分类： society

In a significant move to revive the hospitality and tourism sector, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has announced the government’s plan to reopen the TT Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) in Chaguaramas. The institute, which was established to train professionals in the hospitality industry, including chefs and support staff, ceased operations in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and the non-payment of subventions by the previous administration. The TTHTI had been operational for approximately two decades before its closure. Minister Tancoo also hinted at similar developments in Tobago, indicating a broader effort to bolster the sector. Further details regarding the reopening are expected to be provided by the Trade, Investment, and Tourism Minister, Satyakama Maharaj. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing the skills gap and supporting the recovery of the hospitality and tourism industry post-pandemic.

In a decisive electoral triumph, Crystal Ashe has been elected as the new president of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA). The election, held on October 14, saw Ashe secure a commanding victory, amassing 3,546 votes—more than triple the tally of outgoing president Martin Lum Kin, who received 1,019 votes. Ashe’s total also surpassed the combined votes of all other presidential candidates, solidifying her position as the clear choice among educators.

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential in the realm of crime prevention, offering tools for predictive policing and more efficient identification of illicit activities. However, the financial burden of developing and implementing such advanced technology, particularly in smaller economies like Trinidad and Tobago (TT), raises significant concerns. Issues of affordability, transparency, and the risk of misuse or overreach must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been exploited by various sectors, including food, freight, and utilities, as a pretext for unjustified price hikes. These practices, often shrouded in opacity, manipulate public perception and exacerbate economic hardship by eroding purchasing power. This tactic mirrors the dismissive stance of former US President Donald Trump, who famously labeled climate change as a ‘con job,’ highlighting a broader pattern of leveraging crises for economic gain.

Environmental policies present a stark dichotomy. While some global leaders advocate for green energy initiatives, major economies such as China, Iran, Russia, and Iraq continue to rely heavily on coal and fossil fuels, perpetuating the climate crisis. This inconsistency underscores the intricate interplay between economic interests and environmental sustainability, revealing the complexities of global energy politics.

In conclusion, whether addressing AI in crime prevention, economic manipulation, or climate policy, the necessity for transparency, responsible leadership, and strategic planning is paramount. Misinformation and diversionary tactics only hinder genuine progress, benefiting a select few while imposing significant burdens on the majority. The call for clarity and actionable solutions has never been more urgent.

The 2025 national budget marks a historic milestone by addressing period poverty, a critical issue that has long been overlooked. This groundbreaking inclusion is the culmination of relentless global and local feminist activism, which has successfully framed menstruation as a matter of public health, human rights, and gender equity. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo emphasized that period poverty severely impacts the health and educational opportunities of individuals who cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, thereby denying them equitable access to empowerment and confidence in daily activities such as attending school or participating in sports. Recognizing this, St Lucia has taken a pioneering step by allocating US$250,000 to support students struggling with the cost of feminine hygiene products. In his October 13 presentation, Minister Tancoo proposed the establishment of a Women’s Health Fund with an initial capital of $5 million, aimed at sustaining initiatives through tax-incentivized individual and corporate contributions. This fund will launch a pilot program to distribute free menstrual kits in educational institutions and provide comprehensive menstrual health education, targeting various groups including men and boys to foster inclusivity and dismantle stigma. The removal of VAT on pads and tampons in 2001 was a significant step, acknowledging these products as basic necessities for approximately half the population. However, period poverty extends beyond the cost of menstrual products; it encompasses the need for menstrual health education, safe and accessible sanitation facilities, and the elimination of stigma. The issue is particularly acute in disaster-affected areas, where the spectrum of sexual and reproductive health and rights must be integrated into disaster management. Addressing period poverty also requires robust health and family life education in schools, enabling adolescents to ask questions about their bodies, reproduction, and anxieties. Organizations like Feminitt have been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for legislative changes, increased research, and gender-responsive solutions that acknowledge the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities. Crown Her TT, founded by medical and legal professionals, has amplified these efforts through a national campaign. The 2025 budget represents a significant victory for people who menstruate, girls, and women, and underscores the importance of mentoring and supporting youth-led peer activism.