分类： society

At just 21 years old, Shyanne Antoine of Arima is making waves in Trinidad and Tobago’s food scene with her innovative venture, The Kkwabaegi House. Specializing in Korean twisted doughnuts, or kkwabaegi, Antoine has introduced a unique treat that combines global flavors with a local twist. Her creations are not only visually striking but also a delightful departure from traditional doughnuts, offering a light, fluffy texture with a crisp exterior and a variety of playful toppings. Antoine’s journey began two years ago when she stumbled upon a video of kkwabaegi being made while selling homemade bread. Inspired by her love for baking and creativity, she decided to bring something fresh and exciting to Trinidad’s culinary landscape. The process of making these doughnuts is meticulous, involving careful kneading, resting, hand-twisting, and frying to achieve the perfect balance of textures. To cater to local tastes, Antoine experiments with tropical-inspired toppings and fillings, blending Korean tradition with Trinidadian flair. Despite the challenges of introducing a new product, her venture has gained steady traction, with growing demand from customers across the island. Antoine envisions her doughnuts becoming a staple dessert in Trinidad, with plans for a storefront, collaborations, and continued innovation to keep the trend fresh and exciting.

For many, the allure of doughnuts lies in their irresistible combination of soft, pillowy texture and rich, comforting flavors. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, shares her journey of transforming a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece. Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, reveals that it was this fried doughnut recipe that changed her perspective on the beloved treat. The recipe, which combines basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and spices, demonstrates how patience and precision can yield extraordinary results. The process begins with activating yeast in warm milk, followed by kneading a dough infused with cinnamon and nutmeg. After a period of rising, the dough is shaped, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a glaze. Anderson emphasizes the joy of watching the doughnuts puff up in the oil, filling the kitchen with an aromatic blend of spices. At Unicakery, she not only crafts specialty cakes and desserts but also fosters a community of baking enthusiasts through hands-on workshops and mentorship. Her passion for culinary education continues to inspire both novice and experienced bakers alike. For more insights and recipes, visit Unicakery’s website or follow their social media channels.

A recent decision by the Presbyterian Board of Education to restrict non-Christian religious observances in its secondary schools has ignited a heated debate, drawing criticism from prominent figures including former government minister Surujrattan Rambachan and ex-Naparima College teacher Jamwant Maharaj. The policy, outlined in a circular to administrators of five Presbyterian schools—Hillview College, Naparima College, Naparima Girls’ High School, Iere High School, and St Augustine Girls’ High School—states that only Presbyterian denominational celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas, will be permitted on school grounds. Other religious observances must be conducted in an educational format, with agendas reviewed by the Board beforehand. The circular emphasizes adherence to the Presbyterian Church’s ethos, prohibiting prayers or texts that diminish the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The Board defended the policy, asserting that it aims to preserve the institution’s religious identity while fostering educational awareness of other faiths. However, critics argue that the move undermines religious freedom and cultural inclusivity. Rambachan questioned whether Hindu students’ rights to celebrate Divali were being curtailed, while Maharaj lamented the potential end of a 49-year tradition of cultural Divali celebrations at Naparima College. The Ministry of Education responded by acknowledging the Board’s position but stressed the importance of promoting tolerance and mutual respect in schools. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious identity and cultural diversity in educational institutions.

In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying operations, Gregory Mc Burnie, identified by police as the ‘main boss’ of a multi-million dollar illegal quarrying empire, fell ill shortly after his arrest on October 9. Mc Burnie, along with 18 others, was apprehended during a raid by heavily armed police on an illegal quarrying plant in the forests of Manuel Congo, Guanapo. Following his arrest, Mc Burnie was permitted to seek medical treatment at a private hospital in north Trinidad, accompanied by a police escort, at his own expense. Police sources indicated that the illnesses were not serious, and Mc Burnie was discharged by 11 am on October 10. The arrests were part of a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, with charges expected to be filed this weekend. At least three suspects are likely to face charges under section 45 of the Minerals Act, which prohibits the unlicensed processing of minerals. The penalties for such offenses include a $500,000 fine and five years imprisonment for first-time offenders, escalating to a $700,000 fine and seven years imprisonment for subsequent convictions. Additionally, individuals and companies involved in trading illegally obtained minerals are barred from bidding on government-funded construction projects. Police are expected to remain at the quarry site as they lack facilities to store the equipment and vehicles, which may serve as crucial evidence in the prosecution of the suspects.

In a series of coordinated anti-crime operations across Trinidad, law enforcement agencies have successfully seized illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics, marking a significant step in curbing criminal activities. The operations, conducted under the banner of ‘Operation Steadfast,’ targeted high-risk areas and known offenders in the Southern Division, while highway patrol officers in the north-east also made critical arrests.

The Editor: Fireworks have long been a source of celebration, but their adverse effects on hospitals, doctors’ offices, elderly and children’s homes, businesses, residential communities, and zoos are increasingly alarming. The Emperor Valley Zoo has highlighted the detrimental impact of fireworks’ loud noise levels, which not only distress animals in the zoo but also pets and their families. Numerous accounts detail the difficulties faced by both animals and their owners. Within minutes of fireworks starting, smaller birds exhibit intense fluttering and often die, while other animals show visible signs of trauma. Dogs, with their superior hearing, become frantic due to the echoing noises. Imagine being unexpectedly subjected to such loud blasts—people are left scrambling to comfort their distressed pets. In 2019, the zoo reported the tragic death of a small male kangaroo from shock and trauma caused by fireworks in Queen’s Park Savannah. This incident underscores the urgent need for action. For years, there have been public calls for a complete ban on fireworks. However, if fireworks must continue, they should be strictly regulated. For instance, they should only be allowed on certain public holidays and at specified times, such as between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM on Old Year’s Night. This would give animal owners time to prepare their pets for the inevitable noise. Additionally, fireworks celebrations should be relocated from social hubs to large, sparsely populated venues. The advent of silent fireworks in 2025, which only illuminate the sky, offers a promising alternative that would be welcomed by the majority of people—and undoubtedly by animals as well. Our animals and the families they are part of cannot continue to endure this suffering. Ishmael Tarouba via e-mail.