标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a powerful demonstration of corporate solidarity, international cement conglomerate Cemex and its subsidiary Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) have mobilized a worldwide humanitarian response to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The comprehensive relief initiative, branded ‘Together for Jamaica,’ has generated substantial donations of critical supplies including non-perishable food items, infant care products, and essential hygiene kits through an organization-wide fundraising campaign.

The multinational effort engaged employees, distribution networks, suppliers, and business partners across Cemex’s global operations, with the corporation matching all contributions received. Remarkably, TCL employees in Trinidad and Tobago exhibited extraordinary generosity by not only donating physical supplies but also converting their vacation days into monetary contributions for the relief effort.

Francisco Aguilera, Managing Director of TCL Group, emphasized the initiative reflects the organization’s fundamental commitment to supporting neighboring communities during their most challenging times. ‘I am profoundly proud of our employees who demonstrated tremendous generosity, offering both essential supplies and personal contributions that reflect a deep sense of compassion and regional unity,’ Aguilera stated.

The companies have established a strategic partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society to ensure efficient distribution of aid. Red Cross Director General Stephan Kishore highlighted the critical importance of such collaborations during emergency response operations, acknowledging TCL’s leadership and the heartfelt contributions from its employees.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 27 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, representing the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to hit the island nation. The disaster resulted in 45 fatalities and widespread destruction across multiple parishes, with severe flooding submerging numerous homes and displacing thousands of families. Communication networks in rural areas remained compromised well into November. According to United Nations assessments, the storm caused approximately US$6 billion in damages, equivalent to 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, with economic impacts expected to escalate further.

The humanitarian campaign aligns with Cemex and TCL’s broader social responsibility framework, which prioritizes community resilience, strategic humanitarian partnerships, and empowering Caribbean populations during crises. Through their collaboration with the Red Cross, the companies ensure all donated resources reach the most vulnerable communities in Jamaica, supporting both immediate recovery efforts and long-term regional reconstruction.

For over fourteen years, the Tabaquite Carollers have revitalized the ancestral practice of Christmas caroling across their rural community, transforming December evenings into celebrations of faith and unity. This women-led initiative, coordinated by Reena Donna De Leon, represents both cultural preservation and spiritual ministry, blending traditional hymns with local parang music while nurturing the next generation’s moral development.

The ensemble traces its origins to earlier community pioneers like Bernadette ‘Auntie Bunny’ Badal, formally organizing in 2011 to continue their legacy. Today, approximately 30 children aged 3-15 from diverse religious and socioeconomic backgrounds participate annually. The program transcends musical performance by emphasizing almsgiving, compassion, and evangelical outreach as core values.

Throughout December, the carolers process along TPD Road, Manuel Junction, and recently expanded routes including Brothers Road, where residents enthusiastically receive them. Community engagement manifests through homemade treats and financial contributions, though De Leon stresses the initiative prioritizes spiritual enrichment over monetary gain. Remarkably, children reinvest collected funds into Christmas celebrations for 120 underprivileged youth and food hampers for struggling families.

Despite challenges like limited parental involvement and safety concerns in isolated areas, the group maintains rigorous protocols with support from the Tabaquite Village Council and transportation assistance from community members. De Leon envisions this project as a pilot model for national revival of community-based traditions, advocating for renewed emphasis on moral stability amidst technological distractions.

The coordinator’s fundamental message urges communities: ‘Embrace public expressions of faith. Guide youth toward positive values and courageous evangelism. Christmas’s true meaning must be lived through joyful fellowship and service.’

The Bedasse family of Cedros, Trinidad, has been struck by a second profound tragedy within months following the apparent suicide of 34-year-old Russell Bedasse, a former police officer, on December 9. The incident compounds an ongoing family crisis stemming from the controversial death of his mother, Shelawaithie “Meera” Bedasse, whose body was discovered at Clifton Hill Beach in Point Fortin on September 24.

Russell Bedasse, who had served eleven years with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service before his recent resignation, had been immersed in intense grief and public advocacy following his mother’s death. Despite official police classification of her death as suicide, Bedasse maintained that his mother had been murdered, with perpetrators attempting to disguise the crime. His relentless pursuit of justice included scrutinizing phone records that revealed suspicious activity during her final hours.

The psychological toll on Bedasse was exacerbated by previous trauma—eleven years prior, he had responded to a suicide call only to discover his own father as the victim. This historical trauma resurfaced dramatically during his mother’s case. In late September, expressing frustration with the investigation’s progress, Bedasse resigned from the police service, delivering his badge and resignation letter to the Cedros Police Station where he had last been stationed.

His public criticism of police handling of the case included social media posts that garnered significant attention. Subsequently, Bedasse posted a viral TikTok video offering a “public apology” to the police service, characterizing his behavior as “out of character and stemmed from a place of deep emotional distress.” The video revealed the depth of his psychological struggle, connecting his current anguish to the trauma of discovering his father’s suicide years earlier.

The dual tragedies highlight ongoing concerns about mental health support for first responders and the complex emotional dimensions of unsolved death investigations. Local authorities continue to investigate both deaths while mental health resources remain available through Lifeline (800-5588, 866-5433, or 220-3636) and emergency services (990, 811, or 999).

A recent population growth proposal by Tobago’s Chief Secretary has ignited vigorous public discourse regarding parental capabilities and long-term child welfare. Farley Augustine, head of the Tobago House of Assembly, has formally encouraged residents to increase childbirth rates through a structured incentive program offering essential baby supplies including footwear, diapers, and complementary infant care products upon childbirth.

The policy initiative, designed to address demographic concerns, has prompted critical examination from community members. Richard Lobo of Diego Martin has articulated substantial concerns regarding the program’s potential limitations. In a published editorial response, Lobo questioned whether material incentives adequately address the comprehensive requirements of successful child-rearing, emphasizing that nutritional support, educational opportunities, emotional development, and dedicated parenting represent fundamental components that extend beyond initial material assistance.

The critique highlights apprehensions that without sufficient support systems ensuring children’s holistic development, society might eventually confront significant challenges stemming from decisions made by improperly nurtured youth. This exchange between government officials and citizens underscores the complex interplay between demographic policies and social responsibility, reflecting broader societal concerns about sustainable family support structures and intergenerational welfare planning.

In a significant legal development, Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) President General Ancel Roget has initiated defamation proceedings against former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley concerning a social media post from August 2022. The lawsuit centers on allegations that Rowley’s official Facebook publication falsely associated Roget with criminal activities and attempts to undermine national stability.

The contentious post, which garnered substantial social media engagement with over 1,000 reactions and 300 shares, allegedly suggested Roget and the opposition United National Congress (UNC) had encouraged highway blockages and supported groups involved in metal theft operations. Roget maintains these assertions were entirely baseless and manufactured without evidence.

Legal documents indicate the labor leader immediately sought retraction through pre-action protocol correspondence on the same day the post appeared. Despite these efforts, no correction or apology was forthcoming. Instead, Rowley’s legal representatives reportedly denied defamation claims in an October 2022 response, invoking defenses of justification and fair comment.

Roget’s legal team argues the statements carried exceptional weight due to Rowley’s position as sitting prime minister at the time, potentially exacerbating public hostility toward the union leader. The plaintiff emphatically denies any involvement with or endorsement of illegal activities, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to lawful industrial advocacy.

The lawsuit seeks comprehensive remedies including full retraction of the allegations, a formal public apology, and financial compensation for reputational damage. Roget is represented by attorneys Kiel Taklalsingh, Leon Kalicharan, Matthew Allahar, and Johanna Richards in this high-profile legal confrontation.