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PRINCES TOWN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – The funeral of prominent disability rights advocate Sudhir ‘Wheels’ Ramessar on December 21 became a powerful celebration of an extraordinary life dedicated to service and empowerment. The 59-year-old president of the TT Paralympic Committee, who passed away on December 19, was remembered as a transformative figure who transcended physical limitations to become a national inspiration.

Religious leader Pundit Roopnarine Maharaj delivered a poignant eulogy that challenged attendees to examine their own lives. ‘He received this human form but did not squander it. How many of us possess capable bodies yet fail to realize our potential?’ Maharaj reflected at the Broomage Road service. ‘Wheels accomplished exceptional things despite his challenges—a testament to what determination can achieve.’

The ceremony drew distinguished figures from across the sporting and political spectrum. Former TT Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis traveled from Port of Spain to honor his friend, describing Ramessar as embodying ‘unmatched courage and integrity.’ Lewis revealed his recent conversation with Paralympic athlete Akeem Stewart, who is grappling with the dual loss of his coach and his mentor Ramessar.

Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke remembered Ramessar’s selflessness: ‘He offered voluntary assistance whenever needed, always prioritizing others’ wellbeing.’ Former foreign affairs minister Dr. Amery Browne, emotionally moved, recalled always addressing him as ‘Mr. President’ in recognition of his dignified leadership. Browne highlighted their time at the Rio Paralympics where Ramessar’s profound commitment to disabled athletes became unmistakably clear. ‘In hundreds of conversations, he never once requested anything for himself—only advocated for others.’

Ramessar’s sister Rehanna shared intimate family memories, describing him as ‘a brother who became like a son to us all.’ Through tears, she noted how his passing elicited deeper grief than even their father’s funeral, underscoring the profound bond he maintained with nieces, nephews, and siblings.

The service concluded with Ramessar’s cremation at Shore of Peace Cremation Site in South Oropouche, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the disability community and nation alike.

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.

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.