标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Cedar Grove Private School’s annual Christmas concert, aptly titled “A Christmas to Remember,” transformed into a spectacular showcase of youthful talent and seasonal cheer on December 9th at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA). The event brought together the entire school community for an evening that combined artistic expression with heartfelt celebration.

The performance lineup featured students across all grade levels, from tentative preschoolers experiencing their first stage moments to self-assured fifth graders preparing to transition to secondary education. The program skillfully blended traditional and contemporary elements through music, dance, and theatrical presentations, demonstrating the institution’s longstanding dedication to integrating visual and performing arts into its educational framework.

Among the most memorable segments were the youngest performers whose genuine enthusiasm captivated attendees. When occasional lyrics were forgotten, these children compensated with radiant smiles and spontaneous dance movements that generated waves of affectionate laughter and applause throughout the auditorium. Their colorful costumes—featuring Santa hats, angel wings, and elf outfits—added visual magic to the production.

The event’s proceedings were gracefully guided by Head Boy Kiran Mahabir and Head Girl Kaithlyn Heeralal, while special greetings were delivered by Natasha Moonilal and Kristin Sobers. They represented their respective husbands, Government Ministers Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Sean Sobers, who were engaged in parliamentary debates concerning fireworks legislation designed to protect children, elderly citizens, and pets.

School Supervisor Dr. Roydon Rampersad highlighted the institution’s exceptional academic achievements, noting Cedar Grove’s ninth-place national ranking among approximately 550 schools in Trinidad and Tobago based on Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination results. He emphasized the Christmas message of reflection, love, joy, and hope while congratulating students on their outstanding performances.

The artistic presentations ranged from the Senior Dance Club’s graceful interpretation of “Ave Maria” to the Junior Dance Club’s energetic “Carol of the Bells.” Younger students delivered charming renditions of “Jingle Bells” and “Merry Christmas Everyone,” while the fourth-grade class presented a musical comedy segment. The keyboard club performed a festive medley, and the steelpan ensemble offered a moving interpretation of “O Holy Night.”

Principal Dillan Daniel concluded the evening by thanking families and friends for participating in this celebration of joy, unity, and faith, reminding attendees of the seasonal call to support one another throughout the coming year.

In an unexpected cultural shift, Trinidad and Tobago has embraced an unconventional Christmas icon—the Grinch—with a surprising twist beneath the green costume. Across supermarkets, malls, and holiday events, this once-villainous character now draws larger crowds than traditional festive figures, thanks to an unlikely performer: 33-year-old San Fernando resident Ayanna.

By day, Ayanna balances roles as a wife, mother of two, and corporate manager. But when she dons the iconic green suit, she undergoes a complete transformation into Dr. Seuss’s mischievous creation. ‘As soon as I put the Grinch costume on, I become Mr. Grinch,’ revealed Ayanna, who maintains mystery by withholding her last name as part of her character’s allure.

Her journey into character performance began during her industrial chemistry studies at UWI, where mascot work provided extra income. However, her Grinch portrayal stems from personal inspiration—she’s a self-proclaimed superfan of Jim Carrey’s iconic performance. ‘I wanted to embody his attitude and comedic genius,’ she explained.

The art of Grinch portrayal requires meticulous preparation beyond mere costuming. Ayanna practices vocal modulation, develops mannerisms, and maintains physical conditioning for the demanding role. ‘I do practice runs imitating the voice, mannerisms, and unique style,’ she noted, adding that hydration and stretching are crucial for the physically intensive performances.

Maxwell Pusey of Fancy Events, Ayanna’s employer, confirmed the Grinch’s surging popularity. ‘We’ve seen a significant increase in demand compared to previous years,’ he stated, noting the character’s introduction to their Christmas lineup four years ago was strategically intentional. Social media amplification through shareable content has further propelled the trend.

The Grinch’s evolved perception—from villain to entertaining mischief-maker—has driven this popularity surge. Pusey emphasized that the character now represents ‘a unique mix of humour, surprise, and playful mischief’ that resonates across generations. Notably, clients increasingly book the Grinch alongside Santa Claus, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances event engagement.

Ayanna’s performances require nuanced crowd reading, particularly with children. ‘Not every child responds well to him,’ she acknowledged, describing how she adapts based on reactions. Her most meaningful moment involved an autistic child who clung to her character throughout an event—a touching demonstration of the role’s impact beyond entertainment.

The physical challenges include maintaining character integrity despite heat and restricted vision within the costume. Yet the greatest reward, Ayanna shared, is ‘being able to not be this serious individual that my day-to-day life requires’ and fulfilling her personal mission of creating ‘as much fun as possible.’

As Trinidad and Tobago embraces this nontraditional holiday figure, the Grinch has found permanent cultural footing—not replacing Santa, but complementing him with playful mischief and unforgettable memories.

Trinidad and Tobago is confronting a severe psychological crisis manifesting through escalating murder-suicide incidents among intimate partners across all societal segments. This disturbing pattern reflects not merely criminal behavior but a profound societal despair—a spreading darkness where individuals perceive violence or self-destruction as their only escape from emotional agony.

According to psychological experts, this crisis stems from a critical deficit in emotional resilience and healthy coping mechanisms. When individuals face rejection, abandonment, or overwhelming stress, their brains enter survival mode, releasing chemicals like cortisol, dopamine, and oxytocin that distort reality perception. Without proper emotional awareness, this can lead to:

• Cognitive distortions and irrational decision-making
• Intense attachments to unhealthy relationships
• Emotional dependency masquerading as love
• Misinterpreted fear as betrayal
• Overwhelming hopelessness

Current societal approaches emphasizing punishment and shame have proven inadequate. Advocates argue that prevention through education and emotional literacy is paramount. The solution requires understanding biological and emotional triggers—particularly how unprocessed trauma causes individuals to interpret ordinary events through lenses of fear, shame, or insecurity.

For those exhibiting narcissistic traits, control becomes synonymous with safety, dominance with stability, and validation with oxygen. Losing relationship control can feel like psychological death, triggering extreme reactions.

A comprehensive solution framework must include:

1. Emotional literacy programs in schools teaching brain function and emotional regulation
2. Trauma-informed interventions for both victims and perpetrators
3. Accessible, stigma-free support systems for early intervention
4. National conversations breaking silence around mental health
5. Prevention-focused campaigns emphasizing education before crisis

Without teaching citizens to understand their internal worlds—why they feel certain emotions and how to manage them healthily—the cycle of violence will continue across generations. The path forward begins with awareness, education, and collective action to build emotional resilience nationwide.

In her annual Christmas address to the nation, President Christine Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago delivered a powerful message advocating for peace and humanitarian values during times of global uncertainty. The presidential communication, disseminated on Christmas Eve, emphasized the enduring relevance of seasonal ideals despite contemporary challenges.

President Kangaloo articulated that genuine peace transcends mere absence of conflict, representing instead the active presence of justice, compassion, and mutual respect within communities. “In a world frequently characterized by division and adversity,” she observed, “the Christmas message resonates with particular clarity: advocating for global harmony and benevolent intentions toward all people.”

The timing of this message carries significant geopolitical context, following recent developments in the Caribbean region. The administration’s November decision to authorize United States military presence at ANR Robinson International Airport, including radar installation, has generated public discourse amid escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela in southern Caribbean waters.

Beyond geopolitical considerations, President Kangaloo highlighted practical applications of goodwill through everyday actions. She identified empathetic listening, compassionate communication, forgiveness, and assistance to vulnerable populations as foundational to building harmonious societies. “These seemingly modest gestures,” she contended, “possess cumulative power to mend emotional injuries, renew optimism, and construct connections where division previously existed.”

The head of state challenged citizens to embrace compassion rather than anger, pursue understanding instead of judgment, and seek reconciliation over bitterness. She urged population to transcend differences and acknowledge shared human dignity.

President Kangaloo concluded with aspirational wishes for the season, expressing hope that peace and goodwill would evolve from abstract concepts into practical realities influencing daily decisions. She envisioned individual contributions bringing comfort to distressed persons, solace to those suffering, and cohesion to communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.