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In a heartfelt celebration of World Kindness Day, President Christine Kangaloo and her husband, Kerwyn Garcia, SC, visited the JC Mac Donald Home for the Aged on November 14, bringing warmth and compassion to its residents. The visit, marked by meaningful interactions and shared moments of joy, underscored the importance of kindness in fostering community connections. Established in 1931, the JC Mac Donald Home has a storied history of serving the elderly, currently housing 20 residents under the care of a dedicated team of 12 staff members. The President’s Office also organized a special lunch for the residents, enhancing the day’s festivities. A highlight of the visit was the debut performance of the Office of the President’s Choir, whose uplifting melodies brought music and delight to the home. President Kangaloo expressed her gratitude to the home’s management and staff for their unwavering commitment to caring for the elderly, reaffirming the significance of such acts of kindness in society.

In a world where traditional notions of masculinity often discourage emotional expression, mental health practitioner Amanda Ackbarali is championing a more compassionate approach to men’s mental health. As International Men’s Day (November 19) and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month are observed, Ackbarali highlights the urgent need for culturally grounded support systems to help men navigate their emotional struggles. With over a decade of experience in psychology and mediation, Ackbarali founded The Opening Lotus in 2018, a mental health practice dedicated to providing accessible care for marginalized populations, including men facing depression, anxiety, burnout, and unresolved grief. She emphasizes that men often seek therapy not because they are ‘mentally ill,’ but because life has become overwhelming, and they are ready to find new ways to cope. Ackbarali points out that societal expectations in Trinidad and Tobago often pressure men to suppress their emotions, leading them to cope through humor, alcohol, or religion rather than addressing their pain. She advocates for healing spaces that feel natural and culturally familiar, such as river limes, hikes, or football matches, where men can open up without judgment. Ackbarali also notes a generational shift, with younger men increasingly embracing therapy and older men showing greater emotional openness. She calls for a strengths-based approach to men’s mental health, celebrating their resilience and capacity for leadership and care. By teaching emotional literacy early and using creative methods like music, storytelling, and sports, Ackbarali believes we can raise emotionally intelligent boys who grow into compassionate men. She urges parents, teachers, and communities to listen without ridicule and encourages men to start their healing journey, knowing that one man’s progress can inspire another.

Lt Commander Claudio Luces Smith, a 45-year-old Coast Guard officer and welfare officer for Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, has dedicated over two decades to serving his nation and mentoring its youth. Known in the music industry as Naldinyo, Smith combines his passion for music with mentorship through his Never Give Up project, aiming to inspire young people to overcome challenges and make meaningful life choices. Growing up in Boyce Trace and Kernaham Trace, Chin Chin Cunupia, Smith’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work and discipline instilled by his parents. His journey from Madras Government Primary School to becoming head prefect at Presentation College, Chaguanas, laid the foundation for his unwavering determination. Smith’s career in the TT Defence Force began at 22, driven by a desire to serve his country. A pivotal moment came when he coordinated a life-saving medical evacuation, reinforcing his commitment to service. Beyond his military duties, Smith founded the Futuro Stars Football Academy and Youth Club in 2009, focusing on youth development. Recognizing the power of music, he launched the Never Give Up project, releasing five songs that blend mentorship with positive messaging. Smith’s work addresses critical issues faced by young men, including drug misuse, bullying, and mental health struggles. He emphasizes the importance of positive male role models in guiding youth toward better choices. As a father of four, Smith credits his family’s support and effective time management for balancing his responsibilities. On International Men’s Day, he encouraged young men to embrace determination and persistence, urging them to rise above setbacks and shape their destinies. Smith’s vision is to expand his initiative into schools and community programs, fostering self-belief and purpose among the youth. He also calls on society to celebrate and uplift positive male figures, whose stories can inspire the next generation.

San Fernando West marked the beginning of the Christmas season with a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community spirit. On November 14, the constituency hosted its first Christmas fundraiser under the patronage of MP and Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath at the Naparima Bowl. The event, aimed at supporting the annual Christmas toy drive, brought together patrons for an evening of live parang music, local cuisine, and festive camaraderie. Singer Joel John opened the night with nostalgic renditions of Christmas classics, setting a warm and cosy tone. The energy escalated with Fuego Caribeño, a parang band from Vistabella, whose fiery performance in vibrant red outfits electrified the stage. Their set included a Spanish twist on ‘Dance with Me,’ Scrunter’s soca parang hit ‘That Eh Working Here Tonight,’ and their award-winning ‘El Annuncio,’ culminating in a lively rendition of ‘La Bamba.’ Una Solo Voz followed, offering a contrasting elegance in black attire. Their performance, accompanied by the legendary Clarita Rivas on the cuatro, showcased the band’s versatility and captivated the audience. Amid the festivities, Dr. Dowlath honoured four distinguished constituents for their contributions to society, including Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, Dr. Catherine Ali, Ivan Toolsie, and Dr. Jamwant Maharaj. The evening concluded with outdoor celebrations, featuring food stalls and continued music, fostering a sense of community and Christmas cheer while raising funds for the toy drive.