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The Bocas Lit Fest, in collaboration with Let’s Read, is set to host its renowned Family Reading Circle at the St Joseph Old Road Community Centre in Port of Spain on November 22. This interactive session, scheduled from 10 am to 12 pm, aims to inspire a love for reading among children aged seven and under, while providing parents and caregivers with a supportive environment to nurture early literacy skills. Featured author Mary Cuffy, celebrated for her Ladybug series and contributions to early childhood education, will lead the event by reading from her beloved works, including ‘Lola and the Dancing Ladybugs’ and ‘Lola and the Magic Sticks.’ Cuffy, a lecturer at the UWI Open Campus, specializes in literacy and music in early childhood development. The Family Reading Circle is part of Bocas Lit Fest’s ongoing commitment to fostering young readers and writers through community outreach and engaging activities. Over the past two and a half years, the festival has partnered with Let’s Read TT to host numerous reading circles, supported by a vast library of children’s books. These initiatives aim to cultivate lifelong reading habits, empathy, and imagination in children while strengthening family bonds through shared literary experiences. For more information, contact melvina@bocaslitfest.com.

The Castara Fisherfolk Association marked World Food Day with a vibrant Open Day and Bonfire event at the Castara Fishing Facility on November 13. The celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage and communal spirit of the fishing community in Tobago. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including boat races, fishing competitions, children’s games, and traditional seine pulling. A highlight of the event was the preparation of a large pot of fish broth, symbolizing the communal sharing of food and resources. Clifton ‘Rackerman’ Alleyne demonstrated the art of seine repair, while Matika Alfred was awarded for catching the largest fish of the day. The festivities also featured a lime and spoon race for pre-schoolers and a conch shell blowing session, with Eldon Williams and British national Chris Runciman participating. The event, captured by Newsday photographer Alva Viarruel, underscored the importance of preserving local traditions and fostering community bonds.

The I Am Academy in Woodbrook has unveiled its newly transformed schoolyard, now known as ‘The Garden of Oneness.’ What was once a simple space has been reimagined into an eco-conscious haven featuring a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a river-themed landscape, a companion-planted vegetable and herb garden, a tribute to national heroes, and a rustic welcome wall adorned with affirmations and the school’s motto. This initiative, led by TropiMulch Ltd in partnership with Miss Environment TT Rebecca Baptiste, repurposes waste wood into mulch, art installations, and purposeful spaces, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Founded in 2019, I Am Academy serves 40 students with special needs, emphasizing individualized learning and holistic development. Principal Lynn Diann Russell-Allen explained that the school’s philosophy centers on teaching identity, awareness, and purpose, viewing every child as ‘whole, perfect, and filled with divine potential.’ The garden, she noted, is more than a landscaping project—it is a ‘living classroom’ that fosters healing, inspiration, and education.

The project began with a vision to beautify the school space in a way that reflects the calm and divine order of the universe. Collaborations with TropiMulch CEO Lionel Seucharan and Miss Environment TT brought the vision to life. Students and parents actively participated in clearing debris, preparing soil, planting seedlings, and painting walls, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

Russell-Allen highlighted the garden’s impact on students, noting increased confidence, cooperation, and expressiveness. The multisensory environment has become a sanctuary for neurodiverse learners, reinforcing the school’s mission to nurture each child’s highest potential. Plans are already underway to expand the garden, adding sensory zones, a meditation corner, and an extended butterfly garden.

The principal expressed gratitude to TropiMulch Ltd, Miss Environment TT, and all contributors, emphasizing that inclusion begins with love. ‘When we honour the divine essence in every child, we naturally extend that care to the environment,’ she said. ‘Education and ecology go hand in hand—both are acts of stewardship.’

Surujdeo Mangaroo, President of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), has been awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the Acharya Ramsamooj Arya University (ARAU) in New York. The prestigious recognition was conferred during the university’s graduation ceremony on November 2 at Flushing Town Hall, where Mangaroo was also invited to address the Class of 2025. The honor celebrates his lifelong dedication to cultural preservation, social empowerment, and community development. In his invitation letter, Prof. Pundit Ramadheen Ramsamooj, president of ARAU, praised Mangaroo as a distinguished representative of the Caribbean Hindu diaspora, highlighting his significant contributions to the community. Founded on the principles of Shuddha Sanatan Vedic Dharma, ARAU emphasizes the study and propagation of Vedic knowledge and disciplines. During his address, Mangaroo expressed humility and gratitude, dedicating the award to his family and emphasizing the importance of education, culture, and community in building a humane society. He urged graduates to use their education as a tool for service and innovation, reminding them that true success lies in uplifting others. Mangaroo’s recognition follows previous honorees such as the late Basdeo Panday, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname’s President Santhoki.