标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (Costaatt) marked its 25th anniversary with a vibrant graduation ceremony on November 22 at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. The event highlighted exceptional achievements across diverse fields, including graphic design, mass communication, accounting, and radiography. Among the standout graduates was Zoe Laydoo, who earned her BA in Mass Communication with an impressive GPA of 3.963 and delivered a heartfelt valedictorian speech. Laydoo emphasized the power of storytelling in fostering human connections and paid tribute to her peers who balanced work, family, and studies to achieve their degrees. Shakira Jones graduated magna cum laude in Accounting, while Niema Rahaman, Kareena Rampersad, and Travis Ali shared the Wilma Collins Award of Excellence in Radiography. Leah Hanley received the Academic Excellence Award in Library and Information Studies. The ceremony also commemorated Costaatt’s institutional accreditation milestone in 2010 and featured reflections from Aventa Group CEO James Walker, who encouraged graduates to embrace confidence, critical thinking, and perseverance. Minister of Tertiary Education Senator Prakash Persad highlighted the challenges and opportunities posed by AI and climate change, urging students to remain resilient. Acting President Naseem Koylass praised the graduates’ determination and announced the new Dr Gillian Paul Award for Academic Excellence and Community Service. The event concluded with the conferral of degrees across multiple disciplines and the presentation of the Partnership Award to Republic Bank and the National Petroleum Institute of TT for their support in Costaatt’s cashless initiative.

In a dynamic display of youthful insight and advocacy, 36 participants from secondary schools, youth organizations, and tertiary institutions across Trinidad and Tobago gathered at the Red House on November 24 for the 22nd annual Youth Parliament debate. The focal point of the event was a proposed Cyberbullying bill, which aims to address the escalating issue of online harassment through a structured two-tiered offence system. The bill includes provisions for threats of violence, sexual harm, targeting children, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and impersonation. Penalties proposed range from mandatory counseling and community service to fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, the bill introduces a takedown provision, empowering law enforcement to seek court orders for the removal of harmful content or its preservation as evidence in legal proceedings. Kachay Marcano, a Polytechnic Institute student and ‘opposition leader’ in the debate, emphasized the urgency of enacting legislation to combat the pervasive impact of cyberbullying, citing the rapid dissemination of harmful content on social media. She highlighted the dehumanizing effects of such actions, urging the government to balance freedom of expression with the right to safety and dignity. Johann George of Milat, representing the opposition, underscored the severe mental health consequences of cyberbullying, referencing alarming statistics from the Journal of the American Medical Association that link cyberbullying victims to a 50% higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts. On the government side, Zyane Bissoon of the Trinidad Youth Council acknowledged the existing framework to combat cybercrime, including the 2011 Data Protection Act and the efforts of the cybercrime unit since 2019. Delano Joefield of the Tobago Youth Council highlighted recent amendments to the Sexual Offences Act and the Offences Against the Person Act, which now criminalize voyeurism and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Despite differing perspectives, the debate underscored the need for updated legislation to address the evolving digital landscape. Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh praised the participants for their leadership and commitment, expressing confidence in the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s democracy.

The San Fernando City Corporation marked its 37th anniversary with a vibrant celebration at City Hall on November 18, showcasing the creativity and vision of its youngest citizens. The event, which included a civic awards ceremony and reception, highlighted a unique photography exhibition titled *Our Cities, Through Our Eyes*. This initiative, supported by Unicef and led by renowned photographer Giacomo Pirozzi, empowered 16 children aged nine to 17 to capture the essence of their city through their lenses. Over an intensive week in August, the young photographers learned the art of visual storytelling, focusing on patience, empathy, and intentional framing. Their work, displayed in the auditorium lobby, offered a poignant glimpse into the beauty, challenges, and dreams of San Fernando as seen through youthful eyes. The photographs revealed themes of safety, belonging, joy, and the spaces where childhood thrives or falters. Maryam Abdu, Unicef’s chief of social policy for the Eastern Caribbean, praised the initiative, describing the images as more than art—they were stories, aspirations, and calls to action. She commended San Fernando’s leadership, including Mayor Robert Parris, for their commitment to the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, emphasizing the importance of integrating children’s voices into urban planning. The event also honored distinguished citizens, cultural icons, and public servants for their contributions to the city’s growth. As San Fernando continues to evolve, the anniversary celebration underscored the city’s dedication to fostering a community where every child can thrive.

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left a community in shock, UNC councillor Romona Victor and her common-law husband, Rodney Ramsumair, were found dead in their Siparia home on Sunday afternoon. Police are investigating the case as a suspected murder-suicide. The couple, who had been together for 16 years, were discovered in their bedroom, with Victor found in bed and Ramsumair nearby. The tragic event has left both families devastated and searching for answers. Rodney’s father, Boysie Ramsumair, has urged the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances until the forensic report is released. He emphasized that while the couple had occasional disagreements, there were no signs of the relationship deteriorating to such a tragic end. Boysie described their relationship as strong and supportive, highlighting their shared ambitions and the family’s close bond. He also revealed that Rodney had taken on a fatherly role for Romona’s teenage son from a previous relationship. The elder Ramsumair expressed frustration over the rampant speculation on social media, urging people to consider the trauma the families are enduring. As the investigation continues, the community awaits the autopsy results to shed light on the events leading to this devastating outcome.

A 69-year-old pensioner, Jairam ‘Baba’ Balliramsingh, remains hospitalized with first-degree burns after bravely rescuing his five-year-old grandson from a devastating house fire in Debe. The incident occurred on November 22 at their two-storey concrete home on Ramai Trace, Congo Village. Balliramsingh, who is now in the intensive care unit at San Fernando General Hospital, rushed into the burning living room to save his grandson, Travis Jagroo, who was later discharged after being treated for smoke inhalation. The fire, which broke out around 9 am, destroyed significant household items, including an air-conditioning unit, furniture, and clothing. Balliramsingh’s wife, Rosina, recounted the harrowing experience, praising her husband’s selflessness and the swift response of neighbors who helped extinguish the flames before fire officers arrived. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by PC Seecharan, while the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation’s Disaster Management Unit has provided emergency relief to the family.

The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has expressed profound concerns regarding the future of Carnival 2026 following a recent meeting with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. The meeting, held on November 21, was prompted by the government’s decision to prohibit the use of state-owned sporting facilities for Carnival-related events, including fetes. Notably absent from the meeting was Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, who was occupied with parliamentary duties. Instead, the TTPA engaged with the deputy permanent secretary and other ministry representatives. Despite persistent appeals to lift the venue bans, the government’s stance remains unaltered, casting a shadow over the upcoming Carnival season. A follow-up meeting is slated for November 25 to explore alternative solutions and potential support mechanisms. The TTPA emphasized its ongoing efforts to secure alternative venues but voiced significant worries about the industry’s sustainability under the current restrictions. In a parliamentary address on November 21, Minister Benjamin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting stakeholders, highlighting that the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has made spaces available in the Queen’s Park Savannah and Chaguaramas.