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A devastating early-morning fire on November 7 left 15 residents of Vega de Oropouche homeless, forcing them to seek temporary shelter in the constituency office of Toco/Sangre Grande MP and Minister of Defence, Wayne Sturge. The fire, which began in a mini-mart, quickly spread to three nearby homes, reducing them to ashes. One resident suffered burns, and a pet dog perished in the blaze. Sturge confirmed that the displaced individuals were provided with food, amenities, and a place to stay for the weekend while efforts to secure alternative accommodations were underway. The constituency office will remain closed this week to house the victims, as it offers essential facilities like a bathroom, kitchen, and toilets. Sturge, along with councillors Daryl Mohan and Angard Arjoonsingh, coordinated relief efforts, including the distribution of 30 hampers, school supplies, and book grants for affected children. Residents expressed gratitude for the swift response, with Dominic Homer praising the MP and councillors for their support. However, concerns were raised about the Fire Service’s delayed response, with Homer urging improvements for future emergencies. The fire tender at the Sangre Grande Fire Station was unavailable due to maintenance, forcing a crew from Arima to respond. Sturge emphasized the need for a new fire station to serve the growing population of the area. Meanwhile, challenges persist in securing permanent housing for the victims, as available properties remain padlocked and uninhabited. Fire Service Association president Keone Guy highlighted long-standing issues with equipment shortages and inadequate infrastructure, calling for expanded fire service coverage to protect communities effectively.

A recent home invasion in Trinidad and Tobago has reignited a contentious debate over self-defense legislation and its societal implications. Farmer Vijay Ragoonanan and his family were brutally attacked by six armed men, leaving him injured and his sense of security shattered. The assailants, who stole phones and jewellery, appeared to act more out of intimidation than material gain. The incident has drawn attention to the country’s rising crime rates and the inadequacy of current security measures. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, whose private residence is in the same neighbourhood, has vowed to introduce stand-your-ground legislation in Parliament. This law, rooted in the 17th-century English common law principle known as the castle doctrine, would allow homeowners to use force without the obligation to retreat. However, critics argue that such laws could exacerbate violence, citing examples from the United States where stand-your-ground statutes have been linked to increased homicides and controversial acquittals, such as the George Zimmerman case. While Mr. Ragoonanan now seeks a weapon for self-defense, concerns remain about the potential for misuse and the lack of proper training for firearm users. The debate underscores the delicate balance between protecting individuals and ensuring public safety in a society grappling with crime and uneven policing.

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is set to make history on November 10 with its inaugural International Men’s Debate at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough. Scheduled to commence at 10 am, the event will focus on critical issues surrounding mental health and male identity, engaging men and boys from diverse societal sectors to take on the roles of assemblymen and councillors in what promises to be a dynamic and thought-provoking session.

Media professional Akinlabi Holder will assume the role of chief secretary, while Keigon Denoon will serve as minority leader and Akiel Andrews as presiding officer. The event, conceptualized months ago by the Assembly Legislature’s staff, was significantly influenced by Ajay Alleyne, a former Tobago Day youth debater. Justin John, one of the coordinators, highlighted that while the Legislature has historically marked International Women’s Day and hosted youth debates, this marks the first initiative exclusively tailored for men.

THA Presiding Officer Abby Taylor endorsed the concept, paving the way for a structured programme. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with significant public and staff engagement. John noted that the training sessions revealed stark gender disparities in gender-based programmes, emphasizing the lack of initiatives targeting men in Tobago. While programmes like the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection’s Blue Room initiative exist, stakeholder sessions have underscored the need for more equitable attention to men’s issues.

The debate aims to address the challenges men face, including mental health struggles, substance abuse, and societal pressures, particularly in light of recent suicide statistics. Experts from various fields have been enlisted to provide insights and data, revealing alarming trends such as higher male mortality and suicide rates in Trinidad and Tobago. The event also seeks to foster a supportive community for men, encouraging open dialogue and mentorship.

John hopes the debate will inspire policymakers to allocate more resources to gender-based programmes, ensuring equitable funding and support for men’s development. The initiative aspires to create a sustainable, multi-sectoral programme to empower men and boys, equipping them with coping mechanisms and a stronger sense of identity.

In a heartwarming display of loyalty and compassion, the Naparima College class of 1968 revisited their alma mater on November 7, bringing with them gifts of hope, legacy, and love. The group, now pensioners, returned to the school where they once walked as eager teenagers, participating in the morning assembly, singing the school hymn, and reciting its pledge with renewed vigor. Their visit was marked by the presentation of two significant cheques: one for the refurbishment of the school’s physics lab and another to support Kristopher Mohamed, a 20-year-old medical student and former head prefect, who is courageously battling stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The donations followed a three-day reunion in August, aptly named “68 of ’68,” where the alumni gathered for fellowship, fun, and fundraising. The event raised approximately $58,000 through various activities, including a dinner at the school’s auditorium and personal contributions from the alumni. Trevor Rex Badaloo, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized their desire to celebrate their journey while making a tangible contribution to the institution that shaped them. Of the total raised, $46,317 was allocated for the physics lab refurbishment, and $10,000 was donated to assist with Mohamed’s medical treatment. For Hayden Koylass, Mohamed’s grandfather and a member of the class of 1968, the gesture was deeply personal. Kristopher’s mother, Joelle Koylass, accepted the cheque on his behalf, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the support that will significantly aid his treatment, which could exceed $1 million. Kristopher, now a first-year medical student at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, sent a voice note of appreciation to the school assembly, thanking the alumni for their invaluable contribution and unwavering support. Diagnosed in May 2025, Kristopher’s life took an unexpected turn, but he remains determined to overcome his illness and continue pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. His treatment involves gruelling immunochemotherapy sessions every two weeks, yet he remains focused on his studies, driven by a newfound interest in oncology. Principal Roger Ali praised the alumni for their enduring commitment to the school, highlighting their previous contributions to the digitization of the school’s magazine and improvements to the audio-visual room. For Kristopher, the alumni’s generosity is more than financial aid; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of “being your brother’s keeper” that thrives at Naparima College. As he continues his fight against cancer, Kristopher embodies the school’s motto, A posse ad esse – from possibility to actuality, holding on to faith, purpose, and gratitude.