分类： society

In a powerful address that blended personal experience with national urgency, Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association president Deonarine Ragoo issued an impassioned call for immediate action on children’s vision care. Speaking at the Rapidfire Kidz Foundation’s Eyes Right Project ceremony on November 30, the visually impaired leader addressed an auditorium of students, parents, and officials at Naparima College.

The event marked a significant milestone as 51 students from San Fernando Boys’ and Girls’ Government Primary Schools received prescription glasses through a collaborative initiative between the foundation and Republic Bank Ltd. This partnership represents a concerted effort to ensure that visual impairments don’t hinder educational opportunities or dim future prospects.

Ragoo, who possesses firsthand understanding of vision loss having been born with only ten percent vision before losing even that fifteen years ago, framed the initiative as more than charity. ‘This function must be looked at in the context of bringing freedom, social justice and empowerment to our nation’s children,’ he declared, elevating the discussion from mere healthcare to fundamental rights.

The statistics presented were sobering: an estimated 15,000-20,000 people in Trinidad and Tobago live with visual impairment, often due to delayed treatment caused by poverty or neglect. Ragoo emphasized that such delays frequently lead to reduced vision or permanent blindness—outcomes his organization has fought against for over a century.

Beyond immediate optical care, the president highlighted technological barriers facing visually impaired students, specifically the critical need for Braille displays costing approximately $25,000 each. These devices enable access to digital educational content, representing what Ragoo termed ‘true empowerment’ that leads to ‘true freedom.’

The foundation demonstrated its expanded commitment to youth development by also supporting athletic pursuits. A $30,000 donation from fundraising proceeds was presented to former West Indies bowler Samuel Badree for constructing cricket nets at the SB Cricket Academy’s facility in Tarouba, scheduled to open in early 2026.

Republic Bank Ltd reinforced its partnership with a $90,000 pledge for the 2025-2026 period, ensuring the Eyes Right Project’s continued expansion. Since its 2012 launch, the initiative has distributed 1,401 pairs of glasses, addressing vision problems that might otherwise go untreated.

Practical guidance accompanied the donations, as See View Optical general manager Premnath Sookdeo educated young recipients on proper eyewear maintenance, warning against dry wiping lenses to prevent scratches from accumulated particles.

Foundation president Kevin Ratiram encouraged balanced lifestyles, advising students to complement their improved visual capabilities with outdoor activities and family time rather than excessive screen use.

As students departed with clearer vision and broader opportunities, Ragoo’s closing wish encapsulated the event’s spirit: ‘I wish you a Merry Christmas, a prosperous 2026, and many decades of good sight.’

Trinidad and Tobago is poised to implement comprehensive fireworks regulations through new legislation currently under parliamentary consideration. The Fireworks Regulation Bill, which entered debate on December 9, establishes a permit system for pyrotechnic use while designating violations as ticketable offenses.

The proposed legislation creates specific exceptions for traditional celebrations, allowing fireworks without permits on public holidays between 8-9 PM and on December 31 (Old Year’s Night) from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM. However, all other fireworks usage will require explicit authorization from the Commissioner of Police.

Significant safety buffers are mandated under the bill, prohibiting fireworks within a half-mile radius of sensitive locations including animal shelters, zoos, farms, forest reserves, national parks, hospitals, and airports.

The advocacy group Citizens Against Noise Pollution of Trinidad and Tobago (CANPTT) has enthusiastically endorsed the legislation, characterizing it as a groundbreaking approach to addressing fireworks as a public health concern. The organization noted this represents Trinidad and Tobago’s first formal recognition of pyrotechnics as a matter of “national responsibility.”

While celebrating the progress, CANPTT identified three critical areas requiring strengthening: explicit legal protection for residential areas, publicly accessible enforcement mechanisms operating before law activation, and immediate penalties substantial enough to deter violations. The group emphasized that true protection must extend beyond legislative text to positively impact citizens’ daily living experiences and safeguard society’s most vulnerable members.

In a heartwarming display of corporate compassion, Kaleidoscope Paints Limited transformed its San Juan compound into a festive wonderland on Sunday, hosting approximately 300 children from 14 orphanages across Trinidad for an unforgettable Christmas celebration themed ‘Colour Joy into Children’s Lives 2025′.

The event, running from 1 pm to 5 pm, created a magical atmosphere where children encountered Santa Claus, animated clowns, traditional moko jumbies, and captivating puppet shows. The compound buzzed with excitement as youngsters enjoyed face painting, bounced energetically on inflatable castles, and listened to traditional parang music. Particularly memorable were the horseback rides provided by the TTPS Mounted Branch and the specially curated petting zoo that introduced children to the beauty of wildlife.

Notable attendees included Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, NCC chairman Peter Khanhai, and Feroze Khan. All expressed profound appreciation for being part of the meaningful event, with Minister Ameen actively participating in activities with the children.

CEO Dale Parsons, who also serves as President of the TT Manufacturers’ Association, emphasized the deeper significance of the celebration: ‘This is not merely about gifts or entertainment—it’s about reinforcing that every child is cherished, valued, and loved during Christmas and always. The joy shared today becomes hope carried into tomorrow.’

The initiative, supported by Kaleidoscope Paints’ dedicated staff and business community partners, continued a cherished tradition established by the company’s late founder Stephen S. Parson in the 1970s and 1980s. Now upheld by second and third generations, this legacy of community compassion ensures that vibrant colors of joy continue to brighten the lives of society’s most vulnerable children.

In a dramatic courtroom development, two men accused of a 2019 double homicide in Tobago were unconditionally discharged by the High Court after prosecutors unexpectedly declined to present any evidence against them. Nicholas Davis and Antonio McEachnie, who had faced murder charges for nearly three years, walked free following the procedural collapse of the State’s case during a sufficiency hearing on December 8.

The case concerned the tragic deaths of John Mills, 69, and Eulyn John, 61, a Tobago couple whose bodies were discovered at their Buccoo residence on May 2, 2019. After three years of investigation, authorities arrested Davis and McEachnie in 2022, setting in motion a legal process that would encounter multiple procedural hurdles.

Prosecutors had previously obtained several extensions to compile their evidence, eventually submitting over 50 witness statements. In a unusual maneuver, they also sought permission to call a witness for oral testimony after she refused to swear to her written statement.

During the hearing before Master Margaret Sookraj-Goswami, defense attorneys raised vigorous objections to documents served after court-ordered deadlines, arguing that the late filing—mere days before the crucial hearing—prevented proper review of the materials. The defense team, comprising prominent legal counsel including Senior Counsel Israel Khan, opposed any further extensions given the State’s history of delays.

Master Sookraj-Goswami ruled that the hearing would proceed with most documents admitted, though two statements filed out of time were excluded. In a stunning turn, when invited to present evidence, prosecutors Kernester Mohammed and Mark Peters declined to tender any of their compiled statements. With no evidence before the court to substantiate the murder charges, the judicial officer had no alternative but to discharge both defendants.

The outcome highlights systemic challenges in criminal prosecutions and raises questions about evidence gathering procedures in serious felony cases.

In a powerful address during the 152nd anniversary service at Mizpah Presbyterian Church in Claxton Bay on December 7, High Court Justice Frank Seepersad delivered a compelling sermon on the critical need for principled leadership in times of global uncertainty. Speaking before congregants, Justice Seepersad articulated a vision of governance rooted in moral fortitude and strategic wisdom.

The jurist emphasized that while Trinidad and Tobago, as a small island nation, cannot single-handedly influence superpower politics, its leadership must cultivate strategic alliances across political, economic, and military domains while safeguarding national sovereignty. He asserted that truly effective leadership necessitates policies that ensure collective security and prioritize citizen welfare above all else.

Addressing what he described as a worldwide leadership crisis, Justice Seepersad outlined the qualities of exemplary leaders: those who serve with discipline, place communal needs above personal interests, and maintain unwavering integrity. He particularly stressed that genuine leadership begins with spiritual commitment, stating that ‘leaders who walk with integrity and skill can transform lives, communities, and nations.’

Justice Seepersad further elaborated on practical leadership requirements, noting that promising leaders must be judged by their track record of delivering results rather than empty rhetoric. He advocated for leaders willing to challenge established norms and make difficult decisions with both empathy and equity, particularly in combating social maladies including drug trafficking, domestic violence, and criminal exploitation.

The judge also called for national transformation amid concerning levels of divisive discourse and economic challenges. He urged a collective shift in mindset toward godly living, rejection of dependency cultures, and emphasis on service above self-interest. While addressing leadership responsibilities, Justice Seepersad equally emphasized individual accountability, encouraging citizens to take charge of their circumstances through lawful means and due process to catalyze meaningful societal change.

In a significant probate ruling, Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court has declared a disputed will invalid after determining the document contained a forged signature. Justice Robin Mohammed delivered the judgment favoring a Curepe widower over his sister-in-law in a contentious estate battle.

The case centered on a purported 2012 will that emerged only after the claimant refused to consent to his sister-in-law’s application for letters of administration. The deceased woman’s sister claimed executive rights under the alleged will, but forensic analysis revealed critical discrepancies in the signature.

A court-appointed handwriting expert conducted detailed comparisons between the will’s signature and multiple authenticated samples from the deceased. The analysis demonstrated fundamental differences in execution style and identified telltale hesitation marks—indicators consistent with signature simulation rather than genuine authorship.

Justice Mohammed noted the suspicious timing of the will’s emergence after more than a decade, stating that no legitimate executor would wait ten years to seek probate grant. The defendant’s initial attempt to obtain administration letters through consent before producing the will further undermined her credibility.

The court found the sister-in-law failed to meet her burden of proving the will’s validity and ordered her to pay $1,063,200 in lost rental income from a Bushe Street, Curepe property to the widower. The judgment grants the husband full letters of administration over his late wife’s estate, effectively dismissing all claims made under the invalidated document.

This ruling highlights the judiciary’s rigorous approach to detecting document fraud and protecting legitimate inheritance rights through expert forensic analysis and careful examination of circumstantial evidence.

In a significant address to newly licensed marriage officers, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein has called for mandatory premarital counseling as a crucial measure against domestic violence. The minister delivered this urgent message during a licensing ceremony at Stollmeyer’s Castle in Port of Spain on December 8, where over thirty multi-faith marriage officers received their credentials.

Minister Hosein emphasized that while love forms the universal foundation of marriage across all religious traditions, couples must be properly prepared for the legal and social responsibilities that accompany matrimony. “Every religion teaches one universal principle: love,” Hosein stated. “But living in love is also a legal process, and that is where my ministry plays a critical role.”

The minister expressed particular concern about the troubling persistence of domestic violence, urging marriage officers to view premarital counseling as essential preparation rather than optional formality. He reminded attendees of their sacred duty to guide couples responsibly, stating this responsibility “must be exercised with care and integrity.”

Hosein simultaneously announced sweeping reforms to eliminate bureaucratic delays that have long plagued the marriage licensing system. He revealed discovering countless neglected applications upon taking office in April, blaming inter-agency conflicts and outdated paper-based systems for the inefficiencies. “I am absolutely fed up with the bureaucracy,” Hosein declared. “For far too long, red tape has imposed significant burdens on citizens and religious bodies.”

Registrar General Karen Bridgewater endorsed the minister’s reforms, praising his “common-sense approach” to consolidating previously scattered responsibilities. She noted that the restructuring has already eliminated longstanding bottlenecks and improved systemic efficiency. Bridgewater further emphasized the officers’ dual role as both solemnizers of marriages and strengtheners of the national social fabric, describing marriage as “the foundation of family life” and families as “the core upon which our nation is built.”

While acknowledging that numerous applications remain pending, Hosein characterized the December 8 ceremony as symbolic progress toward a more efficient and responsible marriage licensing system. The minister concluded by urging officers to promote a culture that “spreads love rather than hate” throughout Trinidad and Tobago.