分类： society

Trinidad and Tobago remained unscathed by severe weather incidents as of October 18, despite the activation of two yellow-level alerts for adverse weather and hazardous seas. The TT Meteorological Service (Met Office) provided an update at 3:30 PM, confirming that the hazardous seas alert, initiated at 8:00 PM on October 17, was scheduled to conclude at 4:00 PM on October 18. Simultaneously, the adverse weather alert #2, which commenced at 12:00 PM on October 18, is expected to persist until 10:00 PM on October 20. The Met Office reported that showers and isolated thunderstorms had swept across both islands, resulting in heavy downpours and gusty winds, particularly in Tobago. The agency attributed these conditions to an active tropical wave traversing the region, maintaining a moist and unstable atmosphere. Intermittent rainfall, potentially heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, is forecasted to continue through Monday. While brief respites may occur, the atmosphere remains conducive to impactful weather activity. Authorities have advised residents to secure loose outdoor objects, remain vigilant in flood-prone areas, and stay informed about changing weather conditions. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government emphasized the importance of awareness and preparedness, urging the public to identify emergency shelters and know their local Disaster Management Co-ordinating Unit hotline numbers. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) reinforced these messages, particularly for individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to prepare emergency kits and personal safety plans. Despite the warnings, no weather-related incidents have been reported.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles highlighted the importance of service to humanity and unity in diversity during her address at the Divali Nagar 2025 celebrations in Chaguanas on October 16. The event, themed ‘Loka Sangraha,’ underscored the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, resonating deeply with Beckles’ personal and political ethos. Accompanied by National Council of Indian Culture president Surujdeo Mangroo and dancer Samara Mohammed, Beckles lit a deya, symbolizing the festival’s spirit of enlightenment and compassion. Reflecting on her upbringing in the rural Borde Narve Village, Beckles shared how her mother’s teachings and the village’s multicultural environment shaped her values. She recalled the harmonious coexistence of Hindu bhajans, Christian church bells, and Islamic adhan, emphasizing that respect for diverse faiths is rooted in love and action. Beckles also spoke about her commitment to public service, stating that her work in various ministries and projects has always aimed to uplift families from despair to hope. She praised Trinidad and Tobago’s progress as one of the region’s most developed and literate nations, attributing this success to the collective efforts of its citizens and successive governments. The event concluded with Mangroo presenting Beckles with a painting, symbolizing the enduring cultural and spiritual bonds that unite the nation.

The dining landscape in Trinidad is undergoing significant shifts as economic pressures force consumers to rethink their spending habits. A recent investigation by Newsday reveals that many residents are opting for cost-effective and convenient meal options, with some even skipping lunch altogether to save money. One woman shared that she primarily eats breakfast and dinner, often resorting to inexpensive, filling meals like packaged ramen or pasta due to exhaustion after work. She noted that cooking at home has become equally expensive, with grocery bills quickly adding up, leaving her in a ‘no-win situation.’

Another individual highlighted the challenge of balancing affordability and taste, often choosing street food like doubles, pies, or pholourie when on a tight budget. For larger meals, he seeks out restaurants offering generous portions of curry, KFC, or creole cuisine. Similarly, a working woman explained that she brings homemade lunches to work to save money and avoid the limited variety at nearby eateries, occasionally indulging in creole food or junk food for variety.

Food writer Franka Philip attributes these changes to a combination of rising food prices, job losses, and consumer fatigue with repetitive options. She noted that food courts and malls have been particularly affected, with many stalls closing or changing hands. However, food hubs like Woodbrook Yard and Food Square remain popular, especially on weekends, though business has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Philip also pointed out that established restaurants with consistent quality continue to attract loyal customers, particularly for Sunday lunches after church.

Street food remains a cornerstone of Trinidadian culture, with locations like the Food Strip in Queen’s Park Savannah and Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua bustling on weekends. Shira Mohammed, founder of Restaurant Week TT, observed a post-pandemic shift from fine dining to casual, family-style restaurants and sports bars. She emphasized the enduring appeal of street food, which offers affordability, variety, and a taste of local culture. Mohammed also noted the growing reliance on food delivery services, which, despite their cost, have become a staple for many consumers.

Overall, the food industry in Trinidad is navigating a complex landscape, with economic challenges reshaping consumer behavior and forcing businesses to adapt to new realities.

A second victim has succumbed to injuries sustained in a fatal shooting that occurred on October 15 in Brasso Village, central Trinidad. The incident initially claimed the life of a young construction worker and left two others critically wounded. Darias Shadrack, a 16-year-old student at Tabaquite Secondary School, passed away on October 17 while receiving treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope. A close relative revealed that Darias had lost a significant amount of blood and never regained consciousness after the attack. The shooting took place around 2 am at an unfinished wooden structure near his family’s home along Caparo Valley Brasso Road. Initially, police reported that Darias had died on arrival at the hospital, but further checks confirmed he was in a coma. Darias was among four victims targeted by gunmen. His schoolmate, Jerryl Ganness, 15, and brothers Christopher Ricardo “Ricky” Joseph, 20, and Colly Joseph, 23, were also shot. Christopher, a construction worker from Devenish Hill, Tabaquite, died at the scene. The other victims were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Centre and later transferred to Mt Hope. This tragedy adds to the family’s grief, as Darias’ brother, Kirdy Ramdhanie, was killed in a shooting in December 2024. Jerryl, who remains hospitalized in serious condition, had reportedly moved out of his Los Attajos home earlier this year due to family concerns about his behavior. Colly is also in serious condition. The Joseph family has also mourned the loss of Rajindra “Syo” Ramcharan, 33, their mother’s uncle, who was shot and killed in an orange field in Tabaquite in February. Relatives believe Ramcharan was lured to his death. The grieving parents of the Joseph brothers, Marsha and Smith Joseph, have urged police investigators to dedicate full effort to solving this fatal shooting and other unsolved crimes. Police from the Central Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, are continuing the investigation, with the motive believed to be drug-related.

Red velvet cake, with its striking color, delicate texture, and subtle cocoa flavor, has long been a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. This eggless version, shared by Naomi Anderson of Unicakery, offers a simpler yet equally indulgent alternative that’s perfect for home baking. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it as a personal treat, this cake is sure to impress. At Unicakery, a renowned baking studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Anderson and her team teach this recipe and many others in their workshops, empowering bakers to create stunning and delicious cakes with confidence. The recipe, which serves as a half batch, includes accessible ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, buttermilk (or almond milk), and red gel food coloring. The method is straightforward: mix dry and wet ingredients separately, combine gently, bake, and cool before frosting. Anderson also dispels a common myth about red velvet cake—it’s not merely chocolate cake dyed red. Its origins trace back to early 20th-century America, where its signature hue initially resulted from a chemical reaction between cocoa and acidic ingredients like buttermilk. Today, food coloring enhances its vibrant red appearance, making it a timeless dessert. Anderson, with over 12 years of pastry expertise, continues to inspire through her community-driven classes and creative desserts. For more, visit Unicakery’s social media or website.

In a significant act of community support, TECU Credit Union Cooperative Society Limited has donated $13,000 to St Peter’s Private Primary School in Pointe-a-Pierre. This contribution comes in the wake of a devastating fire on August 28 that destroyed the school’s administrative building, including critical infrastructure, equipment, and irreplaceable documents. The donation aims to facilitate the systematic rebuilding of the school’s administrative capabilities, ensuring the restoration of essential operations. The cheque was formally presented by TECU President Sandra Matthews-Noel to Principal Georgette Medford during a ceremony held on October 15. Matthews-Noel emphasized that the partnership extends beyond financial aid, focusing on fostering youth development and financial literacy. ‘Our collaboration is about creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the next generation,’ she stated. Interim Chairman of the St Peter’s Parents Association, Andre Lee Ha, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s potential to create sustainable opportunities for students. Principal Medford expressed profound gratitude, noting that the donation marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between the institutions. Beyond immediate recovery efforts, TECU plans to introduce educational programs on financial literacy, cooperative principles, and youth development, including workshops and mentorship initiatives. With an 80-year legacy and over 57,000 members, TECU continues to champion community development, leveraging this partnership to empower future generations through education and financial awareness.