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.
分类： society
-
Good time for fireworks to go silent
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.
-
Creamery Yogurt partners with Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society
In a significant move to bolster cancer awareness and support, Creamery Yogurt and the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) have forged a strategic partnership. The collaboration was officially announced at a press conference in Port of Spain on September 26, marking a new chapter in the fight against cancer. Under this initiative, for every tub of Creamery Yogurt purchased, $0.50 will be donated to the TTCS, directly funding their cancer education, screening, and patient support programs. This partnership, which runs from October 1 to November 30, aligns with Creamery Yogurt’s mission to foster healthier communities and make a tangible social impact. Anastasia Pickering, Creamery’s brand manager, emphasized that the collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to wellness beyond its products, encouraging consumers to contribute to a greater cause with each purchase. Liza Yunis, TTCS treasurer, praised the initiative as a vital boost to the society’s decades-long efforts in cancer care. Marć Clarke, marketing manager at Hadco Ltd, Creamery’s local distributor, highlighted the power of private-public partnerships in driving meaningful change. This campaign not only raises funds but also empowers consumers to participate in the fight against cancer, demonstrating that collective small actions can lead to significant societal impact.
-
Teen dead, younger brother in custody following stabbing incident in St Elizabeth
In a tragic incident in Comma Pen, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, an 18-year-old man lost his life following a violent altercation with his 14-year-old brother on Friday night. The victim, identified as Raheem Thompson, locally known as “Shota,” was a farmer and resident of the area. According to police reports, the dispute began around 10:00 pm and quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. A family member attempted to intervene and separate the two brothers. Thompson reportedly left the scene but returned shortly afterward with a severe stab wound to his chest. He was rushed to the Mandeville Regional Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Authorities have taken the 14-year-old brother into custody as investigations continue. The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
-
Roman Catholics mark Jubilee of Hope
The Catholic community in Trinidad and Tobago is currently immersed in the Jubilee of Hope, a three-day festival running from October 10 to 12 at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. The event, themed ‘Hope in Christ,’ underscores the Jubilee Year’s message of renewal, reconciliation, and the church’s mission to spread hope. The festivities began with a Eucharistic procession from St Charles RC Church in Tunapuna to the Centre of Excellence, symbolizing unity and faith. Archbishop Jason Gordon, addressing the attendees, emphasized the importance of charity, urging participants to bring non-perishable items for distribution to the less fortunate. ‘This act of giving is a beautiful reflection of who we are as Catholics,’ Gordon remarked. The event also saw the presence of notable figures, including government ministers Barry Padarath, Kennedy Swaratsingh, and Vandana Mohit, as well as Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who joined the celebrations on October 11. The Eucharistic presence remains at the Centre of Excellence throughout the festival, serving as a focal point for worship and community gathering. The Jubilee of Hope not only celebrates faith but also reinforces the church’s commitment to social responsibility and communal support.
-
Jamaicans urged not to abandon homeless relatives
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has urged families to take responsibility for their homeless relatives rather than abandoning them on the streets. Speaking at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s (KSAMC) Wellness in the Park event on World Homeless Day (October 10), McKenzie emphasized the need for a cultural shift toward personal accountability. The event, held at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston, was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. McKenzie highlighted that many homeless individuals were once part of stable households but were left vulnerable due to various circumstances. He warned that the Government would take decisive action against those who continue to neglect their family members. As part of its ongoing efforts to address homelessness, the Government plans to construct 14 homeless shelters across Jamaica in collaboration with the National Housing Trust. McKenzie noted that these shelters, to be built in every parish during the new financial year, aim to provide care and rehabilitation for vulnerable populations. He also shared that the Government’s initiatives have already yielded positive outcomes, with many individuals from shelters being reunited with their families and securing meaningful employment. Additionally, the Government is enhancing mental health services by training psychiatric assistants within the local government system. McKenzie stressed that while the Government is expanding facilities and support systems, lasting progress requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society. ‘It cannot be for government alone. It cannot be for the private sector and others to support it when people abandon their families,’ he asserted.
-
Targets hit, but
One month into its operation, Jamaica’s Rural School Bus Programme has exceeded ridership expectations, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced on Friday. The initiative, which aims to provide safe and affordable transportation for students across rural areas, has seen an average of 16,600 students daily, surpassing the ministry’s initial target of 15,000 for the first 60 buses. However, the programme has faced several challenges, including logistical adjustments, minor accidents, and reports of students falling ill during transit.
During a press conference, Vaz acknowledged these issues but emphasized that no major incidents resulting in injuries or fatalities have occurred. He highlighted instances of disorderly behavior among students and medical emergencies, such as nosebleeds and fainting, which were promptly addressed with the help of drivers, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), and local authorities. To mitigate these challenges, the ministry has opted to deploy law enforcement monitors on buses instead of assigning wardens, following consultations with the education and finance ministries.
JUTC Managing Director Owen Ellington reported 21 incidents during the programme’s first month, including minor accidents involving third-party vehicles on narrow rural roads. To enhance safety, the JUTC has implemented strict disciplinary measures and onboard monitoring technology to track driver behavior in real time.
Infrastructure issues, particularly the poor condition of rural roads, have also posed significant challenges. Vaz noted that the transport ministry is collaborating with the National Works Agency and municipal corporations to prioritize road repairs in affected areas. Additionally, departure times for some routes have been adjusted by 30 to 45 minutes to better align with students’ schedules and reduce early “dead runs.”
Despite these setbacks, the programme’s popularity has led to concerns about overcrowding, with demand for seats exceeding supply in several parishes. Vaz assured that the government is addressing this by expanding the fleet and improving scheduling efficiency. He also hinted at further adjustments to routes and pickup locations to ensure punctuality and prevent overcrowding.
The Rural School Bus Programme, launched on September 8, currently operates 60 buses across 12 dispatch points, serving 250 schools islandwide. The remaining 44 buses from the government’s initial 110-bus commitment are expected to be rolled out by the end of the current school term. Once fully implemented, the initiative aims to provide safe transportation for students across all 14 parishes, with plans to procure additional buses for future phases of expansion.
-
‘We want some closure’
The search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a missing schoolboy from Newport, Manchester, has escalated, with authorities deploying advanced resources including drones, cadaver dogs, and specialized personnel. Despite these efforts, no significant leads have been uncovered, leaving Jayden’s family in a state of distress and fear. Omar Thompson, Jayden’s uncle-in-law, has expressed his anguish over the situation, revealing that the family has been subjected to threats and misinformation since the boy’s disappearance on September 26. Thompson, who has been actively cooperating with the police, emphasized that the family has nothing to hide and is desperate for closure. He recounted Jayden’s last moments, recalling how he gave the boy lunch money before he left for school, only to vanish without a trace. Jayden, described as a bright and helpful child, was the valedictorian at his primary school’s graduation, a fact that adds to the family’s heartbreak. Ann-Marie Thompson, Jayden’s aunt, clarified misconceptions about the boy’s savings, stating that he had only withdrawn a small amount from a personal savings box to buy pizza. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have warned the public against harboring missing children, emphasizing that such actions are punishable by law. The community remains on edge as the search continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
-
CoP Guevarro pays first official visit to Tobago
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro made his inaugural official visit to Tobago on October 10, marking a significant step in bolstering the island’s security framework. Guevarro, whose nomination was unanimously approved by Parliament on June 13 and officially appointed on June 18, engaged in high-level discussions with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and other key stakeholders to address pressing security concerns. The meeting, held at the Office of the Chief Secretary, focused on proactive strategies to enhance law enforcement, including the deployment of temporary police units in high-risk areas and leveraging advanced intelligence to guide operations. Augustine highlighted the persistent issue of boat and engine thefts, which continue to plague Tobago’s coastal communities. Additionally, the establishment of a coastal and riverine branch was proposed to safeguard marine spaces, including the ecologically significant Buccoo Reef Marine Park. The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) reiterated its dedication to collaborating closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to address emerging security challenges. Commissioner Guevarro acknowledged the positive trends in recent crime statistics but stressed the importance of sustained vigilance and strategic partnerships. The meeting was attended by THA Chief Administrator Denese Toby-Quashie, Tobago Division ACP Oswain Subero, Snr Supt Earl Elie, and other senior officers.
-
Illegal quarry boss, 17 employees charged after Manuel Congo raid
In a significant law enforcement operation, police have apprehended the owner of an illegal quarry in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, along with 17 employees, charging them with unlawful mineral processing without a license. The arrests, made on October 9, were part of a coordinated effort led by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and other senior officers, including Deputy Commissioner Natasha George and ACP Richard Smith. The suspects were charged under Section 45 of the Minerals Act and are set to appear in court on October 22. Each was granted $50,000 bail early on October 11. The operation targeted a site that had been under surveillance for over a year due to its involvement in illegal activities, including deforestation, unauthorized mineral extraction, and the financing of organized crime. Commissioner Guevarro commended the officers for their dedication and precision, emphasizing the TTPS’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and public safety. He urged citizens to support law enforcement in dismantling criminal networks. The site remains under police guard as investigations continue, with officers pursuing additional evidence and identifying further conspirators.