分类： society

The Arima Tennis Club hosted a solemn memorial service on January 5th honoring fire officer Bruce Lezama, whose life was tragically cut short in a brutal murder that has shaken both his community and colleagues. The 47-year-old paramedic and ambulance driver, last seen on Christmas Day, was discovered dead near his Arima residence on December 30th after family members grew concerned about his unusual silence during the holiday season.

Dozens gathered to commemorate Lezama’s nearly 18 years of exemplary service with the TT Fire Service, describing him as a pillar of his community whose dedication extended far beyond his professional responsibilities. Colleagues and relatives remembered him as a disciplined professional who frequently volunteered his off-duty time and utilized his paramedic expertise to train community members in life-saving CPR techniques.

His brother Perry Bengoche shared poignant memories of Lezama’s character: “He was the kind of person who actively supported the community and helped young people. If you asked Bruce for work, he would inquire about your skills and provide the necessary tools—whether purchasing masonry equipment for builders or grass cutters for landscapers.”

The investigation into Lezama’s death revealed disturbing details. Family members initially became alarmed when they couldn’t reach him post-Christmas. A visit to his property showed his gate open, television operational, and vehicle missing—highly uncharacteristic behavior for the conscientious fire officer.

Despite the trauma, family members expressed surprising appreciation for law enforcement’s handling of the case. Bengoche noted, “I previously had my issues with police, but these officers treated us with exceptional respect, care, and emotional sensitivity across all departments—local police, forensics, anti-kidnapping, and homicide.”

Fire officer Wallen Amdros, representing over 200 colleagues from Lezama’s batch, emphasized the victim’s impeccable character: “I cannot say anything negative about him. He never drank or frequented social gatherings, which makes his tragic passing even more perplexing.”

The family continues grappling with unanswered questions about the motive behind the killing, with cousin Keva Reyes noting, “He lived simply without flashy possessions or expensive vehicles. This might stem from jealousy or envy, but we truly don’t understand.”

With support from community networks and Fire Service officials, Lezama’s relatives are navigating their grief while advocating for justice, determined to honor his legacy of service and compassion.

The second academic term in Trinidad and Tobago commenced on January 5 with remarkably smooth operations across educational institutions, despite the temporary closure of the Ministry of Education’s headquarters. Both government authorities and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) confirmed an essentially incident-free reopening day for ECCE, primary, and secondary schools nationwide.

The Ministry of Education’s Towers A and B in Port of Spain remained closed on the first day due to ongoing air-conditioning system repairs, with operations scheduled to resume on January 6. Nevertheless, the ministry issued an afternoon media release highlighting the successful start to Term II, emphasizing that teaching activities resumed without significant disruption across the country’s educational landscape.

Substantial infrastructure improvements preceded the term opening, with 82 approved projects completed between December 2025 and January 2026. The comprehensive enhancement initiative included 35 projects executed under the Vacation Repairs Programme and 47 emergency works addressing critical needs. These improvements encompassed roof and ceiling repairs, sewer and drainage system upgrades, washroom facility enhancements, air-conditioning unit maintenance, water line replacements, and electrical infrastructure modernization.

The National Schools Dietary Services Ltd (NSDSL) successfully resumed operations, delivering approximately 62,000 breakfasts and 75,000 lunches to students nationwide. Education Minister Michael Dowlath attributed the seamless reopening to coordinated planning among stakeholders, stating: ‘Education is a shared national responsibility, and this smooth reopening demonstrates what is possible when all stakeholders work together to keep our children learning, safe, and supported.’

TTUTA president Crystal Ashe reported that officers monitored all districts, including Tobago, with Richmond Street Boys’ Anglican School being the only institution remaining closed due to rat infestation concerns. Health and Education Ministry collaboration efforts are expected to facilitate the school’s reopening by January 7. While Barataria Boys’ RC Primary School faced sewer issues, it operated normally. Teacher attendance was notably high, though some student absences were observed—a customary first-day occurrence that Ashe emphasized should be addressed by parents recognizing the importance of every school day.

On security matters, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin confirmed that monitoring programs reported no incidents, with Tranquillity Government Secondary School newly added to the list of institutions receiving police monitoring. The TTPS plans future meetings with the ministry to evaluate security measures and implement new initiatives as necessary.

The Trinidadian music community is mourning the loss of a revered patriarch and public servant. Eddie Hart, a distinguished community organizer, sports activist, and former parliamentarian, passed away on January 4 at the age of 89. His legacy is being celebrated by his grandsons, the acclaimed Soca artistes and producers known collectively as Full Blown Entertainment.

Kevon and Kory Hart, the brothers behind the musical outfit, honored their grandfather in a heartfelt social media tribute. They reflected on his profound impact, not only on their personal lives but also on the broader national community. Eddie Hart was the visionary founder of the Eddie Hart Football League, a foundational institution for youth sports development, and also served as a Member of Parliament for the People’s National Movement (PNM).

The Hart brothers have themselves become national icons, carrying forward the family’s tradition of public contribution through their musical artistry. Their 2026 release, ‘Respectfully Yours,’ has emerged as one of the season’s most popular Carnival anthems, dominating airwaves across the nation.

In their tribute, the brothers shared a poignant final memory: ‘In our last conversation with him just days ago, we delivered the news that we currently hold the number one song in the country. He struggled to respond but ultimately declared, ‘We’s number one. Keep mashing them up!”

This moment, they noted, encapsulated his unwavering support and pride in their accomplishments. The brothers affirmed that their grandfather had indelibly shaped his community, earning the honorary title ‘King’ from many who benefited from his leadership and generosity.

‘Life was not meant to be accompanied by death,’ Full Blown wrote, ‘but FOR NOW it comes hand in hand. You will always be missed, Edward ‘Eddie’ Hart!’

In a significant counter-narcotics operation, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) personnel successfully dismantled a substantial illicit marijuana cultivation site in Diego Martin on January 4th. The strategic intervention, conducted under Operation Trident, targeted criminal activity in the Western Division.

According to an official TTPS media release dated January 6th, specialized units ventured along a rugged trail originating from Salandy Street. After traversing nearly a mile of challenging uphill terrain, law enforcement officers discovered a concealed clearing containing approximately 200 mature marijuana plants.

The comprehensive eradication effort involved multiple specialized departments including the Western Division Gang Intelligence Unit (WDGIU), West End Criminal Investigations Department, and personnel from the West End Charge Room. The operational team employed immediate on-site destruction methods, uprooting and incinerating the entire illicit crop to prevent any potential diversion to illegal markets.

The high-priority operation received formal authorization from Senior Superintendent Williams, with tactical leadership provided by Superintendent Gyan and Woman Assistant Superintendent Aguellera. Operational coordination was managed by Inspectors Grant and Perry, while field supervision was executed by Corporals Garcia, Khan, and acting Corporal Joseph.

This successful intervention demonstrates the TTPS’s continued commitment to disrupting organized criminal enterprises and eliminating illegal drug production infrastructure within local communities.

In a poignant tribute to late legal luminary Osbourne Charles, attorney Hazel Thompson-Ahye recounts a transformative courtroom experience that shaped her professional journey. The reflection begins with a vivid courtroom scene where a witness resembling “Miss Mavis” – an East Indian woman with complex domestic arrangements – testified against her husband’s murder suspect, claiming to have seen the accused “every minute of the day.

Defense counsel Osbourne Charles dismantled her testimony through deceptively simple questioning about domestic chores, ultimately exposing the impossibility of her claim. The young law student initially reacted with moral outrage at what she perceived as witness intimidation, confronting Charles about his destructive cross-examination technique.

Through years of observing Charles and other legal masters like Desmond Allum and Vernon De Lima, Thompson-Ahye developed deeper understanding of defense counsel’s duty to test witness credibility. This education proved crucial when she later handled a murder case involving teenage defendant and victim. Applying Charles’ techniques, she extracted critical information about the victim’s violent propensity and established the incident occurred near her client’s home, suggesting self-defense given the defendant’s extensive injuries.

The validation came when Police Commissioner Trevor Paul predicted her success moments before the jury returned a not guilty verdict within 15 minutes of deliberation. Now mourning Charles’ passing, Thompson-Ahye expresses gratitude shared by countless lawyers who benefited from his expertise, concluding with a prayer for his peaceful journey to the “heavenly court.”

As the new academic term commenced on January 5, education authorities face mounting criticism for their failure to provide comprehensive assessments regarding the controversial police presence initiative in schools. The program, initially launched last September amid considerable public attention, remains shrouded in uncertainty due to insufficient official reporting.

While a single term may be inadequate for full evaluation, the Ministry of Education under Dr. Michael Dowlath has demonstrated concerning passivity in communicating the program’s effectiveness to stakeholders. The limited available data reveals troubling insights: 29 students across various institutions were arrested during the first term for offenses including weapon and drug possession, assault, and robbery.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin confirmed the program’s expansion, with Tranquillity Government Secondary School joining the list of institutions under police monitoring. This development suggests official satisfaction with current outcomes, though concrete supporting evidence remains scarce.

The initiative’s more measurable aspects—statistical data and frequency of violent incident reports—paint an incomplete picture. More nuanced outcomes, including shifts in student behavior and community dynamics, require extended observation periods and potentially years of expert analysis.

Concerns persist regarding the judicial processing of arrested students, with insufficient transparency about court decisions and remedial measures. Similarly, the performance evaluation of the 95 specially trained officers assigned to the program remains undisclosed.

Education stakeholders await comprehensive reporting by term’s end to determine whether this security measure represents meaningful progress or merely symbolic intervention.

In a triumphant return to competitive form, five-time national stickfighting champion O’Neil Odle emerged victorious at the inaugural National Carnival Commission’s Welcome to the Gayelle tournament. The historic event, held on January 3rd at the Moruga Multi-Purpose Youth and Sport Facility, marked a significant revival of traditional martial arts within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape.

The competition witnessed fierce athletic displays as more than a dozen nationally-recruited contenders vied for the prestigious top prize of $10,000. Selwyn John secured second position while Terrance Marcano claimed third place in the intensely contested matches that characterized the evening’s proceedings.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, the event exceeded organizational expectations with robust community engagement. Over 200 patrons attended the free-admission spectacle, which featured diverse entertainment segments alongside the primary competitive bouts. The ministry emphasized that the tournament series aims to strengthen and preserve the national stickfighting circuit through accessible community-based events.

Minister Michelle Benjamin personally addressed attendees, highlighting the government’s commitment to cultural preservation. The Welcome to the Gayelle initiative represents a single-round competition format scheduled across multiple communities, combining athletic competition with cultural performances.

Future installments are confirmed for January 10th at Debe Junction and January 17th at Constantine Park in Tunapuna. All events will commence at 7 PM local time with live streaming available through the NCC’s official YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram platforms, ensuring global accessibility to these cultural showcases.