分类： society

In a significant step toward safeguarding public welfare, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has pledged to introduce comprehensive fireworks legislation by the end of this year. This initiative, aimed at addressing noise pollution, has been widely praised as a compassionate and long-overdue measure. The proposed legislation seeks to protect all citizens, including vulnerable groups, pets, and wildlife, marking a pivotal moment in fostering a more considerate society.

For years, fete promoters and fireworks distributors have prioritized louder and more extravagant displays, often disregarding the adverse effects on communities. Despite ample opportunities to adopt responsible practices, their actions have consistently fallen short. This new legislation underscores the necessity of holding such entities accountable, ensuring that those who fail to self-regulate face appropriate consequences.

The Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT have aptly highlighted the issue, stating, ‘Blasting music at 2 am is not culture – it’s noise pollution.’ This sentiment resonates with many who have long endured the disruptive impacts of unchecked noise and fireworks. As the nation awaits further details on the proposed measures, there is cautious optimism that this legislation will herald a new era of respect and responsibility.

Residents of Woodbrook in Port of Spain have voiced their support for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent ban on fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, citing long-standing grievances over excessive noise pollution. Lynette Dolly, a prominent Woodbrook homeowner and head of the Woodbrook Resident’s Committee, highlighted the community’s frustration with unregulated noise from major venues like the QP Savannah, QP Oval, and Hasely Crawford Stadium. Speaking to Newsday on November 13, Dolly emphasized the need for balanced regulations that allow both entertainment and peace for residents. The Prime Minister’s announcement on November 12 included an immediate halt to fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and a pledge to introduce legislation by the end of 2025 to address noise pollution, fireworks, and designated quiet hours. Dolly noted that while some venues, like the Hasely Crawford Stadium, have made compromises to control noise, others, particularly the QP Savannah, continue to disrupt the community with loud music that can be heard across multiple neighborhoods. Residents also expressed concerns about music trucks that cause vibrations strong enough to shake homes and damage property. Dolly called for stricter enforcement of noise regulations to ensure that entertainment activities do not infringe on residents’ right to tranquility.

On November 14, the Port of Scarborough in Tobago rolled out a vibrant welcome for 700 visitors aboard the Azamara Quest cruise ship, marking the start of a bustling 2025/2026 cruise season. The visitors were greeted with a unique artistic installation featuring murals of Tobago’s rich cultural heritage and a colorful hopscotch design, created by students and teachers from Scarborough Secondary School. The project, themed ‘Games We Used to Play,’ aimed to engage tourists with traditional Tobagonian pastimes such as snakes and ladders, marble pitching, draughts, and kite-flying. The initiative, completed in under a week, was a collaborative effort led by Port of Scarborough Executive Manager Dion Lawrence, Estate Constable Nichola Mohan, and the school’s art teachers. Lawrence emphasized the importance of community empowerment and corporate social responsibility, trusting Mohan, a self-taught designer, to bring the concept to life. Mohan expressed her desire to showcase Tobago’s heritage and promote the island as a premier tourist destination. Jeanine Crouch, an art teacher at Scarborough Secondary, highlighted the students’ excitement and the cultural enrichment they gained from the project. Mohan is already planning for next year’s cruise season, with new themes to further enhance the visitor experience.

The community of Windsor Park in California, Couva, gathered on November 13 to bid farewell to Vishnu Lalla, a 63-year-old livestock farmer remembered for his kindness, love of nature, and unwavering work ethic. Lalla’s life was tragically cut short when he was kidnapped from his home on November 8 and found dead in a forested area off Brechin Castle Road the following day. He had been shot in the head, and his grey Toyota Hilux was discovered burned, with a ransom demand of $100,000 made for his safe return. A 9mm shell casing was found at the scene, and investigations have led to the detention of a policeman and two civilians suspected of involvement in the crime. The funeral, held at Lalla’s home, was officiated by Pastor Ralph Sawh, who prayed for justice and comfort for the grieving family. Lalla’s sister Molly, who lives abroad, delivered an emotional tribute, recalling their deep bond and her brother’s selfless nature. Nephew Ishwar remembered Lalla as a father figure who lived with a big heart, always making time for others. The body was later cremated at the Waterloo Cremation Site, leaving the community to mourn the loss of a man who touched many lives with his generosity and love.