标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) is set to present its seventeenth Annual Celebrity Tale-A-Thon Christmas Edition on December 21 at 3 PM. The virtual event will be streamed simultaneously across multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and national broadcaster TTT, making it accessible to audiences nationwide.

This signature initiative represents one of Nalis’ cornerstone literacy programs, specifically designed to harness the transformative power of storytelling. The event strategically focuses on vocabulary enhancement, listening skill development, and fostering a sustainable culture of reading across Trinidad and Tobago. Beyond immediate entertainment value, the program aims to contribute significantly to nationwide literacy advancement and promote the concept of lifelong learning through engaging narrative experiences.

The Celebrity Tale-A-Thon tradition, which originated as an in-person gathering in 2006, transitioned to virtual formats in 2020 amid global health considerations. This adaptation has allowed the event to maintain continuity while expanding its reach beyond physical limitations. The program’s core concept involves respected national figures volunteering their time and artistic talents to deliver captivating stories specifically tailored for young audiences.

This year’s edition features an impressive roster of Trinidadian talent including Jasmin Simmons (Nalis’ acting deputy executive director), comedian and spoken word poet Thaddeus Jardine (professionally known as Thaddy Boom), and prominent playwright Niques Francois. Additional participants include soca artiste Jesse Stewart (College Boy Jesse), multimedia journalist Seigonie Mohammed, digital content creator Jelani Mohammed, sales executive Richard Daniel, educator Nikeisha Ramlal, and journalist-author Ryan Bachoo.

The event will be professionally hosted by Alette Williams, CEO and communications strategist of Outright Concepts Limited. Adding an interactive dimension to the program, Dominique Webb, Nalis’ public relations and marketing officer, will conduct a special craft session designed to complement the storytelling experience.

Viewers seeking additional information are encouraged to visit Nalis’ official Facebook presence at https://www.facebook.com/NALISTT or the institutional website www.nalis.gov.tt for comprehensive details regarding this literary celebration.

While official statistics indicate minimal inflation growth of merely 0.1% in November, Trinidadian families are confronting severe economic challenges during the festive season. Consumers across the nation report dramatic price increases for essential food items, transforming Christmas shopping from a celebratory tradition into a source of profound financial stress.

In detailed interviews with Newsday, numerous shoppers expressed their difficulties in affording basic necessities. Glenda, a Port of Spain resident, revealed that prices have surged dramatically, with most items now costing at least three to five dollars more than previously. As a mother of young children, she described the emotional toll of being unable to provide Christmas gifts or celebrations despite her children’s expectations.

The economic strain extends beyond individual families. Charitable organizations report unprecedented demand for assistance, with the Salvation Army distributing 600 food hampers recently and preparing an additional 400. Recipients lined up as early as 6 am to secure these essential supplies, highlighting the severity of the situation. Both government and opposition MPs confirm that food assistance has become the primary request from constituents.

A comprehensive price comparison study conducted by the Consumer Affairs Division between December 1-10 revealed significant price variations across supermarket chains. The survey examined over 50 items across 41 supermarkets nationwide, documenting substantial disparities. For instance, a 454g Butterball turkey ranged from $289.99 at Massy Stores to $217.95 at Tru Valu. Similar variations were observed for picnic hams, with prices fluctuating between $144.99 at Massy and $115 at John’s Supermarket.

Minced meats showed particularly notable price differences, with chicken ranging from $31.81 per pound at Massy to $19.95 at West Bees. Regional disparities were also evident, with gala apples costing $5 at G & N supermarket in Debe compared to under $3 at other locations.

The current price levels represent a significant increase from 2024, when Erin Farm picnic ham sold for $129.99 at Massy compared to today’s $144.99, and minced beef was priced at $31.81 per pound versus the current $38.55.

Despite multiple attempts to obtain commentary from supermarket executives, including Supermarket Association president Biondi Bachew and Massy representatives, Newsday received no responses to inquiries about the price increases. The silence from industry leaders contrasts sharply with the financial reports showing Massy achieved $15.8 billion in revenue with over a billion in pre-tax profits for 2025, representing a 3% increase from the previous year.

A Trinidadian court has placed a social media user on a three-year bond after she pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in a TikTok video. Alianna Samaroo, 30, from Arouca, received judicial leniency despite admitting to criminal charges under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025.

The Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court heard how Samaroo, operating under the username ‘alianna265’, directly addressed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in her October 30 post, urging him to execute Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and members of her Cabinet. The video sparked immediate police investigation and led to her arrest at a Chaguanas apartment following seven days of detention.

Magistrate Marissa Gomez imposed a $20,000 peace bond requiring Samaroo to maintain good behavior for thirty-six months. The court stipulated that no conviction would be recorded upon successful completion of the bond period, though any violation would result in immediate sentencing proceedings.

During proceedings, the mother of two delivered a comprehensive apology to both the Prime Minister and the court. ‘I admit that what I said was wrong,’ Samaroo stated. ‘I did not think about how serious those words were before I spoke.’ She expressed shame for her actions and emphasized that she never intended to cause harm or incite violence.

The case has highlighted increased police monitoring of online activity. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro issued a stark warning that social media users making threats would face prosecution regardless of free speech claims. ‘Freedom of expression is a right,’ Guevarro stated, ‘but that freedom ends where criminal conduct begins.’

This incident represents one of several recent cases involving online threats against public officials. Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne recently reported similar threats via Facebook, resulting in multiple charges against the perpetrator. Additionally, authorities arrested a Diego Martin woman in November for allegedly inciting violence against the Prime Minister in separate social media content.

Samaroo’s legal representation, attorneys Roshni Balkaran and Shiva Boodoo, secured her release on $50,000 bail prior to sentencing. Her mother, Elizabeth Vasquez-Rosales, publicly appealed for forgiveness while expressing hope that the experience would teach her daughter respect for national institutions.

Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for essential food assistance, overwhelming charitable organizations and community initiatives during the holiday season. Multiple aid providers report exhausting their supplies within hours of distribution, highlighting a deepening socioeconomic crisis affecting vulnerable populations across the nation.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon emphasized the critical importance of tangible support during these challenging times, noting that while spiritual comfort matters, practical assistance carries profound significance for struggling families. His organization distributed 750 food hampers in Beetham and Sea Lots communities on December 18, with outreach extending to remote areas including Toco and La Horquetta. The Archbishop observed that this year’s economic difficulties have created particularly severe circumstances, making traditional Christmas giving initiatives more vital than ever.

The Salvation Army faces similar challenges, with Divisional Commander Major Chris Matthias reporting a ‘very serious uptick’ in assistance requests. The organization distributed 600 hampers from its Port of Spain office alone, with additional distributions occurring nationwide. Matthias identified recent layoffs and economic pressures as primary drivers behind the increased demand, noting that ‘need knows no season’ despite the traditional focus on holiday charity.

Corporate donation declines have exacerbated the situation, according to Salvation Army advisory board member Paula Stowe. She appealed for continued support from both corporations and individuals, emphasizing that reduced contributions directly translate to fewer households receiving essential assistance. The organization purchases basic supplies through donations from its Red Kettle initiative, corporate partners, and mail-in exercises.

Meanwhile, comedian Rhea-Simone ‘Simmy De Trini’ Auguste has developed an innovative approach to assistance through social media crowdsourcing. She has observed increased requests throughout the year, particularly during August back-to-school periods and the current Christmas season. Her method utilizes grocery gift cards from Bel Air Stores, providing recipients with dignity of choice while addressing practical challenges of transportation and storage. This approach also reduces waste by accommodating specific family needs, including medical requirements and dietary restrictions.

The widespread reports from official charities and grassroots organizers alike paint a concerning picture of economic distress affecting diverse demographics across Trinidad and Tobago, suggesting systemic challenges that extend beyond seasonal assistance needs.

A scathing public letter has condemned Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro for what the author terms the ‘dengue defense’—the official explanation that a critical operation against a $171 million narcotics empire was aborted over officers’ fears of mosquito-borne illness. The editorial, penned by Hugo Maynard and published in Newsday, lambasts this justification as a new low in law enforcement logic that has made the nation an international laughingstock.

The piece contrasts the TTPS’s (Trinidad and Tobago Police Service) retreat with the resolve of global agencies like the US DEA, UK’s Scotland Yard, and Colombian anti-narcotics units, which would not abandon missions due to insects or humidity. The author argues this incident reveals a profound institutional failure: the force is equipped with military-grade technology and resources yet refuses to engage in the ‘gritty, itchy, uncomfortable work of actual policing.’

Maynard’s core criticism focuses on the strategic failure of seizing drugs while allowing the criminal architects to escape. This approach, he asserts, acts merely as a ‘tax collector for the underworld,’ writing off inventory while leaving the destructive infrastructure of crime intact. The terrifying question posed is one of preparedness: if mosquitoes deter a stakeout, how will officers respond when bullets fly?

The letter concludes with a direct address to Commissioner Guevarro, stating his primary duty is to protect the population from the violent drug trade, not officers from dengue. As long as this ‘dengue doctrine’ remains policy, the author warns, major traffickers will operate with impunity, exacerbating the murders, home invasions, and robberies plaguing the country.

While official inflation data shows a marginal 0.1% increase in November, Trinidadian families are experiencing severe financial strain during what should be the festive season. Despite statistical stability, consumers across the island report dramatic price surges that have made traditional Christmas celebrations unaffordable for many.

In candid interviews with Newsday, residents revealed the harsh realities behind the economic numbers. Glenda, a shopper from Port of Spain, expressed the collective frustration: ‘Prices have skyrocketed drastically! Every single item costs at least three to five dollars more than before.’ The single mother described the heartbreak of being unable to provide Christmas gifts for her children despite working tirelessly to afford basic necessities.

The crisis extends beyond individual families. A anonymous father of four shared his desperate measures: ‘I sometimes skip meals to ensure my daughters eat.’ He criticized economic policies that seem disconnected from everyday struggles, noting that while politicians celebrate economic achievements, ordinary citizens face impossible choices between education and survival.

Charitable organizations confirm the escalating crisis. The Salvation Army distributed 600 food hampers on December 16th, with recipients lining up as early as 6:00 AM. Despite plans to distribute 400 additional hampers, demand has dramatically exceeded both current resources and previous years’ requirements.

A comprehensive price survey by the Consumer Affairs Division revealed significant disparities across supermarkets. Between December 1-10, investigators documented price variations on over 50 items nationwide. Massy Stores consistently commanded premium prices, charging $289.99 for a 454g bone-in turkey compared to $217.95 at Tru Valu. Similar patterns emerged across essential items: minced chicken ranged from $19.95 to $31.81 per pound, while classic picnic ham varied from $115 to $144.99.

The comparative analysis with 2024 pricing reveals concerning trends. Erin Farm picnic ham has increased from $127-$139.95 to current rates of $115-$144.99. Minced beef prices have risen from $29.95-$31.81 to $31.34-$38.55 per pound within one year.

Despite multiple attempts to contact supermarket representatives, including Supermarket Association president Biondi Bachew and Massy Stores executives, Newsday received no responses regarding these pricing disparities. The silence from business leaders contrasts sharply with the growing voices of concerned citizens struggling to afford basic holiday meals.