标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In response to a recent surge in robberies targeting public transport vehicles along the Priority Bus Route (PBR), Route Two maxi taxi drivers are optimistic about newly proposed security measures. These initiatives were developed following discussions between the Route Two Maxi Taxi Association and law enforcement officials, including the head of the transit police. The collaboration aims to address the safety concerns of both drivers and passengers. On November 19, a distressing incident occurred when five men, one armed with a knife, boarded a maxi taxi near Bon Air West. They robbed the driver of $300 and stole personal belongings from terrified passengers before escaping. Brenton Knight, president of the Route Two Maxi Taxi Association, revealed that the association is preparing to implement undisclosed security measures, emphasizing the need for careful planning. He also supported the police’s recommendation for drivers to install dash cams, which could provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Rishi Singh highlighted the potential of such footage to aid in solving crimes. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledged the challenges faced by the transit police, which he claimed had been neglected over the past nine years. Despite these issues, Alexander noted a significant reduction in robberies along the PBR, with only one reported this year compared to ten in the previous year.

The First Peoples of Moruga have made a powerful statement of their ancestral land claim with the unveiling of a majestic golden statue of Amerindian Chief Utayaney on San Fernando’s historic Harris Promenade. The event, held on November 18, coincided with the 37th anniversary of San Fernando’s city status and marked a significant step in recognizing the indigenous heritage of the region. San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris announced plans to transform the Promenade into a “monument park,” inspired by similar spaces in Jamaica and Barbados, emphasizing the importance of the First Peoples among the existing monuments. Grand Chief Eric Lewis of the First Peoples of Moruga expressed both pride and sorrow, noting that the recognition came over 500 years after the displacement of his ancestors. Lewis lamented the ongoing marginalization of indigenous communities, stating, “We are not welcomed in society. We are ostracised, still sidelined, still put on the back burner.” He highlighted the historical injustice of European settlers taking their land and erasing their contributions. Lewis drew parallels with Chief Utayaney, who once led 300 warriors in defense of their land, and vowed to continue the fight for recognition through education and awareness. The event also featured remarks from Alderman Villiana Ramoutarsingh, who emphasized the importance of accurately teaching the history and culture of the First Peoples. Senior Superintendent Subash Ramkhelawan, head of the Whiteland Police Youth Club, which sculpted the statue, pledged to use the country’s 100 police youth clubs to promote indigenous heritage awareness. Kiran Singh, President of the Greater San Fernando Chamber, called for long-overdue recognition of the First Peoples, pledging the chamber’s full support. The ceremony, held in the refurbished amphitheater of the Harris Promenade, included a smoke ceremony and blessings, symbolizing the enduring presence and dominance of the First Peoples on their ancestral lands.

The family of Romona Victor, a 36-year-old UNC councillor from Siparia East/San Francique, has declined a proposal for a joint funeral with her common-law husband, Rodney Ramsumair. Victor’s decomposing body was discovered alongside Ramsumair’s on November 23, with investigators concluding that Ramsumair killed Victor before taking his own life. A note left at the scene, containing an apology from Ramsumair, suggested he could not live without her. Autopsies revealed Victor died from blunt-force trauma to her head and neck, while Ramsumair succumbed to poisoning. A bottle of herbicide was found at the scene. Victor’s funeral will be held on November 27 at Irwin Park, Siparia, with the Siparia Borough Corporation providing logistical support. Her father, Francis Victor, described the couple’s 16-year relationship as tumultuous, marked by frequent quarrels and reconciliations. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and calls for greater protections for victims of domestic violence. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised Victor as a dedicated public servant, emphasizing the need for support systems for those facing silent struggles. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles echoed these sentiments, urging bipartisan efforts to address gender-based violence.

In a significant move to enhance educational technology, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced on Tuesday via a Facebook ‘live’ video that laptops have arrived in Trinidad. These devices are set to be distributed as a Christmas gift to the nation’s secondary school students, fulfilling a key election promise by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The announcement was made at the TTPost headquarters in Piarco, where Padarath was joined by TSTT chairman Kern Dass and acting CEO Keino Cox. Padarath emphasized that the Public Utilities Ministry, leading the laptops in schools program, had tasked state telecoms company bmobile/TSTT with the procurement of these devices. Over the next week, most of the laptops will be handed over to the Ministry of Education for nationwide distribution. Padarath highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it represents a progressive step towards equipping students with the necessary technological tools to gain a competitive edge in the future. The laptops come pre-loaded with carefully selected educational content and are accompanied by padded backpacks featuring a charging port, allowing the devices to be charged without removal. Further details on the distribution process will be revealed by the Ministry of Education in the coming days. Padarath expressed his satisfaction with the timely arrival of the laptops, noting that it would serve as a special Christmas gift from the Prime Minister to the students. He also thanked various agencies, including the Customs and Excise department and TTPost, for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this initiative.

In a meticulously planned intelligence-led operation, authorities uncovered a significant cache of contraband at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca on November 25. The operation, which spanned from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, was executed under the leadership of CoP Allister Guevarro, Acting Commissioner of Prisons Hayden Forde, DCP Suzette Martin, and Senior Superintendents Raymond Thom, Maynard-Wilson, and Gift. The contraband was discovered after officers navigated several meters through the prison’s ventilation system. The seized items included 62 cellular phones, 235 packs of cigarettes, three kilogrammes of marijuana, eight grammes of cocaine, a solar panel charger, wrapping paper, chargers, USB cords, tools such as screwdrivers and a hammer, a carving knife, a surge protector, a kettle, watches, a shortened cutlass, $2,012 in cash, electrical circuits powered by rechargeable batteries, headsets, digital scales, a WiFi box, power banks, men’s cologne, razor blades, and tattoo needles. The operation was supervised by Senior Superintendent Prisons Lee Davis, Superintendent Modestte, ASP Stanley, and included members of the Northern North Gang Unit, Northern North Task Force, DCP Operations Team, and the Prison Emergency Response Unit. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Colin Mitchell has been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term as chairman of The Shelter – A Safe House for Survivors of Domestic Violence. The announcement was made during the organization’s annual general meeting (AGM) held on November 20. The Shelter, which operates with a fully volunteer board, has seen significant progress over the past year, including advancements in the construction of the new WAND Expansion Wing, improvements in internal governance and HR systems, and strengthened collaborations with national institutions.

The AGM coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the ongoing urgency of The Shelter’s mission in Trinidad and Tobago, where domestic violence remains a pressing concern. Outgoing board members Sean Medina, Anna-Lise Nanton, and Kelly Betts were recognized for their contributions, while three new members joined the board: Shivan Camacho, an ICT specialist tasked with leading the digitization of the case management system; attorney Andrea De Matas, who will serve as secretary; and Dr. Indira Persad-Couch, a leadership development specialist focused on operational strengthening and stakeholder engagement.

Continuing board members include Stacey-Ann Paty as vice chair, Neela Moonilal-Kissoon as treasurer, and Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, Dr. Camille Huggins, and Kim Martins. Supporters are encouraged to participate in The Shelter’s 2026 fundraising events, including the Annual Golf Tournament in June and the Shelter Sunset Soirée in October. For more information or to support The Shelter, visit www.trinidadshelter.com.

The Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago is set to commence the distribution of laptops to students, starting on November 27. This initiative, announced in a media release on November 26, will first benefit students of Penal Secondary School. The distribution ceremony will be attended by Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath, senior ministry executives, and other government officials.