分类： society

A significant cultural conflict has emerged between Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra and the National Gas Company (NGC) following the state-owned energy corporation’s decision to withdraw corporate sponsorship from youth-focused, sporting, and cultural organizations. The dispute centers on NGC’s substantial reduction in funding allocations for 2025, particularly affecting steelband groups including Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, and Tobago’s Steel Xplosion.\n\nThe controversy intensified following comments by NGC Chairman Gerald Ramdeen, who asserted that the company is \”not here to be a Ministry of Culture or Sport\” and emphasized that \”NGC is not a charity.\” The Couva Joylanders Orchestra responded directly to these statements through a detailed Facebook post, challenging Ramdeen’s perspective on corporate social responsibility.\n\nThe orchestra presented a compelling counter-argument, stating that corporate sponsorship represents more than mere financial assistance. They emphasized that panyards function as critical community spaces—serving as safe havens, educational environments, and centers for cultivating discipline and creativity. The funding withdrawal, they argued, negatively impacts not only musical groups but also local economies, affecting tailors, transportation providers, food vendors, and artisans who depend on carnival and steelpan activities.\n\nAt a time when steelpan music is gaining international recognition, the orchestra warned that reduced corporate support could hinder cultural momentum and diminish Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism potential. They expressed particular concern about the timing, noting that the cuts coincide with growing global appreciation for the art form.\n\nThe band directly addressed Ramdeen’s comments, stating: \”Respectfully, sir, your framing makes NGC sound detached from the communities it serves. A state enterprise should reflect national priorities, not just shareholder returns.\”\n\nRamdeen defended the corporate decision, referencing $1.6 billion in profits that allegedly concealed $1 billion in losses from previous management. He committed to continuing NGC’s corporate social responsibility initiatives but emphasized doing so \”in a prudent and frugal manner, with decisions guided by the best interests of the company and the country.\”\n\nThe funding termination letters invoked contractual clauses allowing the company to \”terminate for convenience,\” a move that Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore described as \”a devastating blow\” to the cultural community.\n\nOpposition MP Stuart Young characterized the withdrawal as \”an assault on our culture,\” highlighting the vital role panyards play as safe spaces in communities affected by crime. This controversy echoes similar concerns raised earlier this year when Heritage Petroleum reduced support for San Fernando’s Skiffle Bunch and Siparia Deltones.\n\nThe Joylanders concluded their statement by emphasizing the profound significance of steelpan culture: \”This debate isn’t abstract. It touches directly on the lifeblood of our orchestra and the wider steelpan family… Sponsorship here is about sustaining a legacy, empowering youth, and projecting TT’s identity to the world.\”

PORT OF SPAIN – A notable resurgence in public confidence toward Trinidad and Tobago’s police force appears to be emerging, driven by substantial reductions in serious criminal activities and enhanced community engagement programs. The current upward trend marks a significant departure from the mere eight percent trust level recorded in the 2022 Police Service Commission survey.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Suzette Martin reported on December 27 that numerous citizens expressed appreciation for police efforts during the recently concluded 12 Days of Christmas and Inter-Agency Christmas Caravan initiatives. According to Martin, both vendors and shoppers conveyed unprecedented feelings of security while conducting holiday purchases, with markedly fewer incidents of pickpocketing and robbery compared to previous years.

These community programs form part of the broader Operation Festive Shield strategy – an acronym representing Safety, High Visibility, Intelligence-Led Policing, Engagement, Law Enforcement and Deterrence. The comprehensive initiative commenced on December 15 and will extend through the Carnival season, concluding on February 23.

The operational success derives from multi-agency collaboration involving police, Fire Services, Defence Force, Prison Service, municipal police, and licensing department personnel. Officers disseminated safety awareness information while conducting goodwill activities nationwide, including hamper distributions, award ceremonies, and community beautification projects.

Statistical evidence supports the improved public sentiment. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro revealed in November that homicide rates decreased by 42 percent, violent crimes dropped by 19 percent, and other serious offenses declined by 11 percent compared to the previous year. These improvements are largely attributed to the detention of 85 individuals during the state of emergency and implementation of intelligence-driven policing strategies.

DCP Administration Junior Benjamin emphasized the service’s year-long commitment to community safety, noting that every division contributed through various outreach programs. He confirmed that administrative, intelligence, and investigations personnel maintained high visibility in streets, malls, and public spaces throughout the holiday season.

The police force anticipates building upon this success throughout the upcoming Carnival celebrations and into 2026, with continued focus on evidence-based approaches and community partnership models.

The MV Logos Hope, renowned as the globe’s largest floating book exhibition, has made its seasonal berth at Scarborough Harbour, Tobago, marking a significant cultural event for the Caribbean region. The vessel, which commenced its stay on December 19, will remain accessible to the public until January 2 before transitioning to Port of Spain for a month-long engagement from January 3 through February 3.

Operated through a collaborative initiative between international charitable organization GBA Ships and Operation Mobilisation, this unique maritime bookstore boasts an extensive collection exceeding 5,000 literary works. The inventory encompasses diverse genres including children’s literature, fiction, non-fiction, academic references, and educational materials, with a notable representation of publications featuring Christian themes.

The floating cultural center is maintained by an international volunteer crew representing approximately 60 nationalities, creating a multicultural environment for visitors. During its Tobago deployment, the ship welcomes guests daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with final admissions concluding at 9:00 PM. The facility will observe temporary closures on December 25 and January 1 in recognition of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day celebrations.

Admission pricing is structured at $5 for general entry, while complimentary access is granted to children under twelve years of age and senior citizens aged sixty-five and above. All visitors must present valid tickets for entry, with minors requiring adult supervision. The vessel accommodates both cash and electronic payment methods, and prospective visitors have the option to reserve specific time slots through advanced online booking systems.

This visit marks a continuation of the ship’s engagement with the region, following its previous port call in Tobago during 2024. The Logos Hope has established itself as a recurring educational and cultural attraction throughout Trinidad and Tobago, offering unique literary access before proceeding with its international voyage itinerary.