分类： society

The dining landscape in Trinidad is undergoing significant shifts as economic pressures force consumers to rethink their spending habits. A recent investigation by Newsday reveals that many residents are opting for cost-effective and convenient meal options, with some even skipping lunch altogether to save money. One woman shared that she primarily eats breakfast and dinner, often resorting to inexpensive, filling meals like packaged ramen or pasta due to exhaustion after work. She noted that cooking at home has become equally expensive, with grocery bills quickly adding up, leaving her in a ‘no-win situation.’

Another individual highlighted the challenge of balancing affordability and taste, often choosing street food like doubles, pies, or pholourie when on a tight budget. For larger meals, he seeks out restaurants offering generous portions of curry, KFC, or creole cuisine. Similarly, a working woman explained that she brings homemade lunches to work to save money and avoid the limited variety at nearby eateries, occasionally indulging in creole food or junk food for variety.

Food writer Franka Philip attributes these changes to a combination of rising food prices, job losses, and consumer fatigue with repetitive options. She noted that food courts and malls have been particularly affected, with many stalls closing or changing hands. However, food hubs like Woodbrook Yard and Food Square remain popular, especially on weekends, though business has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Philip also pointed out that established restaurants with consistent quality continue to attract loyal customers, particularly for Sunday lunches after church.

Street food remains a cornerstone of Trinidadian culture, with locations like the Food Strip in Queen’s Park Savannah and Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua bustling on weekends. Shira Mohammed, founder of Restaurant Week TT, observed a post-pandemic shift from fine dining to casual, family-style restaurants and sports bars. She emphasized the enduring appeal of street food, which offers affordability, variety, and a taste of local culture. Mohammed also noted the growing reliance on food delivery services, which, despite their cost, have become a staple for many consumers.

Overall, the food industry in Trinidad is navigating a complex landscape, with economic challenges reshaping consumer behavior and forcing businesses to adapt to new realities.

A second victim has succumbed to injuries sustained in a fatal shooting that occurred on October 15 in Brasso Village, central Trinidad. The incident initially claimed the life of a young construction worker and left two others critically wounded. Darias Shadrack, a 16-year-old student at Tabaquite Secondary School, passed away on October 17 while receiving treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope. A close relative revealed that Darias had lost a significant amount of blood and never regained consciousness after the attack. The shooting took place around 2 am at an unfinished wooden structure near his family’s home along Caparo Valley Brasso Road. Initially, police reported that Darias had died on arrival at the hospital, but further checks confirmed he was in a coma. Darias was among four victims targeted by gunmen. His schoolmate, Jerryl Ganness, 15, and brothers Christopher Ricardo “Ricky” Joseph, 20, and Colly Joseph, 23, were also shot. Christopher, a construction worker from Devenish Hill, Tabaquite, died at the scene. The other victims were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Centre and later transferred to Mt Hope. This tragedy adds to the family’s grief, as Darias’ brother, Kirdy Ramdhanie, was killed in a shooting in December 2024. Jerryl, who remains hospitalized in serious condition, had reportedly moved out of his Los Attajos home earlier this year due to family concerns about his behavior. Colly is also in serious condition. The Joseph family has also mourned the loss of Rajindra “Syo” Ramcharan, 33, their mother’s uncle, who was shot and killed in an orange field in Tabaquite in February. Relatives believe Ramcharan was lured to his death. The grieving parents of the Joseph brothers, Marsha and Smith Joseph, have urged police investigators to dedicate full effort to solving this fatal shooting and other unsolved crimes. Police from the Central Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, are continuing the investigation, with the motive believed to be drug-related.

Red velvet cake, with its striking color, delicate texture, and subtle cocoa flavor, has long been a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. This eggless version, shared by Naomi Anderson of Unicakery, offers a simpler yet equally indulgent alternative that’s perfect for home baking. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it as a personal treat, this cake is sure to impress. At Unicakery, a renowned baking studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Anderson and her team teach this recipe and many others in their workshops, empowering bakers to create stunning and delicious cakes with confidence. The recipe, which serves as a half batch, includes accessible ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, buttermilk (or almond milk), and red gel food coloring. The method is straightforward: mix dry and wet ingredients separately, combine gently, bake, and cool before frosting. Anderson also dispels a common myth about red velvet cake—it’s not merely chocolate cake dyed red. Its origins trace back to early 20th-century America, where its signature hue initially resulted from a chemical reaction between cocoa and acidic ingredients like buttermilk. Today, food coloring enhances its vibrant red appearance, making it a timeless dessert. Anderson, with over 12 years of pastry expertise, continues to inspire through her community-driven classes and creative desserts. For more, visit Unicakery’s social media or website.

In a significant act of community support, TECU Credit Union Cooperative Society Limited has donated $13,000 to St Peter’s Private Primary School in Pointe-a-Pierre. This contribution comes in the wake of a devastating fire on August 28 that destroyed the school’s administrative building, including critical infrastructure, equipment, and irreplaceable documents. The donation aims to facilitate the systematic rebuilding of the school’s administrative capabilities, ensuring the restoration of essential operations. The cheque was formally presented by TECU President Sandra Matthews-Noel to Principal Georgette Medford during a ceremony held on October 15. Matthews-Noel emphasized that the partnership extends beyond financial aid, focusing on fostering youth development and financial literacy. ‘Our collaboration is about creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the next generation,’ she stated. Interim Chairman of the St Peter’s Parents Association, Andre Lee Ha, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s potential to create sustainable opportunities for students. Principal Medford expressed profound gratitude, noting that the donation marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between the institutions. Beyond immediate recovery efforts, TECU plans to introduce educational programs on financial literacy, cooperative principles, and youth development, including workshops and mentorship initiatives. With an 80-year legacy and over 57,000 members, TECU continues to champion community development, leveraging this partnership to empower future generations through education and financial awareness.

The Festival of Lights, Divali, stands as a profound symbol of hope, emphasizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali,’ meaning ‘row of lights,’ the festival’s central themes revolve around illumination and the dispelling of ignorance. The traditional lighting of deyas (oil lamps) serves as a powerful metaphor for the triumph of wisdom and righteousness. However, as we celebrate this joyous occasion, it is impossible to ignore the pervasive darkness that plagues our society. Crime, human trafficking, child abuse, and poverty cast long shadows over our communities, threatening the very fabric of our nation. Yet, amidst these challenges, there is a call to action. Each individual has the power to shine their light, no matter how small, to inspire change and foster hope. By uniting and setting aside differences, we can collectively work towards a brighter future. Leaders are urged to prioritize collaboration for the greater good, ensuring that the spirit of Divali transcends the festival and becomes a guiding principle for societal transformation. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘Be the change that you wish to see in the world.’ Let us all embrace this message and strive to make our country a better place for everyone.

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is set to celebrate Divali on October 20, 2025, a public holiday that has been observed since 1966. Known as the Festival of Lights, Divali continues to captivate the nation, whether celebrated at the iconic Divali Nagar or various other venues across the country. This festival not only promotes multiculturalism and secularism but has also become a cornerstone of TT’s cultural identity, fostering a deep connection between humanity and the divine. The teachings and philosophy of Divali, rooted in ancient spiritual texts, have historically provided hope, faith, and resilience, offering a timeless blueprint for addressing social, economic, cultural, and political challenges. As TT prepares for Divali 2025, the call for a spiritual revolution echoes louder than ever. The festival’s observance traces back 187 years to the arrival of the first East Indians from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. Their contributions have significantly shaped TT’s socio-economic landscape and established a rich religious and cultural heritage that continues to be cherished. The Indian diaspora proudly celebrates various religious observances, including Lord Ganesh Ustav, Lord Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Naumi, Lord Krishna Janamasti, and Holi. However, Divali stands out as a universal celebration that transcends a single day, urging humanity to embrace its sacred essence. Acharya Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji, in his work *The Footprints*, emphasizes the importance of awakening from lethargy and fostering harmony. As TT celebrates Divali, the nation renews its commitment to preserving Hinduism and Indian culture, inspired by the timeless words of Mahatma Gandhi, who aligned truth with the eternal light of Divali.

The Festival of Lights, Divali, stands as a powerful symbol of hope, emphasizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Originating from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning ‘row of lights,’ the festival centers on the deya, a traditional lamp that symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of wisdom. As Trinidad and Tobago (TT) celebrates this vibrant occasion, it also grapples with pervasive societal issues such as crime, human trafficking, child abuse, and poverty. These challenges cast a shadow over the nation, yet the essence of Divali offers a poignant reminder of the potential for transformation through unity and individual action. Angelo Marcelle, in a heartfelt letter to the editor, calls on citizens to let their light shine, fostering hope and positive change. He urges leaders to collaborate for the greater good, emphasizing that collective efforts can drive societal progress. The letter also features inspiring quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Eleanor Roosevelt, reinforcing the message of personal responsibility and the power of light and love to overcome adversity. As TT celebrates Divali, the festival serves as a call to action for all to contribute to a brighter, more harmonious future.