In a compelling letter to the editor, Avisha Ali voices her frustration over the prolonged issue of fireworks misuse in society. She highlights the inadequacy of current noise pollution laws and the severe consequences of fireworks, which include health risks, anxiety, hearing loss, and harm to vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and animals. Ali emphasizes that while the government exists to enact laws for the nation’s welfare, the public must also take a stand to demand change. She acknowledges that petitions may not always be effective but believes collective action can influence policymakers to address this persistent problem. Ali’s letter underscores the need for stricter regulations to curb the widespread availability and misuse of fireworks, which she describes as a societal menace.
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Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession
The teaching profession stands out for its intrinsic need for collaboration among educators and stakeholders. The 2025 World Teachers’ Day theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ championed by Education International, underscores unity, shared expertise, and mutual support as vital for strengthening teaching and enhancing learning outcomes. This theme, encapsulated by the slogan ‘Together for Teachers; Together for the Future,’ reframes teaching as a cooperative endeavor rather than a solitary one. Successful educators recognize the value of working within a learning community, sharing knowledge, and aligning with the common goal of improving student achievement. The narrative of ‘we’ and ‘us’ must replace ‘I’ and ‘me,’ fostering a mindset essential for school effectiveness. Collaboration is not optional but a fundamental characteristic of the profession. Policies, practices, and environments that promote mutual support and joint responsibility are crucial for teacher empowerment and educational transformation. Quality teachers understand that collaboration with peers, mentors, and other professionals enhances their practice and strengthens the education system. This approach is key to school improvement and success, enabling educators to adapt to evolving classroom dynamics. A shared understanding of learning narratives is essential for achieving these goals. Collaboration also transforms schools’ capacity to meet community needs and respond confidently to challenges. It highlights the importance of professional teamwork and addresses issues like unequal access to professional development and inadequate resources. Teachers must see themselves as part of a network of professionals pooling resources for better student outcomes. Continuous stakeholder engagement is integral to school systems, reflecting the unique and evolving needs of the community. Schools that neglect collaboration risk failing in their mandate as agents of human development. Reinventing schools requires ongoing rejuvenation of knowledge through collaboration at all levels. Mutual respect and humility are essential in acknowledging stakeholder input and addressing the diversity of school mandates. Collaboration, partnership, and teamwork must be core principles of school strategic plans, fostering constructive interaction and addressing teacher frustration. Lifelong learners among teachers must embrace collaboration as essential for professional development and survival. Empowered teachers create empowered learners, and students from professional learning communities reflect this collaborative capacity in their personal and professional lives. Meaningful collaboration rooted in mutual respect leads to enhanced learning outcomes.
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SSFL title contenders St Benedict’s hunt victory
In a thrilling turn of events in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division, St Benedict’s College, currently in second place, is set to face Malick Secondary in a crucial match on October 28. The game, scheduled for 3:30 PM at Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, could potentially propel St Benedict’s to the top of the league table. Known as the La Romaine Lions, St Benedict’s has been in impressive form, accumulating 27 points, just one point behind the leaders, Naparima College. A victory against 12th-placed Malick, coupled with a stumble by Naparima, would see St Benedict’s take the lead. Naparima, who started the season with nine consecutive wins, have recently faltered with a 1-0 loss to Presentation College San Fernando and a 1-1 draw with San Juan North Secondary, leaving the title race wide open. The top four teams are now separated by just three points, with Fatima College in third place on 26 points and Presentation College still in contention with 25 points. As the season enters its final stages, Naparima and St Benedict’s each have four matches remaining, while Fatima and Presentation have three games left. In other key fixtures, Naparima will face fifth-placed St Anthony’s College, Fatima will take on bottom-placed Carapichaima East Secondary, and Presentation will meet 14th-placed St Augustine Secondary. The outcome of these matches could significantly impact the final standings, making the remaining games crucial for all teams involved.
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Goodbye Sammy
The West Indies cricket team has experienced both remarkable victories and significant challenges in recent years, with the spotlight often falling on their coaching and leadership. One of the most memorable moments came in January 2024 during the Australia/West Indies Test series. Guyanese fast bowler Shamar Joseph delivered an extraordinary performance, taking seven wickets for 68 runs in the second innings to secure a narrow eight-run victory for the West Indies at the Gabba in Brisbane. This win marked the team’s first triumph over Australia in two decades and helped them draw the series after losing the first Test. Joseph’s heroics, especially as a debutant in Test cricket, were a testament to his talent and resilience. Similarly, in January 2025, the West Indies managed to draw a Test series against Pakistan in challenging conditions on under-prepared pitches in Mirpur, despite losing the first Test. These achievements highlighted the team’s ability to bounce back under pressure. However, the narrative took a turn with the appointment of Darren Sammy as head coach. Sammy, a former player, has faced criticism for his lack of strategic acumen and inability to inspire the team. His frequent gesticulations from beyond the boundary have been described as more confusing than helpful. During a recent tour of Bangladesh, Sammy’s comments about not underestimating the opposition were seen as unnecessary, given the inherent competitiveness of international cricket. His failure to motivate players and instill confidence has raised concerns about his suitability for the role. In contrast, Bangladesh’s West Indian coach, Phil Simmons, has been praised for his effective leadership. The disparity in coaching styles underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable and inspiring figure at the helm to guide players through the rigors of international cricket.
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Rovman Powell trying to bat more responsibly for West Indies
West Indies batsman Rovman Powell delivered a match-winning performance in the first T20 against Bangladesh on October 27, earning the Player of the Match award. Powell’s strategic approach to pacing his innings proved pivotal as he unleashed a barrage of boundaries in the final overs, guiding West Indies to a commanding total of 165/3. His explosive batting, particularly in the last two overs, saw him smash three consecutive sixes off Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, propelling the team past the 150-run mark. Powell’s unbeaten 44 off 28 balls, including one four and four sixes, was instrumental in securing a 16-run victory for the West Indies. Reflecting on his performance, Powell credited his success to a batting template he has honed over the past two years, emphasizing the importance of a steady start followed by aggressive hitting in the final overs. The victory was also a milestone for Powell, who celebrated his 100th T20 International match with this standout performance. He acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and teammates, as well as the crucial role played by the West Indies bowlers in restricting Bangladesh to 149 all out. The second match of the three-game series is scheduled for October 29.
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Blindness Awareness Month: Early detection key to saving sight
Every year, millions worldwide lose their vision, not because their conditions were untreatable, but because they were detected too late. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that at least 2.2 billion people globally suffer from near or distance vision impairment, with one billion of these cases being preventable or yet to be addressed. In observance of Blindness Awareness Month, the Trinidad Eye Hospital is emphasizing the importance of early detection and awareness in preventing vision loss.
Dr. Vachel Luces, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Trinidad Eye Hospital, highlighted that the leading causes of vision loss—refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy—are manageable if detected early. ‘Cataracts cloud the lens, glaucoma damages the optic nerve, and diabetes affects retinal circulation,’ he explained. ‘But early intervention can make all the difference.’
Globally, refractive errors and cataracts are the primary causes of vision impairment. However, WHO estimates that only 36% of those with refractive errors and 17% with cataracts have received appropriate treatment. The financial burden of vision impairment is staggering, with $411 billion lost annually in productivity.
Dr. Luces stressed that limited public understanding remains a significant barrier to eye health. ‘Most people only have a surface-level understanding of conditions like cataracts or glaucoma,’ he said. ‘This lack of awareness is why we focus so heavily on community education and free screenings.’
Josiah Ambris, an optometrist at the hospital, noted that many patients only seek help when their vision has already deteriorated. ‘Conditions like glaucoma develop silently, while diabetic eye disease may show early signs like floaters,’ he said. ‘Comprehensive eye tests are often the only way to detect these issues before permanent damage occurs.’
While some vision loss can be reversed—cataracts through surgery and refractive errors with corrective lenses—glaucoma causes irreversible damage. ‘Glaucoma is called the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it affects peripheral vision first, and by the time it’s noticed, the damage is permanent,’ Dr. Luces warned.
Children are also at risk, with some born with cataracts or glaucoma or developing them after injuries or other medical conditions. ‘Annual eye exams are essential for children, not just when they need glasses,’ Dr. Luces emphasized.
Good nutrition, including foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E, can support eye health. However, Dr. Luces cautioned against relying solely on diet. ‘Some eye diseases have contributing factors that only medical exams can detect,’ he said.
Both experts agreed that sudden floaters or flashes of light should not be ignored, as they could signal serious conditions like retinal tears. ‘Floaters are a symptom you don’t wait on,’ Dr. Luces stressed.
Lee Ann Lazarus, the hospital’s eye screening manager, emphasized the importance of regular screenings. ‘Screenings are quick, painless, and can save your sight,’ she said. Throughout October, the Trinidad Eye Hospital hosted free community and school screenings, urging everyone to prioritize their vision health.
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Nadine Prada returns to Studio Joli with Origin Stories
Renowned international artist Nadine Prada is set to unveil her latest exhibition, ‘Origin Stories,’ at Studio Joli in St James, Trinidad and Tobago. This highly anticipated showcase follows the success of her previous work and delves deeper into her profound connection to her birthplace. Born in Trinidad but raised in Canada, Prada’s art has always been influenced by her Caribbean heritage, a theme she continues to explore in this new collection.
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Ex-cricketer Ramnarine’s claim thrown out against ex-Sport Minister
In a significant legal ruling, High Court Judge Justice Nadia Kangaloo has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former West Indies cricketer and ex-president of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), Dinanath Ramnarine, against Manohar Ramsaran, a former Sport Minister under the UNC administration. The case, initiated in December 2019, stemmed from a series of published articles that criticized Ramnarine’s leadership at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), his role in the decline of West Indies cricket, and his suitability for administrative roles in sports. Ramnarine sought exemplary and aggravated damages for reputational harm. Ramsaran, however, defended his statements, asserting they were made during official TTCB board meetings, where media coverage was authorized by the board secretary. He argued that his comments were necessary and truthful, addressing governance and leadership issues. Justice Kangaloo ruled in Ramsaran’s favor, stating the statements were evaluative opinions rather than defamatory facts. The judge emphasized that public figures must endure scrutiny and criticism, and found no evidence of malice or recklessness in Ramsaran’s remarks. Consequently, Ramnarine’s claim was dismissed, and he was ordered to cover Ramsaran’s legal costs, to be determined later. Ramsaran was represented by Navindra Ramnanan, while Ramnarine’s legal team was led by Kiel Taklalsingh.
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Fire officers hold teens after theft at fire station
On October 27, fire officers at the Sangre Grande Fire Station apprehended four teenagers suspected of stealing several items while the officers were asleep. The incident unfolded during a routine security check in the early hours of the morning when a fire officer noticed missing items. Upon alerting his colleagues, it was discovered that personal belongings were also stolen. Nearby witnesses reported seeing a group of six teenagers loitering near the station before leaving the compound. The officers, with the assistance of the police, located and detained four of the suspects a short distance away. All stolen items were successfully recovered. Keone Guy, President of the Fire Officers Association, expressed relief over the recovery but highlighted long-standing security vulnerabilities at fire stations, including inadequate fencing, lighting, and technological investments. He emphasized that such incidents could have severe consequences, including potential harm to officers. Guy called on senior officials to address these security challenges and announced plans to engage with relevant authorities to improve security measures. He also expressed concern over the young age of the suspects and the officers’ willingness to assist in guiding them toward better life choices.
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Etienne tells government: Level with public on hardship to come
Independent Senator Alicia Pauline Lalite-Ettienne has urged the government to be transparent with the public about the challenging times ahead, as she sharply criticized the 2026 budget for its contradictory measures. Speaking during her first contribution to the Senate budget debate on October 27, Lalite-Ettienne likened the budget to a Christmas tree adorned with glitter, yet warned that not all that glitters is gold. She acknowledged that the budget’s optimistic language might provide hope to a population in need, but emphasized that many of its policies would ultimately burden citizens by raising the cost of living. Lalite-Ettienne highlighted specific measures, such as a $1 reduction in the price of super gasoline, which she dismissed as a distraction from broader tax increases. She pointed to new levies on banks, insurance companies, and electricity, as well as increased fees and excise duties, which she argued would reduce disposable income for citizens. The senator also criticized the government’s abrupt termination of contracts under the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), calling for transitional measures to support affected workers. She stressed that while the government promised full-time employment as a replacement, immediate action was needed to prevent hardship. Lalite-Ettienne concluded by urging the government to be upfront about the economic challenges ahead, rather than masking them with superficial benefits.