends such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi to Lord Vishnu. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped during the festival, with devotees chanting mantras and performing pooja to seek her blessings. In TT, the festival is a time for community bonding, with families cleaning their homes, sharing vegetarian meals and sweets like barfi and kurma, and creating elaborate light displays using bamboo frames. The nine-night Divali Nagar in Chaguanas is a cultural highlight, showcasing Indo-Trinidadian heritage through food, music, and dance performances. Recognized as a national public holiday, Divali fosters unity, peace, and love, encouraging people to come together and celebrate their shared humanity. As Nigel Seenathsingh, a San Fernando resident, eloquently expressed, ‘May the light and philosophy of Divali guide us to become the best that we can be, uniting us to make TT the best, safest, and most united country in the world.’ On behalf of his family, he extends warm wishes for a Shubh Divali 2025.

In a recent letter to the editor, Dr. Errol Narine Benjamin reflects on the contrasting approaches to cultural celebrations in Trinidadian schools, particularly focusing on the Divali festival. Dr. Benjamin begins by praising the Divali celebration at Presentation College in San Fernando, a traditionally conservative Catholic school. He highlights the event’s inclusivity, noting the presence of religious symbols like Goddess Lakshmi and Hanuman, as well as the spiritual ambiance created by lighted deyas. The principal and staff emphasized the festival’s inclusiveness, and students’ portrayal of the Ramayana added depth to the celebration, making it meaningful for the multicultural nation.

However, Dr. Benjamin contrasts this with a recent statement from the Presbyterian Board, which declared that only Christian celebrations would be allowed in their schools. While the board suggested that students would be ‘taught’ about other festivals like Divali in the classroom, they explicitly ruled out shared spiritual experiences. Dr. Benjamin finds this stance deeply ironic, given the historical context of Naparima College, which has roots in the East Indian community. Early Canadian missionaries in Trinidad actively assimilated elements of East Indian culture, even adapting hymns and choruses into local languages to further their missionary work.

Dr. Benjamin expresses disappointment at the board’s ‘exclusivity,’ arguing that Divali, with its rich spiritual heritage, should not be reduced to a mere classroom lesson. He urges the Presbyterian Board to take inspiration from Presentation College’s inclusive approach, which celebrates cultural diversity while fostering spiritual unity.

A tragic accident on Indian Walk Road has resulted in the death of 37-year-old tradesman Arnel Young. The incident occurred on October 19, when Young’s white Nissan Navara collided with a brown Hyundai Elantra driven by a female T&TEC clerk. The clerk was accompanied by her husband and their three children, aged 13, six, and two. The woman reported to the police that she noticed Young’s vehicle swerving multiple times near Chanda Trace. Despite her efforts to stop her car, Young’s pickup truck crashed into the front of her vehicle, causing it to spin into a nearby drain. The woman and her family were promptly taken to the San Fernando General Hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, Young was found unresponsive at the scene and was pronounced dead by a district medical officer. PC Bacchus is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI), once a cornerstone of the nation’s hospitality sector, is set to reopen following an announcement by the Finance Minister. This move has reignited hope for the revitalization of an industry that has long struggled with systemic challenges. The institution, located in Chaguaramas, was abruptly closed in 2020, ostensibly due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the closure was merely the culmination of years of financial neglect, administrative mismanagement, and dwindling government support. The TTHTI had been grappling with unpaid subventions totaling $13.17 million, and its registration with the Accreditation Council remained incomplete, raising concerns about the transferability of student records. Despite efforts by some students to transfer to the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, the abrupt shutdown left many in limbo. The closure also drew criticism from then-Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, though no concrete action was taken to address the issue. Over its 48-year history, the TTHTI had not only trained aspiring hospitality professionals but also offered popular short courses in culinary arts to individuals of all ages. Its graduates played a pivotal role in initiatives like the School Feeding Programme and went on to establish successful businesses in the hospitality sector. The Finance Minister’s pledge to reopen the institute must go beyond mere restoration; it demands a comprehensive modernization of the facility to align with the evolving needs of the industry. This revival could serve as a critical step in the broader agenda of economic diversification, ensuring that the hospitality sector remains a vital contributor to the nation’s economy.

A series of robberies and thefts disrupted the Divali weekend in Trinidad, leaving multiple victims distressed and keeping law enforcement agencies on high alert between October 18 and October 19. The incidents spanned various locations, including St James, Barataria, Arima, Princes Town, and Caroni, highlighting a concerning surge in criminal activity during the festive period. In St James, thieves targeted vehicles, stealing car batteries and valuable items. One victim, a 26-year-old mechanical technician, discovered his car had been broken into, with tools and speakers worth $3,000 missing. Nearby, a 34-year-old woman reported her Nissan AD Wagon stolen from a secured parking spot. In Barataria, a 30-year-old woman found her Toyota Aqua’s hybrid battery stolen after the car’s glass was shattered. Similarly, a 52-year-old Longdenville woman lost her hybrid battery valued at $20,000 despite securing her vehicle in her garage. In Arima, an armed robber targeted a bar, threatening a 35-year-old employee and making off with over $40,000. The assailant, described as fair-complexioned and stocky, warned the victim, ‘Don’t look at my face, I don’t want to shoot you. Just give me everything.’ In Princes Town, a family of six fell victim to a violent home invasion, where four armed men stole cash, valuables, and two cars. The bandits, armed with cutlasses, a baton, and a hammer, bound the victims and assaulted them before fleeing. In Caroni, a supermarket was robbed by five men, three of whom were Latin nationals. Armed with guns, they assaulted staff and patrons, stealing the day’s sales, alcohol, cigarettes, and $600 from a customer. The suspects escaped in a Kia Sorento. These incidents have raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement during peak holiday periods.

Sixty years ago, at the age of 12, Debbie Jacob found solace in the life of Jane Goodall, the English-born primatologist, whose journey mirrored her own isolated upbringing on a remote Ohio dairy farm. Surrounded by cows, dogs, and horses, Jacob’s father named each of his 56 dairy cows, fostering a deep connection with animals that paralleled Goodall’s groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Africa. Goodall’s unconventional approach—naming the chimpanzees she studied and observing their tool-making abilities—challenged scientific norms and redefined humanity’s understanding of animals. This shared reverence for animals inspired Jacob to spend 14 years researching and writing about police dogs, a testament to the profound influence of role models. Role models, Jacob argues, provide purpose, build confidence, and validate life choices. They remind us to be resilient and relevant, qualities exemplified by Goodall, who reinvented herself in her later years as an animal activist and environmentalist. Goodall’s tireless efforts to protect the planet for both humans and animals left an indelible legacy of hope and ecological awareness. Her message remains clear: we share this planet with animals and must work together to preserve it. Goodall’s journey also highlights the importance of curiosity and ambition over formal qualifications. Discovered by archaeologist Louis Leakey, who saw potential in her despite her lack of expertise, Goodall became the first person to observe chimpanzees in the wild. This belief in untapped potential shaped Jacob’s career, allowing her to excel in diverse fields without formal training. However, Jacob laments the modern world’s reluctance to take chances on individuals driven by heart and ambition. In an era dominated by systems and curricula, the qualities once valued in role models—honesty, diligence, trust, and risk-taking—are increasingly overlooked. Yet, the need for role models remains urgent, as the world grapples with a lack of positive guidance. Jane Goodall’s legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of role models and the enduring importance of curiosity, resilience, and reinvention.

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Sugar Hill, Point Fortin, on October 18, when a two-and-a-half-year-old toddler tragically passed away at her residence. According to the 23-year-old mother, she had breastfed the child around 12:30 AM and subsequently put her to sleep. Upon checking at 7:30 AM, the mother discovered her daughter unresponsive. Emergency medical services were immediately summoned, but no signs of life were detected. A district medical officer pronounced the child dead and ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Upon arrival, police found the baby lying on her back in a yellow onesie on the bed, with no visible signs of violence. PC Roberts is leading the ongoing investigation into this tragic event.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued its fourth yellow-level adverse weather alert, extending the warning until 10 pm on October 20. The alert, initially activated at noon on October 18, was prompted by an active tropical wave traversing the Caribbean Sea. Although the core of the tropical wave has moved on, residual moisture and atmospheric instability continue to trigger sporadic heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms across the region. Residents are advised to prepare for localized street and flash flooding, potential landslides in hilly and vulnerable areas, gusty winds accompanying severe weather, and agitated seas. Authorities have urged the public to secure loose outdoor objects and remain vigilant about rapidly changing weather conditions. Motorists and those living in flood or landslide-prone zones are particularly cautioned to exercise heightened awareness and caution during this period. The extended alert underscores the persistent risks posed by the lingering effects of the tropical wave, emphasizing the need for preparedness and safety measures.