分类： society

The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced alternative venues for Carnival 2026 events following a sweeping ban on fetes at major public sporting facilities. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin revealed during a House of Representatives session on November 21 that the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS) and facilities in Chaguaramas have been designated as primary alternatives. This decision comes after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended a ban on Carnival-related events at key venues, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the Jean Pierre Complex, sparking concerns from industry stakeholders. The ban, initially imposed on the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, has been criticized by promoters who warn it could devastate the multi-billion-dollar Carnival and entertainment industry, a critical driver of tourism and foreign exchange. Benjamin assured that her ministry, in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission (NCC), is committed to supporting stakeholders and ensuring a successful Carnival. However, tensions flared during the parliamentary session as Diego Martin West MP Hans Des Vignes pressed for clarity on stakeholder consultations, only to be cut off by Speaker Jagdeo Singh for violating procedural rules. Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle also questioned the minister on additional venues, to which Benjamin reiterated the QPS and Chaguaramas as key locations. The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has urged the government to reconsider the ban, warning it could deliver a ‘death knell’ to the already vulnerable sector. Despite a scheduled meeting between the TTPA and Benjamin on November 21, no confirmation of its occurrence was provided, leaving industry concerns unresolved.

The Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) in Trinidad and Tobago is ramping up efforts to dismantle illegal quarry operations, targeting unlicensed operators who exploit the nation’s resources. Superintendent Leon Haynes, head of the MATF, revealed in a recent interview that only nine companies currently hold full mining or aggregate processing licenses, while 13 others operate under temporary “holdover” permits issued by the energy minister. Despite these regulations, numerous unlicensed operators continue to extract materials, often in remote areas, evading detection. Haynes emphasized that illegal quarrying is a top priority for the MATF, with enforcement actions including arrests, fines, and imprisonment. The issue gained national attention earlier this month when the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association (TTAPA) protested outside National Quarries Ltd (NQL), accusing the state-owned company of operating without a valid license. TTAPA President Nigel Tenia claimed that none of the association’s 24 members has ever received a processing license for sand and gravel, alleging a systemic failure in the licensing process. Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal countered these claims, stating that numerous processing licenses have been issued in recent years. However, Haynes expressed skepticism, noting that many applicants fail to meet regulatory requirements within the stipulated three-month period. The MATF’s crackdown has already resulted in 47 arrests between 2020 and 2025, with offenders charged for illegal mining and processing activities. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro warned that illegal quarrying fuels organized crime and undermines national security. Transparency gaps in the Ministry of Energy’s oversight have further complicated the issue, with outdated public records and a lack of clarity on legally compliant operators. The TT Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s 2024 report highlighted significant unpaid royalties and environmental damage caused by illegal quarrying, underscoring the urgent need for improved monitoring and enforcement.

In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the South Western Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) conducted a successful Operation HELIOS over the weekend. The operation, which took place in the Erin district, led to the detention of eleven suspected Venezuelans, including one minor, and the seizure of substantial quantities of contraband. The exercise, carried out between 8 am on November 22 and 8 am the following day, involved collaboration between Task Force officers, the Erin police, the Canine Unit, and the Defence Force. Acting on intelligence, the officers targeted the Erin Beach Facility, where they discovered the group hiding in a bushy area. Subsequent searches along the shoreline uncovered 112 bottles of alcohol and various amounts of sausage and cheese. The Immigration Division has been notified, and investigations are currently underway. The operation was authorized by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations Suzette Martin, led by Senior Superintendent Thompson, and coordinated by Assistant Superintendents Corrie and Forbes.

For over three decades, Charlotteville has been a haven for stray dogs, affectionately referred to as ‘pothongs’ or ‘shithongs.’ These dogs, though often collarless, are remarkably gentle and coexist peacefully with villagers and visitors alike. They are fed scraps and bones by locals and tourists, forming temporary bonds during vacations. However, behind this idyllic scene lies a harsher reality, vividly depicted in Elspeth Duncan’s short film, *Charlotteville Tails*. The film, born from a career fair where Duncan discussed the power of filmmaking, was shaped by local children and highlights the struggles of starving, injured, and neglected dogs. It also showcases the community’s efforts to care for these animals, including fundraising and medical treatment. Duncan, inspired by her adopted dog Venus, advocates for kindness to all creatures through her NGO, Venus Doggess of Love. She calls for a veterinary clinic in Charlotteville to address the challenges faced by both dogs and humans. The film, alongside *Venus and Magnet*, a poetic tribute to her dog’s friendship with a chick, has garnered awards and serves as a powerful educational tool, urging viewers to embrace compassion for animals. Both films are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Charlotteville’s dogs, whose diverse breeds reflect Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural heritage. Duncan’s work aims to foster awareness and empathy, encouraging communities to see dogs not as utilities but as kin deserving of care and respect.

The tranquil fishing villages along Trinidad’s northeastern coast, from Salybia to Matelot, are facing unprecedented challenges as US military strikes against narco-traffickers have severely disrupted the local fishing industry. Fisherfolk, already grappling with fear and uncertainty, are hesitant to venture far from shore, leaving once-bustling fishing hubs like Toco and Saline Bay eerily quiet. The US has conducted 21 missile strikes since September 2, killing 83 individuals suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. This military escalation, coupled with thousands of marines and naval vessels stationed in the region, has created a tense atmosphere for coastal communities. At the Toco Fishing Centre, a key hub for fresh fish, stalls remain empty, and the compound is deserted, a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. Nearby, fish vendor Nixon Kissoon, 53, and his nephew Andrew struggle to adapt to the new reality. Nixon highlights the Coast Guard’s restrictions, which limit fishing to within two miles of the shore, making it nearly impossible to catch deep-water species like carite and kingfish. Fishermen on the west and south coasts face similar constraints. Nixon, a veteran of the industry, has pivoted to transporting fish from Orange Valley to Manzanilla and Toco, but the rising costs of fuel and wholesale fish have placed immense financial strain on families. Veteran fisherman Winston Miller, 63, echoes these concerns, describing the situation as a “high-risk gamble.” The economic fallout extends beyond fishing, with local businesses like clothing shops and food outlets closing early. Former MP Roger Munroe notes that the Toco lighthouse, a potential tourist attraction, remains closed. Calls for government intervention, such as subsidies, have grown louder, but local officials remain unresponsive. As the crisis deepens, the once-thriving coastal communities face an uncertain future.