The vibrant Ramleela celebrations at Palmiste Park in San Fernando, hosted by the non-profit organization ‘For the Love of the Children,’ captivated audiences from September 26 to October 5. This year’s event, led by organizer Pundit Artma Maharaj, embraced an eco-friendly theme, emphasizing the dual responsibility of upholding dharma and protecting the planet. The festivities featured nightly performances with distinguished guests, including Justice Frank Seepersad, Rana Mohip, and the Ramnarine brothers, Arvind and Amish. The grand finale on October 5 saw Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, join the community in celebrating the timeless victory of good over evil. The climactic burning of Ravana lit up the night sky, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness. The event also showcased the talents of young performers, such as Vivek Ramkhelawan, Dhruv Ramsaran, Reyad Balladin, and Krtvya Sage Deonarine, who portrayed the princes of Ayodhya. The opening night featured a divine reenactment of Shri Ram’s descent to earth, with Veer Dabiesingh, Nivedh Hajaree, and Cade Boodoosingh embodying Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva, respectively. The celebrations concluded with a powerful performance by the cast, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
分类: society
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WATCH: Two die in Manchester three-vehicle crash
A devastating three-vehicle accident on the Winston Jones Highway near the Russell Place intersection in Manchester, Jamaica, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The fatal crash occurred on Friday night, claiming the lives of Evroy Dixon, a resident of Content, Manchester, and Adrimar Smith, a 35-year-old woman from the Heartease district in Manchester. Preliminary investigations reveal that the collision involved a Toyota Wish taxi, a Nissan Tiida, and a Mitsubishi Fuso motor truck, believed to be an unmarked police vehicle. Reports indicate that the taxi swerved to avoid a stationary sand-laden trailer, inadvertently veering into the path of the oncoming Mitsubishi Fuso truck. The ensuing collision caused the truck to crash into the Nissan Tiida, trapping its driver and passenger. Emergency responders were called to extricate the victims, who were unresponsive upon removal from the wreckage. Both were transported to the hospital by police pickup trucks but were pronounced dead upon arrival. The condition of the occupants of the other vehicles remains unknown. The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the dangers of road travel and the need for heightened safety measures.
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At least 37 dead in Mexico floods
Mexico is grappling with a catastrophic flood crisis as torrential rains have claimed at least 37 lives and caused widespread destruction across the nation. The federal government reported on Saturday that intense rainfall has affected 31 out of 32 states, leading to overflowing rivers, submerged villages, landslides, and collapsed infrastructure. The central state of Hidalgo has borne the brunt of the disaster, with 22 fatalities, 1,000 damaged homes, and 90 communities cut off from rescue operations. Neighboring Puebla state has recorded nine deaths, while Veracruz and Queretaro have reported five and one fatality, respectively. Over 80,000 individuals in Puebla alone have been impacted by the extreme weather. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on X that thousands of troops, alongside boats, planes, and helicopters, have been mobilized to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. More than 5,400 military personnel have been deployed to distribute aid and restore essential services. Shelters have been established to accommodate those displaced by the floods. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, home to numerous small communities, has emerged as the epicenter of the disaster, with many areas rendered inaccessible due to landslides. Meteorologist Isidro Cano attributed the heavy rainfall to a seasonal shift and cloud formation driven by warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, compounded by a cold front from the north. Authorities are also monitoring Tropical Storm Raymond and the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla, which have caused additional damage in western states. Raymond is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Sunday as it approaches southern Baja California.
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Kkwabaegi House introduces: Doughnuts with a twist
At just 21 years old, Shyanne Antoine of Arima is making waves in Trinidad and Tobago’s food scene with her innovative venture, The Kkwabaegi House. Specializing in Korean twisted doughnuts, or kkwabaegi, Antoine has introduced a unique treat that combines global flavors with a local twist. Her creations are not only visually striking but also a delightful departure from traditional doughnuts, offering a light, fluffy texture with a crisp exterior and a variety of playful toppings. Antoine’s journey began two years ago when she stumbled upon a video of kkwabaegi being made while selling homemade bread. Inspired by her love for baking and creativity, she decided to bring something fresh and exciting to Trinidad’s culinary landscape. The process of making these doughnuts is meticulous, involving careful kneading, resting, hand-twisting, and frying to achieve the perfect balance of textures. To cater to local tastes, Antoine experiments with tropical-inspired toppings and fillings, blending Korean tradition with Trinidadian flair. Despite the challenges of introducing a new product, her venture has gained steady traction, with growing demand from customers across the island. Antoine envisions her doughnuts becoming a staple dessert in Trinidad, with plans for a storefront, collaborations, and continued innovation to keep the trend fresh and exciting.
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Broken-down trailer slows traffic on Winston Jones Highway
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Commuters traveling along the Winston Jones Highway near Russell Place are experiencing disruptions due to a trailer breakdown that has partially blocked the roadway. The incident has forced traffic to merge into a single lane, prompting authorities to advise drivers to exercise caution and follow the directions of traffic personnel on site. The trailer in question was reportedly involved in a tragic three-vehicle collision earlier today, which claimed two lives. Emergency services are working diligently to remove the trailer and restore full access to the highway as quickly as possible. This incident underscores the importance of road safety and the need for swift response mechanisms to mitigate such disruptions.
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Sixteen dead after blast at US explosives factory
A catastrophic explosion at an explosives manufacturing facility in Bucksnort, Tennessee, has resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred on Friday at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant, initially led to fears that 18 people had perished. However, two individuals previously thought to be among the victims were later located and confirmed safe. The blast, described as a ‘tragic accident’ by the company, obliterated an entire building on the expansive campus, caused widespread structural vibrations, and scattered debris across the area. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis noted that the vehicle and personal belongings of the two missing individuals were found at the scene, initially leading to the assumption of their demise. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) official Brice McCracken stated that the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, with investigations ongoing. Sheriff Davis emphasized that foul play has not been ruled out, and the process of examining the site is being conducted meticulously, with bomb technicians deployed as necessary. DNA testing will be utilized to identify the remains of the victims.
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Homemade fried doughnuts
For many, the allure of doughnuts lies in their irresistible combination of soft, pillowy texture and rich, comforting flavors. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, shares her journey of transforming a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece. Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, reveals that it was this fried doughnut recipe that changed her perspective on the beloved treat. The recipe, which combines basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and spices, demonstrates how patience and precision can yield extraordinary results. The process begins with activating yeast in warm milk, followed by kneading a dough infused with cinnamon and nutmeg. After a period of rising, the dough is shaped, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a glaze. Anderson emphasizes the joy of watching the doughnuts puff up in the oil, filling the kitchen with an aromatic blend of spices. At Unicakery, she not only crafts specialty cakes and desserts but also fosters a community of baking enthusiasts through hands-on workshops and mentorship. Her passion for culinary education continues to inspire both novice and experienced bakers alike. For more insights and recipes, visit Unicakery’s website or follow their social media channels.
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Alleged gang leader Brico killed in clash with cops
In a significant development in St Catherine, Jamaica, Bryan King, also known as Brico, a prominent figure in the criminal underworld, was fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement on Saturday. King, identified as the section leader of the Kitson Town-based Klansman Gang, was reportedly involved in a range of organized criminal activities, including contract killings, extortion, and armed robberies. His influence extended across Kitson Town and the Top Banks area of Spanish Town, where he allegedly commanded a network of gunmen responsible for numerous violent crimes. King’s rise to power followed the death of Sheldon ‘Termite’ Walters in 2024, after which he assumed leadership of the Top Banks faction of the Klansman Gang. Law enforcement had long sought King, listing him as a person of interest in multiple cases, including shootings targeting police officers and several high-profile murders. His death is seen as a major setback for organized crime networks in the region, particularly those affiliated with the Klansman Gang. The confrontation occurred around 1:00 pm in Kitson Town, where an illegal firearm was reportedly recovered from King. Authorities view his elimination as a critical step in curbing gang-related violence in the area.
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Presbyterian Board: Only Christian celebrations in our secondary schools
A recent decision by the Presbyterian Board of Education to restrict non-Christian religious observances in its secondary schools has ignited a heated debate, drawing criticism from prominent figures including former government minister Surujrattan Rambachan and ex-Naparima College teacher Jamwant Maharaj. The policy, outlined in a circular to administrators of five Presbyterian schools—Hillview College, Naparima College, Naparima Girls’ High School, Iere High School, and St Augustine Girls’ High School—states that only Presbyterian denominational celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas, will be permitted on school grounds. Other religious observances must be conducted in an educational format, with agendas reviewed by the Board beforehand. The circular emphasizes adherence to the Presbyterian Church’s ethos, prohibiting prayers or texts that diminish the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The Board defended the policy, asserting that it aims to preserve the institution’s religious identity while fostering educational awareness of other faiths. However, critics argue that the move undermines religious freedom and cultural inclusivity. Rambachan questioned whether Hindu students’ rights to celebrate Divali were being curtailed, while Maharaj lamented the potential end of a 49-year tradition of cultural Divali celebrations at Naparima College. The Ministry of Education responded by acknowledging the Board’s position but stressed the importance of promoting tolerance and mutual respect in schools. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious identity and cultural diversity in educational institutions.
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Education Ministry launches ‘BullyProofJA’ campaign
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information (MOESYI) in Jamaica has introduced a groundbreaking digital initiative, ‘BullyProofJA,’ designed to address the pervasive issue of bullying in schools and communities. The campaign, encapsulated by the slogan ‘Block the Hate, Build the Love,’ underscores the Ministry’s dedication to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for all children.
