分类： society

Anderson Zoe, a sports and physical education teacher at Matelot Community School, is among the six candidates competing for the presidency of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA). The election, scheduled for October 14, marks Zoe’s first foray into the TTUTA campaign trail. He is running as an independent candidate, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in the union’s leadership to empower teachers and address their concerns more effectively. Zoe’s campaign focuses on fostering greater teacher involvement through town hall-style meetings, both in-person and online, where educators can voice their opinions and propose solutions. He also highlights the importance of confidentiality for those who prefer private discussions. Zoe’s platform is primarily promoted through social media, as he funds his campaign out-of-pocket, describing it as a ‘weak financial campaign’ but one that has garnered significant support from teachers. Born and raised in Matelot, Zoe has a strong educational background, including studies at Valsayn Teachers College and the University of the West Indies. He is also a certified mediator and sports administrator. Zoe’s candidacy is driven by his belief that the union’s leadership has failed to address critical issues such as salary upgrades, promotions, allowances, and Unimed insurance. He also stresses the need for TTUTA to play a more active role in addressing school violence, advocating for a collaborative approach between the union and the Ministry of Education. Zoe urges teachers to vote for the change they wish to see in the union.

The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Fire Service is grappling with a critical shortage of essential equipment, a situation that has persisted for over a decade. Acting Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Andy Hutchinson voiced his concerns during an educational fair at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain on October 10. Hutchinson emphasized that while acquiring new equipment is crucial, the lack of ongoing training programs has exacerbated the challenges faced by fire officers. He highlighted the need for comprehensive training to operate advanced equipment, such as Hazmat trucks, which are currently underutilized due to insufficient training. The last significant investment in the Fire Service was made in 2014 under the People’s Partnership administration, which allocated $53 million for vehicles, stations, and training. However, with the change of government in 2015, funding was withdrawn, leaving the Fire Service to rely on aging vehicles, some of which are up to 28 years old. Hutchinson criticized the recent purchase of substandard breathing apparatus sets, which fail to meet the safety standards of previous equipment and pose risks to fire officers. In 2024, Fire Service Association president Keone Guy also raised alarms about the outdated and insufficient gear used by fire officers nationwide, including shortages of hydraulic rescue tools, portable pumps, generators, and personal protective equipment. Despite these challenges, Hutchinson remains hopeful that the upcoming national budget will address these long-standing issues. He praised the dedication of fire officers and the collaborative efforts with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, expressing optimism for future improvements.

In a significant development for Tobago, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro announced a remarkable 300% decline in homicides on the island. Speaking on the Tobago Updates morning show on October 10 during his first official visit, Guevarro revealed that while Tobago recorded 24 or 25 homicides at this time last year, the number has dropped to just six this year, with four of those cases already solved. Guevarro attributed this success to the strategic leadership of Tobago commanders, including ACP Oswain Subero, head of the division, Snr Supt Earl Elie, and other senior officers, who implemented a comprehensive ‘all of Tobago’ approach to crime prevention. However, he emphasized that crime-fighting is a collective responsibility and urged Tobagonians to remain vigilant and avoid becoming soft targets for criminals. Guevarro also highlighted the police’s proactive use of preventative detention powers under the ongoing state of emergency, with 79 orders executed and 46 still outstanding. Additionally, he praised the school-oriented policing initiative introduced in high-risk schools in September, noting its positive impact in reducing violence through a softer, more engaging approach, such as officers playing badminton and fixing ties with students. During his visit, Guevarro met with Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine to discuss crime-fighting and security strategies. Guevarro’s appointment as police commissioner was unanimously approved by Parliament on June 13, and he officially assumed the role on June 18.

At Felicity Hindu School in Trinidad and Tobago, the annual inter-school decorating competition on October 9 showcased the creativity and cultural pride of its students in preparation for Divali, the Hindu festival of lights. The event, attended by Newsday Kids, featured students from infants to Standard Five participating in various age-appropriate activities. Infant students colored printouts of deyas (traditional oil lamps), while older students engaged in more complex projects such as decorating clay deyas, creating Divali wreaths, and designing kalsa sets used in puja rituals. Principal Denesh Bhagwandeen emphasized the importance of Divali to the predominantly Hindu student body, many of whom also participate in local Ramleela re-enactments. The competition not only allowed students to express their artistic talents but also reinforced their cultural heritage. Projects were judged fairly, with the best designs selected for display during the school’s Divali program on October 16. The school will also host a Divali puja on October 17, further celebrating this significant festival.

In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying, a multi-million dollar operation in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was halted on October 9 by a strategic police intervention. The operation, which had been ongoing for months, involved the unauthorized extraction of minerals from state lands, causing extensive environmental damage. The quarry operator, who had previously resumed activities despite an earlier shutdown in July, was arrested along with 18 employees. Charges were filed on October 11 for processing minerals without a license. The illegal site featured advanced equipment, including conveyor belts, rock-crushing machinery, and a fully air-conditioned concrete building. The police are now investigating the operator’s real estate portfolio, suspected to have been funded by the illicit profits. The operation not only stripped valuable resources but also devastated a pristine forest and endangered local wildlife. Legal quarrying requires licenses, royalty payments, and site rehabilitation bonds, but the absence of national remediation efforts has left small organizations to address the environmental fallout. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro’s decisive action signals a commitment to protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s natural heritage. However, without stricter legal consequences, illegal quarrying will continue to exploit state lands, highlighting the need for robust enforcement and judicial follow-up.

In a coordinated effort to combat criminal activity, law enforcement agencies conducted two major anti-crime operations in the Arouca and La Horquetta districts on October 10. These operations led to the seizure of a firearm and ammunition, the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the arrest of multiple individuals. The first operation, carried out between 1 pm and 4 pm in Arouca, involved stop-and-search exercises, roadblocks, and targeted checks. Officers, acting on intelligence and with the assistance of Task Force East, identified a stolen silver Nissan Tiida on Victoria Street. The vehicle, which had a broken rear triangle glass, was confirmed to have been reported stolen in the Malabar district. It was subsequently towed to the Arouca Police Station for further investigation by the Crime Scene Unit. The operation was led by ACP Singh, Snr Supt Gift, and Supt Jaggernauth, with support from officers of the Arouca charge room. Later that evening, between 7.30 pm and 11 pm, a second operation in La Horquetta resulted in the discovery of a Smith & Wesson pistol, one magazine, and three rounds of .40 calibre ammunition at a residence on Sonny Ramdin Avenue. A warrant is expected to be issued in connection with this seizure. Additionally, six men aged between 27 and 40 were arrested for various offenses, including shooting enquiries, outstanding warrants, and traffic violations. This operation was led by ASP Pitt of Northern Division North, with assistance from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), National Operations Task Force (NOTF), Air Support Unit, Canine Unit, and an external agency.

The concept of tolerance, often hailed as a virtue, is increasingly being scrutinized for its underlying implications. While tolerance is commonly understood as the act of enduring something or someone one dislikes, it often carries an implicit sense of superiority. This perspective, deeply embedded in societal norms, raises questions about its true value and impact on marginalized groups. The author of this commentary argues that tolerance, as it stands, perpetuates a hierarchical mindset, where the tolerator assumes a position of dominance over the tolerated. This dynamic undermines the dignity of those on the receiving end, reducing their existence to something merely ‘endured’ rather than respected or embraced. The commentary draws on academic research, including a study by Verkuyten, Yogeeswaran, and Adelman, which highlights the negative psychological and social consequences of being tolerated. These include threats to self-esteem, belonging, and identity, as well as perceived injustices and social withdrawal. The author also references a Belgian report on LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing that marginalized communities seek respect, not mere tolerance. The piece concludes with a call to move beyond tolerance, advocating for acceptance, cherishing, and embracing diversity. It urges readers to reflect on their own attitudes and strive for a more inclusive and empathetic society. The commentary also advises consulting mental health professionals for deeper insights into the complexities of these issues.

A 19-year-old thief was swiftly apprehended by two vigilant police officers after attempting to steal a valuable gold bera (a traditional East Indian hand bracelet) from a woman in San Fernando on Saturday. The incident occurred on High Street near Scotiabank, where the victim was walking when she felt a sudden tug on her left hand. Turning around, she witnessed the suspect fleeing with her bracelet, valued at $5,000. The victim immediately raised an alarm, alerting Corporal Matloo and WPC Cyrus, who sprang into action. Demonstrating remarkable coordination and speed, the officers pursued and captured the suspect. The young man, a resident of Las Alturas in Morvant, was taken into custody at the San Fernando Police Station, where he remains as investigations proceed. It remains unclear whether the stolen bera has been recovered. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of law enforcement in responding to such crimes.