分类： society

The joint funeral of Gracelyn ‘Momin’ Ramberan, 48, and her son Randy ‘Jacks’ Rampersad, 26, held at Mosquito Creek, became a poignant moment of national grief. Pt Artma Maharaj, who officiated the ceremony, emphasized the profound sorrow not only for the bereaved family but for the entire nation. He urged the community to guide one another toward positive choices, stating, ‘It is important for us, as young people, as adults, as parents, as custodians, to make good choices, to advise our children and family to walk the path of truth.’ The tragic incident occurred on October 10, when gunmen stormed the family’s home in Friendship Village, San Fernando, fatally shooting the mother and son. Randy’s father, Vijay Rampersad, and his wife, Kimberly Rampersad, were also injured but survived. The funeral, held on the eve of the Divali holiday, saw the bodies cremated side by side at the Shore of Peace cremation site in La Romaine. Pt Maharaj reflected on the fragility of life and the importance of family unity, offering prayers for the grieving family. The Southern Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, are actively investigating the case, but the perpetrators remain at large.

At just 19 years old, Danika Linton has already made a profound impact, not only through her advocacy but also by challenging societal perceptions of disability. Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a rare condition that limits joint movement, Linton has turned her challenges into opportunities to inspire others. Her recent appearance at the National Awards ceremony in St Ann’s, where she read the biography of an award recipient, showcased her eloquence and poise, leaving the audience in awe.

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, law enforcement officers from the National Operations Task Force and Southern Division conducted a successful raid in San Fernando on October 18, seizing approximately 75.35 kilogrammes of marijuana. The operation, carried out under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, targeted an apartment on La Pique Street, where three Spanish-speaking individuals were present. During the search, police discovered a white crocus bag and a brown cardboard box containing 145 packages of marijuana. Additionally, eight one-gallon plastic containers with an orange-colored substance, four notebooks, and five cellphones were confiscated. All items were transported to the San Fernando Police Station for further analysis. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) emphasized their commitment to aggressively dismantling drug trafficking networks and urged the public to report suspicious activities through official channels. The operation was led by senior officers including ACP Tactical Support Collis Hazel, ACP South Michael Pierre, and Senior Supt Simon, with support from various units and personnel.

Richard ‘Richie’ Conybear’s life took a dramatic turn on May 26, 2023, when a boating accident during his swim near Booby Rock, Charlotteville, left him with severe injuries, including a broken pelvis and severed urinary tract. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Richie’s determination to reclaim his life and reconnect with the ocean became a beacon of resilience. His friend, John ‘Johnny’ Procope, played a pivotal role in his recovery, carrying him to the sea and reigniting his spirit. This act of compassion marked the beginning of Richie’s journey back to health and his passion for swimming. Johnny, a seasoned open-water swimmer, has since made headlines for his record-breaking feats, including a 60 km swim between Tobago and Trinidad in July 2024. On October 13, 2024, Johnny embarked on ‘Big Swim 2,’ an unprecedented attempt to circumnavigate Tobago, supported by friends like Richie and William Carr. The swim aimed to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation and swimming education initiatives. Despite the swim’s premature end due to strong currents, Johnny’s efforts have inspired global admiration and highlighted the potential for Tobago to become a hub for international open-water swimming events. However, the island must address critical safety concerns in marine activities to ensure sustainable tourism and prevent future accidents. Richie’s story and Johnny’s achievements underscore the power of human resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.

The phrase ‘This too shall pass’ often serves as a resigned yet hopeful reminder during overwhelming times. For many in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the anticipation surrounding last week’s significant events has now crystallized into either unbridled joy or profound disappointment, depending on individual perspectives and circumstances. The recent budget reading, delivered last Monday, brought mixed reactions. While some sectors celebrated, the arts community was left puzzled by vague promises. The budget briefly mentioned plans to ‘expand cultural industries through a Creative Value-Chain Fund,’ supporting film, fashion, design, and music, alongside enhanced intellectual property (IP) protection and duty concessions. However, the lack of detail has left artists and creatives anxiously awaiting further clarification from the Ministry of Community Development and the Arts. The grouping of arts practice and people development within one ministry is a positive step, acknowledging their symbiotic relationship. Yet, concerns arise as tourism and trade increasingly overlap with culture. Proposals for a year-round Carnival city, driven by the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, risk prioritizing economic gains over cultural authenticity, potentially undermining the essence of TT’s vibrant traditions. The arts fraternity is currently in despair, facing what many describe as the most critical juncture in decades. Critics highlight a significant political knowledge gap regarding the sector’s true potential, both locally and internationally. Calls for a government summit aim to bridge this divide and foster a deeper understanding of the arts’ transformative power. Globally, the creative sector is a powerhouse, employing 50 million people—half of whom are women—and ranking as the world’s second-largest industry, surpassing even the automotive sector. In the UK, the ‘orange economy’ contributes £125 billion, while in the US, it adds over $1.1 trillion to the economy. Despite these staggering figures, TT’s budget failed to address key areas like literature and publishing, leaving the VAT on books unchanged—a move seen as a penalty on reading. The literary sector has been a success story over the past 15 years, with initiatives like the Bocas Lit Fest school projects enhancing cognitive skills, critical thinking, and communication among students. Advocates emphasize that the arts not only drive economic growth but also foster cultural evolution, social change, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Palestinians and Israelis cautiously celebrate a fragile ceasefire. The release of hostages and detainees has brought relief, but the question of ‘what next?’ looms large. The future hinges on the unpredictable actions of global leaders, leaving many to wonder if lasting peace and stability can be achieved.

Ramps Logistics recently hosted a spectacular Divali celebration in Cunupia, marking a night of cultural reverence, unity, and innovation. The event, attended by prominent figures including Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith and Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein, showcased a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the first diya by the Rampersad family, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and setting a reflective tone for the festivities. The stage then came alive with vibrant performances by Devashish Ramdath and Group, Kaveesh Maharaj and Band, Joshua Regrello on steelpan, and Viraj Ramsundar on tabla, culminating in an electrifying set by DJ Ari, Agent SB, and a tassa group that energized the crowd. A highlight of the evening was the illuminated display by EVolve Mobility, which underscored the coexistence of progress and heritage. Shaun Rampersad, CEO of Ramps Logistics, emphasized the significance of Divali as a reminder of the light within people, the connections they build, and the progress they create together. The event stood as a testament to unity, cultural pride, and the shared hope that comes from spreading light.