标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The families of UNC councillor Romona Victor and her husband Rodney Ramsumair, who were tragically found dead in their Siparia home, have appealed to the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The couple was discovered by Victor’s father on November 23 around 3:30 pm at their residence on Coora Road. Upon entering, he found their decomposing bodies lying motionless on a bed and immediately alerted his other daughter, who subsequently contacted the police. Officers arrived to find Victor covered with a blanket and Ramsumair lying beside her with froth on his face. Speaking to Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James on November 24, Ramsumair’s father expressed the family’s confusion and distress, stating, ‘We don’t know exactly what happened or how it reached to that.’ He acknowledged that while the couple had occasional disagreements, there was no indication of anything as extreme as the speculated murder-suicide. He emphasized that both families remain united and urged the public to cease spreading unverified theories, particularly on social media, as it exacerbates their grief. ‘People saying all kinds of things and posting things all over social media. They need to stop that because they don’t know what happened either for sure,’ he said. The families are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

The nation of Trinidad and Tobago is reeling from the tragic deaths of UNC Siparia East/San Francique South councillor Romona Victor and her husband, Rodney Ramsumair, whose bodies were discovered on November 23 at Coora Road, Siparia. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for urgent action against domestic violence. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, also the UNC political leader, expressed profound sorrow in a Facebook post, describing Victor as a dedicated and compassionate public servant who tirelessly served her community. She emphasized the need for support systems to help those facing personal struggles. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles echoed these sentiments, stressing that the tragedy transcends political affiliations and calls for a unified national response. Beckles highlighted the urgent need to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance gender-based violence units, and improve police sensitivity and victim support services. She also noted the poignant timing of the incident, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on November 25. Patriotic Front leader Mickela Panday also expressed her condolences, urging humanity to take precedence over politics in such moments of shared grief.

The Siparia community is in shock following the tragic deaths of Councillor Ramona Victor and her husband, whose bodies were discovered on Coora Road, Siparia, on November 23. While details surrounding the incident remain unclear, authorities have confirmed the grim findings. Ramona Victor, a dedicated representative for Siparia East/San Francique South, was widely respected for her unwavering commitment to public service and her tireless efforts to uplift her community. Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo expressed profound grief in a heartfelt Facebook post, praising Victor’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service. He described her as a hardworking and passionate servant of the Siparia Borough Corporation, whose contributions will continue to inspire. Mayor Mayrhoo revealed that he first learned of her death around 4 pm on November 23 and attempted to contact her repeatedly without success. The devastating news was later confirmed by another official. The community has been plunged into mourning as they grapple with the loss of a beloved leader and her husband.

For over three decades, Charlotteville has been a haven for stray dogs, affectionately referred to as ‘pothongs’ or ‘shithongs.’ These dogs, though often collarless, are remarkably gentle and coexist peacefully with villagers and visitors alike. They are fed scraps and bones by locals and tourists, forming temporary bonds during vacations. However, behind this idyllic scene lies a harsher reality, vividly depicted in Elspeth Duncan’s short film, *Charlotteville Tails*. The film, born from a career fair where Duncan discussed the power of filmmaking, was shaped by local children and highlights the struggles of starving, injured, and neglected dogs. It also showcases the community’s efforts to care for these animals, including fundraising and medical treatment. Duncan, inspired by her adopted dog Venus, advocates for kindness to all creatures through her NGO, Venus Doggess of Love. She calls for a veterinary clinic in Charlotteville to address the challenges faced by both dogs and humans. The film, alongside *Venus and Magnet*, a poetic tribute to her dog’s friendship with a chick, has garnered awards and serves as a powerful educational tool, urging viewers to embrace compassion for animals. Both films are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Charlotteville’s dogs, whose diverse breeds reflect Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural heritage. Duncan’s work aims to foster awareness and empathy, encouraging communities to see dogs not as utilities but as kin deserving of care and respect.

The Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) in Trinidad and Tobago is ramping up efforts to dismantle illegal quarry operations, targeting unlicensed operators who exploit the nation’s resources. Superintendent Leon Haynes, head of the MATF, revealed in a recent interview that only nine companies currently hold full mining or aggregate processing licenses, while 13 others operate under temporary “holdover” permits issued by the energy minister. Despite these regulations, numerous unlicensed operators continue to extract materials, often in remote areas, evading detection. Haynes emphasized that illegal quarrying is a top priority for the MATF, with enforcement actions including arrests, fines, and imprisonment. The issue gained national attention earlier this month when the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association (TTAPA) protested outside National Quarries Ltd (NQL), accusing the state-owned company of operating without a valid license. TTAPA President Nigel Tenia claimed that none of the association’s 24 members has ever received a processing license for sand and gravel, alleging a systemic failure in the licensing process. Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal countered these claims, stating that numerous processing licenses have been issued in recent years. However, Haynes expressed skepticism, noting that many applicants fail to meet regulatory requirements within the stipulated three-month period. The MATF’s crackdown has already resulted in 47 arrests between 2020 and 2025, with offenders charged for illegal mining and processing activities. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro warned that illegal quarrying fuels organized crime and undermines national security. Transparency gaps in the Ministry of Energy’s oversight have further complicated the issue, with outdated public records and a lack of clarity on legally compliant operators. The TT Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s 2024 report highlighted significant unpaid royalties and environmental damage caused by illegal quarrying, underscoring the urgent need for improved monitoring and enforcement.