标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Crime Stoppers has announced a substantial $100,000 cash reward for any information that could lead to the discovery of Imraz Ali, a central businessman who has been missing since early September. Ali was last spotted on September 4 at around 4 pm, departing from a mechanic shop in Freeport. He was driving a black Nissan X-Trail with the license plate PDT 6829. Since that day, there has been no trace or communication from him.

The organization is urging the public to come forward with any details that might shed light on Ali’s disappearance. ‘Do you have any information regarding the possible location of Mr. Imraz Ali? Have you overheard conversations about him? Did you notice anyone familiar in the area around the time he was last seen?’ the Crime Stoppers flyer inquired.

To be eligible for the full reward, individuals must provide their tips anonymously. They can reach out via phone at 800-TIPS (8477), submit information online at www.crimestopperstt.com, or use the Crime Stoppers P3 TIPS app. This initiative underscores the urgency and seriousness of the search for Ali, as authorities and the community alike hope for his safe return.

In a landmark verdict on October 9, Jeremiah Joshua was unanimously acquitted of all charges related to a 2017 shooting incident in Princes Town. The trial, overseen by Justice Nalini Singh at the O’Meara Judicial Centre, concluded swiftly after the jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Joshua had faced serious allegations, including shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. The prosecution alleged that on May 29, 2017, Joshua visited the home of his children’s mother in New Grant, where an argument ensued. He reportedly threatened to return and harm the woman. Later that night, he allegedly forced entry into the residence and fired two shots at the woman’s brother before fleeing the scene. Investigators recovered two spent shells and a projectile but failed to submit these items for forensic analysis until 2019, and no conclusive scientific report was ever produced. The defense, led by attorney Roshan Tota-Maharaj, highlighted critical gaps in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of forensic evidence, gunshot residue testing, fingerprint analysis, and CCTV footage. Tota-Maharaj also questioned the credibility of the alleged victim, pointing out inconsistencies in her testimony. An alibi witness testified that Joshua was attending a family gathering for his parents’ memorial at the time of the incident and remained there until the following day. After the judge’s summation, the jury returned a unanimous not-guilty verdict on all counts, exonerating Joshua. The prosecution team included Maria Lyons-Edwards, Cassie Bisram, and Afeisha Williams.

In a significant move to bolster community health and cancer awareness, Creamery Yogurt has joined forces with the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) in a groundbreaking partnership. The collaboration, officially launched at a press conference in Port of Spain, aims to raise funds and awareness for cancer prevention and support. For every tub of Creamery Yogurt sold between October 1 and November 30, fifty cents will be donated to the TTCS. This initiative aligns with Creamery Yogurt’s broader mission to enhance societal well-being and promote healthier lifestyles. Anastasia Pickering, the brand manager for Creamery Yogurt, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the brand’s core values, stating, ‘Wellness extends beyond what’s on the shelf; it’s about nurturing a healthier, stronger society.’ Liza Yunis, Treasurer of the TTCS, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its potential to bolster the society’s long-standing efforts in cancer education, screening, and patient support. Marc Clarke, Marketing Manager at Hadco Limited, the local distributor of Creamery Yogurt, underscored the importance of private-public partnerships in driving meaningful social change. The funds raised will directly support TTCS’s cancer awareness campaigns, early detection programs, and patient services. Hadco Group, the parent company of Creamery Yogurt, continues to expand its influence across various sectors, including distribution, manufacturing, and recycling, with operations spanning Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA.

A recent tragedy involving an LPG gas tank explosion has highlighted critical gaps in public safety awareness and corporate responsibility. Ria George, a victim of the incident, followed advice to ‘take out the rubber and flip it over’ when she detected a gas leak in her kitchen. This fatal misunderstanding led to an explosion that claimed her life, underscoring the dangers of improper handling of LPG cylinders. The incident raises urgent questions about the adequacy of safety education and the accessibility of crucial information for households, particularly those in lower socio-economic brackets. Despite detailed safety guidelines available on the NP website, many remain unaware of these resources, leaving them vulnerable to similar disasters. The NP company’s passive approach to disseminating safety information has come under scrutiny, with calls for more proactive public education campaigns across social and conventional media. Historically, LPG-related incidents have been a persistent issue, with past measures like plastic seals proving insufficient. The recent tragedy has reignited debates about the need for stricter safety standards, routine testing of cylinders, and more robust consumer protection. As LPG remains a staple in households worldwide, especially in regions where electric stoves are cost-prohibitive, the onus is on companies like NP to ensure that safety is not an afterthought but a priority.

San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris has formally appealed to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to prioritize the restoration of two of the city’s most iconic yet neglected historic buildings: the old San Fernando Police Station and the Carnegie Free Library. In a letter dated October 6, 2025, Parris emphasized the urgent need for action to address the deteriorating conditions of these structures, which hold significant cultural and historical value. The mayor’s plea comes in light of the Prime Minister’s recent assumption of responsibility for heritage buildings, the National Trust, and the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) as part of a ministerial realignment. Parris, a member of the PNM party, commended the Prime Minister for her expanded heritage portfolio, describing it as a renewed commitment to preserving the nation’s patrimony. He highlighted the old police station, which was gutted by fire in 2009 and has remained in disrepair for over a decade, as a particular source of personal embarrassment, given that his great-great-grandfather, Samuel Atherly, was its architect. Parris also expressed concern over the worsening state of the Carnegie Free Library, a landmark built in 1919 through a donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The library, once a hub for education and community gatherings, now suffers from roof leaks, structural damage, and partial closures. Despite recommendations from the National Trust and NALIS for its restoration, no concrete action has been taken. Parris urged the Prime Minister to make these projects a priority, proposing that the Carnegie Library be transformed into a flagship cultural center for southern Trinidad, potentially housing a national archive or Prime Ministerial collection.

In a compelling letter to the editor, Gordon Laughlin outlines a transformative vision for Trinidad and Tobago (TT), emphasizing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and untapped tourism potential. The author highlights the importance of attracting world-class hotel chains like Sandals, which recognize TT’s unique appeal—from its vibrant Carnival, pan, and calypso traditions to its pristine beaches, waterfalls, and world-renowned fishing spots. With Tobago’s recent airport upgrades, Laughlin sees a golden opportunity to develop twin destinations such as Nylon Pool and No Man’s Land, offering tourists diverse experiences in a single trip, thereby encouraging longer stays and higher revenue. Tobago’s charm, rooted in its quaint villages, vibrant culture, and natural attractions, positions it as a global competitor. However, the push for Tobago’s full self-governance must be carefully balanced with national unity to safeguard economic stability, currency, and development plans. Strategic tourism development, including initiatives like tours to Argyle Waterfalls, salt ponds, and community-based fishing experiences, can maximize foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and support local communities. Laughlin calls for strong leadership, urging patriots to make tough decisions in the nation’s best interest, fostering equitable development and preserving TT’s cultural legacy for future generations.