分类： society

In a heartfelt appeal during the opening of Divali Nagar on October 11, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo urged the nation’s diaspora to return home and contribute to the country’s renewal. Speaking in Chaguanas, Tancoo likened Trinidad and Tobago to ‘our Ayodhya,’ referencing the epic poem The Ramayan, where the Hindu god Shri Ram returned after 14 years of exile to become king. He emphasized that the country’s diaspora, whether born in Trinidad or of Trini ancestry, should bring their skills, resources, and love for the homeland to ignite a new era of hope, prosperity, and justice. Tancoo’s message was clear: ‘Your exile is over. Your Motherland calls for you to come home.’ He called on the diaspora to invest, teach, mentor, and share their experiences to help build a nation that shines as a beacon in the Caribbean and beyond. The minister also urged citizens to banish corruption and greed, embrace fairness, and unite as one people. The Divali Nagar, a cultural festival celebrating the Hindu festival of lights, served as the backdrop for this appeal. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, highlighted the festival’s role as a ‘national institution of cultural and moral development.’ He stressed the importance of investing in Divali Nagar to preserve values like discipline, respect, and compassion for future generations. Mangaroo pointed out that the festival’s children’s programs act as living classrooms, instilling values that guide young citizens toward responsible and compassionate leadership. This year’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha’ or ‘Welfare of the World,’ called on attendees to rise above self-interest and act with compassion, justice, and solidarity. The event featured traditional performances, deya lighting ceremonies, and vibrant displays of East Indian culture, underscoring the festival’s dual role as both entertainment and education.

Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, a lifelong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, was awarded the Medal for the Development of Women (Silver) on Republic Day 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights her over four decades of dedication to empowering women and combating gender-based violence (GBV) in Trinidad and Tobago. However, Mowlah-Baksh’s response to the honor was unexpectedly introspective. Rather than feeling elated, she expressed mixed emotions, questioning whether her efforts had been sufficient given the persistent challenges women face today.

For over three decades, Chandra Katwaroo has been a beacon of devotion, using her performances of the Ramayan and bhajans to inspire and uplift others. The Ramayan, an ancient Sanskrit epic by Valmiki, narrates the life of Lord Ram and imparts lessons on faith, resilience, and the duality of life. Katwaroo’s deep connection to this sacred text began in her childhood, as her father would read and expound upon it every Saturday, instilling in her a lifelong passion. Her favorite part of the epic is when Ram, exiled to the forest for 14 years, returns to his kingdom, greeted by the joyous lighting of lamps—a symbol of hope and triumph. Beyond her spiritual pursuits, Katwaroo is a gifted singer, actively participating in Hindu festivals like Ganesh Utsav, Pitr Paksh, and Divali. Her musical journey began at six, singing in school choirs and churches, which exposed her to diverse cultures and religions. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband and son, Katwaroo continues to share her music and teachings, traveling globally to spread messages of faith and empowerment. She has released nine albums, composed numerous songs, and received accolades for her contributions to culture and spirituality. Her mantra, ‘I filled my heart with love one day, to all I met I gave it away,’ reflects her unwavering commitment to helping others. Katwaroo’s life is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and service, as she continues to inspire countless individuals to recognize their inner divinity and purpose.

Trinidad and Tobago is facing a harrowing surge in violent crime, with seven murders recorded in just 24 hours in the eastern quadrant of the island. This alarming spike has pushed the weekly homicide count to 20, marking the bloodiest week of the year. The nation, already shaken by recent high-profile killings, including the triple murder of a family in Friendship Village and the ambush of a Chaguanas businessman, is now under heightened tension as the state of emergency (SoE) enters its 84th day. Despite the SoE, which was declared on July 18 and extended by Parliament for an additional 90 days, the relentless wave of violence continues to escalate. Social media and opposition politicians have expressed outrage, with some calling for a ‘state of extreme emergency’ to address the crisis. Former national security minister Marvin Gonzales criticized the government’s approach, stating that the root causes of crime, such as unemployment, gun trafficking, and judicial stagnation, remain unaddressed. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement but emphasized ongoing anti-crime operations. Meanwhile, the discovery of missing businessman Imraz ‘Clubs’ Ali’s body and a series of other brutal killings have further deepened public despair. The government’s promise to reduce crime within six months has yet to yield sustainable results, leaving citizens increasingly fearful and disillusioned.

Anderson Zoe, a sports and physical education teacher at Matelot Community School, is among the six candidates competing for the presidency of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA). The election, scheduled for October 14, marks Zoe’s first foray into the TTUTA campaign trail. He is running as an independent candidate, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in the union’s leadership to empower teachers and address their concerns more effectively. Zoe’s campaign focuses on fostering greater teacher involvement through town hall-style meetings, both in-person and online, where educators can voice their opinions and propose solutions. He also highlights the importance of confidentiality for those who prefer private discussions. Zoe’s platform is primarily promoted through social media, as he funds his campaign out-of-pocket, describing it as a ‘weak financial campaign’ but one that has garnered significant support from teachers. Born and raised in Matelot, Zoe has a strong educational background, including studies at Valsayn Teachers College and the University of the West Indies. He is also a certified mediator and sports administrator. Zoe’s candidacy is driven by his belief that the union’s leadership has failed to address critical issues such as salary upgrades, promotions, allowances, and Unimed insurance. He also stresses the need for TTUTA to play a more active role in addressing school violence, advocating for a collaborative approach between the union and the Ministry of Education. Zoe urges teachers to vote for the change they wish to see in the union.

The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Fire Service is grappling with a critical shortage of essential equipment, a situation that has persisted for over a decade. Acting Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Andy Hutchinson voiced his concerns during an educational fair at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain on October 10. Hutchinson emphasized that while acquiring new equipment is crucial, the lack of ongoing training programs has exacerbated the challenges faced by fire officers. He highlighted the need for comprehensive training to operate advanced equipment, such as Hazmat trucks, which are currently underutilized due to insufficient training. The last significant investment in the Fire Service was made in 2014 under the People’s Partnership administration, which allocated $53 million for vehicles, stations, and training. However, with the change of government in 2015, funding was withdrawn, leaving the Fire Service to rely on aging vehicles, some of which are up to 28 years old. Hutchinson criticized the recent purchase of substandard breathing apparatus sets, which fail to meet the safety standards of previous equipment and pose risks to fire officers. In 2024, Fire Service Association president Keone Guy also raised alarms about the outdated and insufficient gear used by fire officers nationwide, including shortages of hydraulic rescue tools, portable pumps, generators, and personal protective equipment. Despite these challenges, Hutchinson remains hopeful that the upcoming national budget will address these long-standing issues. He praised the dedication of fire officers and the collaborative efforts with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, expressing optimism for future improvements.