分类： society

The Jaisarie family of Churkoo Village, Princes Town, maintained their cherished annual tradition on December 13 by hosting a Christmas community outreach event at their residential property. The gathering brought together approximately 150 children from diverse backgrounds for an afternoon filled with festive celebrations, nourishment, and gift-giving.

Attorney Sherlana Jaisarie, the primary organizer of this philanthropic initiative, emphasized her family’s enduring commitment to community service. The event featured meticulously decorated tents in traditional Christmas colors of red and green, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

Children received McDonald’s Happy Meals, specially curated treat bags, and an assortment of toys, while parents were served hot doubles—a popular local street food. The occasion attracted support from community leaders including local government representative Shawn Premchand, who participated in the festivities and publicly commended the family’s efforts.

Premchand described the experience as profoundly heartwarming, noting the visible joy and excitement among children and families. He particularly praised Jaisarie’s dedication to fostering community spirit during the holiday season through this annual tradition.

The Christmas treat has evolved into an anticipated community event that effectively embodies the seasonal spirit of generosity and goodwill, strengthening community bonds through shared celebration and charitable giving.

The Venezuelan Embassy in Port of Spain hosted a significant cultural and educational event on December 5, celebrating the graduation of Trinidadian students from the Spanish language and Venezuelan culture program. Ambassador Álvaro Sánchez Cordero presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the Spanish language (Castellano) as a vital bridge for mutual understanding between English and Spanish speakers while strengthening bilateral cultural ties.

During his address, Ambassador Cordero highlighted the six-decade legacy of the Venezuelan Institute of Culture and Co-operation ‘Andres Bello’ (IVCC) as a crucial meeting point for shared knowledge and cultural exchange between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The ambassador specifically commended graduates for their dedication, particularly those who pursued studies through remote learning or weekend classes despite scheduling challenges.

The ceremony featured multiple cultural presentations demonstrating the students’ linguistic and cultural acquisition. Professor Lisbeth Kong’s Saturday Conversation Workshop participants delivered presentations exploring cultural connections between the two nations, while Professor Coromoto Fernández-Sirju’s Advanced Spanish Group demonstrated their linguistic progression through specialized presentations. Students Jeselle Gajadhar and Dianne Persaud delivered particularly notable individual presentations.

Musical performances formed a centerpiece of the celebration, with the IVCC Rondalla ensemble under Professor Geremías Mai Marcano’s direction performing traditional Venezuelan Christmas compositions including ‘Corre Caballito,’ ‘Niño Criollo,’ ‘Precioso Querube,’ and the patriotic anthem ‘Venezuela.’ The embassy subsequently shared performance videos on its Facebook platform on December 12, describing the event as showcasing ‘the magic of our culture at the IVCC.’

In a testament to the program’s diplomatic significance, Ambassador Cordero declared graduates as cultural ambassadors who now represent ‘the message of peace and global solidarity’ between the neighboring nations. The embassy’s social media posts on December 9 further documented the certificate distribution ceremony, acknowledging participant dedication and the program’s role in fostering meaningful bilateral exchange.

While the IVCC previously maintained branches in both Port of Spain and San Fernando, the embassy confirmed in 2015 that the San Fernando operations were temporarily suspended due to organizational restructuring and program updates.

PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) general secretary Shirlane Hendrickson delivered an emotionally charged eulogy for her late mother Wilma Hendrickson, who passed away at age 88 on December 12. The memorial service, conducted at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on December 19, gathered family members, close friends, and community figures to commemorate a woman widely regarded as a foundational pillar of strength and selflessness.

Shirlane Hendrickson honored her mother as “the quiet riot”—a relentless motivator, spiritual anchor, and unwavering supporter throughout life’s most challenging moments. Blending spoken tributes with melodic intonations, her performance reflected Wilma’s vibrant character and profound spiritual dedication.

She emphasized the core values Wilma instilled in her five children, including Diane “Lady Wonder” Hendrickson: the relentless pursuit of education, dignity, and personal dreams. Despite some family members residing abroad, Wilma’s nurturing presence remained a constant, transcending geographic boundaries through regular communication and emotional support.

Beyond her immediate family, Wilma was remembered as a trusted confidante and cultural guardian within communities from Williamsville to Chafford Courts. She was deeply committed to preserving local traditions while building lasting relationships grounded in mutual respect and kindness.

Her 52-year marriage to veteran calypsonian Anthony “All Rounder” Hendrickson stood as a testament to collaborative creativity and shared faith. Wilma co-wrote songs and supported her husband’s musical career, embodying a partnership that blended artistic endeavor with familial devotion.

Anthony Hendrickson, reflecting on their life together, encouraged attendees to “walk on your own to God,” underscoring themes of perseverance, humility, and spiritual integrity. He recalled their marriage in 1960, spiritual awakening in 1985, and the enduring lessons of generosity Wilma imparted to all who knew her.

The service concluded with burial rites at Western Cemetery in St James, leaving a community united in gratitude for a life lived with purpose, love, and unwavering faith.

The Dr Sister Phyllis Wharfe Auditorium radiated with festive energy on December 11 as St Joseph’s Convent in San Fernando presented its annual Christmas Song and Dance Interhouse Competition. This year’s theme, ‘The Star of Bethlehem,’ provided the backdrop for an extraordinary display of student talent and creativity that transcended mere competition.

Five houses—St Joseph, St Xavier, Notre Dame, St Theresa, and Blessed Ann Marie—engaged in a spirited contest spanning three performance categories: choral music, dance, and traditional parang. After an evening of exceptional presentations, Blessed Ann Marie House achieved a remarkable sweep, claiming victory across all categories and securing both the championship trophy and well-earned accolades.

The event represented far more than artistic rivalry; it demonstrated the profound discipline and dedication cultivated through the school’s performing arts program. Students balanced intensive rehearsals with academic responsibilities during the crucial end-of-term examination period, resulting in performances that showcased both technical proficiency and genuine emotional expression.

A particularly impressive aspect emerged during the dance segment, where students overcame the absence of formal dance training facilities. Master of ceremonies Michelle Dowrich, a retired teacher from the institution, noted the exceptional quality of choreography and execution despite the lack of specialized flooring or instruction.

In the classical music category, houses presented carefully curated selections including ‘We Three Kings,’ ‘The First Noel,’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ with Faith Phillip of St Xavier House earning recognition as Best Conductress. Judges praised the choirs for their dynamic engagement, articulate delivery, and balanced vocal arrangements.

The dance performances emphasized storytelling through movement, with adjudicators evaluating clarity of expression, technical execution, and synchronization with musical changes. Each house developed distinctive thematic approaches, blending traditional Christmas melodies with contemporary Caribbean influences including soca, calypso, and musical theater elements.

The parang category received particularly enthusiastic response from judge Dr. Francesca Allard of Los Dinamicos Parang Group, who declared the tradition ‘in good hands.’ She highlighted significant advancements in vocal quality, lead performances, and overall presentation, while noting the authentic joy visible in every performer’s expression.

As the final notes faded, the event stood as testament to the institution’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through artistic expression, community engagement, and cultural preservation—truly making the Star of Bethlehem shine brightly through youthful talent and creative passion.

In a landmark ruling addressing prison conditions, High Court Justice Carol Gobin has delivered a stern condemnation of excessive force used by correctional officers at Trinidad’s Golden Grove Prison. The court found that officers employed unjustifiable brutality against inmate Kurt Christopher Bridgelal during a 2015 incident, resulting in severe physical injuries.

The judicial determination followed a detailed examination of events occurring on July 4, 2015, during a facility-wide lockdown and search operation. While acknowledging that Bridgelal initiated hostilities by discharging the contents of a slop pail from his cell—some of which struck an officer—Justice Gobin emphasized that the retaliatory measures far exceeded reasonable boundaries. The responding officer engaged in a degrading escalation by throwing three additional pails containing human waste into Bridgelal’s cell.

Furthermore, the court established that when officers subsequently extracted Bridgelal from his confinement, they employed physical force that dramatically surpassed what was necessary for maintaining institutional security. This confrontation resulted in Bridgelal sustaining multiple serious injuries, including complex fractures to both tibia and fibula bones in his right leg. The injuries necessitated extensive hospital treatment and prolonged immobilization in a cast.

During July proceedings, the State mounted a defense claiming that any force applied was proportionate and that Bridgelal’s injuries resulted from an accidental fall while resisting officers. Justice Gobin systematically rejected these assertions, finding the State fully liable for its employees’ actions under the principles of institutional responsibility.

The final judgment orders the State to pay $115,000 in general damages compensating for physical and psychological trauma, plus an additional $35,000 in exemplary damages intended to deter similar conduct in the future. The court also mandated accrued interest payments covering the period from the incident date through December 18.

Legal representation for Bridgelal was provided by attorneys Amit Mahabir, Bernadette Arneaud, and Joseph Sookoo, who successfully established claims of assault, battery, and negligence against prison authorities. The decision establishes significant precedent regarding acceptable force standards within Trinidad’s correctional system.

A disturbing revelation has emerged from Trinidad and Tobago’s Teaching Service Commission (TSC) 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a critical failure in addressing sexual misconduct within the education system. The document discloses 16 separate allegations categorized as ‘sexual abuse’ against educators, representing a profound institutional crisis that demands immediate attention.

According to the report’s findings, five teachers collectively face 13 substantiated allegations, with one individual alone accounting for five separate accusations of professional misconduct. These cases have remained unresolved for over a year, creating an untenable situation for both the accused educators and the vulnerable students who courageously came forward.

The TSC acknowledges the gravity of these allegations, stating it ‘continues to give increased attention to those disciplinary matters involving the abuse of children including physical and sexual abuse.’ However, this commitment rings hollow given the systemic delays plaguing the process. The commission cites multiple obstacles including sluggish court proceedings and extensive waiting periods before disciplinary tribunals as primary contributors to the backlog.

Judicial scrutiny has intensified regarding the TSC’s operational effectiveness. In August 2024, Justice Frank Seepersad openly questioned whether the commission possesses the capability to efficiently manage teacher hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions. This judicial concern reflects broader institutional failures, as the TSC has repeatedly faced legal challenges over inordinate delays in addressing appointments and promotion appeals.

The justice system itself shares responsibility for this crisis. Astonishingly, zero court matters from the TSC reached the Judiciary in 2024, with fourteen cases remaining unheard and outstanding by year’s end. This paralysis affects all parties awaiting resolution, from minor administrative matters to serious abuse allegations.

Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has committed to modernizing policies and improving operational efficiency. However, stakeholders emphasize that practical guidance to schools and meaningful collaboration with the commission must become immediate priorities. Established in 1962 to oversee teacher appointments, transfers, promotions, and disciplinary controls, the TSC cannot fulfill its mandate when crippled by bureaucratic inertia and judicial delays that compromise child safety and educator integrity.

A family-owned Trinidadian enterprise has masterfully bridged cultural divides through an innovative culinary initiative. The Little Store in Curepe, maintaining its six-decade legacy, has reimagined traditional Hindu sweets (methai) by infusing them with beloved Christmas flavors, creating a unique gastronomic fusion that honors both traditions.

The concept emerged during the pandemic’s challenging times when General Manager Vinayak Sankar and his team began experimental kitchen sessions. As an essential business providing groceries and funeral supplies, they sought creative avenues to sustain operations. These experiments evolved into a limited Christmas collection that creatively merges Hindu confectionery traditions with festive seasonal elements.

Their innovative lineup features butterscotch barfi, spiced gulab jamun balls, sorrel jalebi, and gingerbread-shaped roat—each maintaining traditional preparation methods while incorporating festive flavors. The gingerbread roat has gained particular popularity for its customizable Christmas shapes, becoming a novel addition to Trinidadian holiday dessert selections.

Sankar emphasizes that the integrity of traditional methai remains uncompromised: all products remain eggless, salt-free, and additive-free, preserving their religious suitability for offerings. The sweets are prepared fresh daily, maintaining quality and authenticity.

Customer response proved overwhelmingly positive, with immediate interest upon the products’ shelf placement. The innovation has attracted younger demographics and non-Hindu customers, reflecting growing cultural openness. Despite initial skepticism from some traditionalists, the initiative has fostered cross-cultural appreciation and dialogue.

Now in its third seasonal iteration, the Christmas methai collection has demonstrated commercial success beyond expectations, prompting development of additional fusion concepts. The store’s sister company, Chatak Food Products, has introduced Jazz Mix—a festive variation on traditional chiblo snack—further expanding this cultural culinary exchange.

Sankar reflects that this initiative represents more than commercial innovation—it embodies Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural identity, promoting unity and mutual respect across diverse communities during the holiday season.