标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a heartwarming display of corporate compassion, Kaleidoscope Paints Limited transformed its San Juan compound into a festive wonderland on Sunday, hosting approximately 300 children from 14 orphanages across Trinidad for an unforgettable Christmas celebration themed ‘Colour Joy into Children’s Lives 2025′.

The event, running from 1 pm to 5 pm, created a magical atmosphere where children encountered Santa Claus, animated clowns, traditional moko jumbies, and captivating puppet shows. The compound buzzed with excitement as youngsters enjoyed face painting, bounced energetically on inflatable castles, and listened to traditional parang music. Particularly memorable were the horseback rides provided by the TTPS Mounted Branch and the specially curated petting zoo that introduced children to the beauty of wildlife.

Notable attendees included Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, NCC chairman Peter Khanhai, and Feroze Khan. All expressed profound appreciation for being part of the meaningful event, with Minister Ameen actively participating in activities with the children.

CEO Dale Parsons, who also serves as President of the TT Manufacturers’ Association, emphasized the deeper significance of the celebration: ‘This is not merely about gifts or entertainment—it’s about reinforcing that every child is cherished, valued, and loved during Christmas and always. The joy shared today becomes hope carried into tomorrow.’

The initiative, supported by Kaleidoscope Paints’ dedicated staff and business community partners, continued a cherished tradition established by the company’s late founder Stephen S. Parson in the 1970s and 1980s. Now upheld by second and third generations, this legacy of community compassion ensures that vibrant colors of joy continue to brighten the lives of society’s most vulnerable children.

In a vibrant display of activism, Soroptimist International Esperance has launched the Cedros Mural Activism Project, marking the commencement of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The initiative, situated near Beaulieu Recreation Grounds and Cedros Secondary School, directly aligns with this year’s UN Women theme combating digital violence against women and girls.

The striking orange mural serves as both artistic statement and practical resource, featuring six bilingual messages that address various dimensions of gender-based violence. These messages highlight non-physical abuse patterns, confront human trafficking realities, warn about online predators, advocate for victim support, and provide essential contact information for assistance services. This project extends the club’s previous efforts, including the installation of awareness benches addressing human trafficking in July.

The launch event garnered significant governmental support, with Minister of People Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit declaring the initiative “a national symbol of resistance against abuse, exploitation and digital violence.” Minister Mohit emphasized national responsibility in breaking digital gender-based violence walls through policy measures, counseling services, grant support, and community interventions.

Notably, the Soroptimists’ ‘Think Before You Click’ initiative previously received the Delegates Choice Best Practice Award at the Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland Conference. The program, developed in partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), educates secondary school girls about cybercrime protection and gender-based violence prevention.

Director of The Counter Trafficking Unit Allan Meiguel endorsed the campaign while highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated service office in the vulnerable coastal community of Cedros. This sentiment was reinforced by Energy Minister and local MP Ernesto Kesar, who emphasized that gender-based violence constitutes a societal issue requiring collective condemnation and action.

The event culminated in a powerful appeal urging legislative action against digital violence, increased investment in women’s organizations, and community commitment to challenging harmful online norms while supporting survivors.

A contentious meeting between Special Reserve Police (SRP) officers and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) management has exposed significant challenges in implementing Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s directive to integrate 800 reserve officers into the regular force.

The December 3 gathering descended into chaos when senior TTPS officials cut microphone access following controversial comments from an SRP representative. The tension escalated particularly around the requirement for incoming officers to possess a CSEC pass in English Language, revealing deep divisions between the groups.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Curt Simon attempted to restore order, emphatically stating that “The TTPS is not a market or a parlour,” emphasizing that selection for regular service constitutes a privilege rather than an entitlement. This declaration prompted several SRP members to exit the meeting in protest.

This confrontation represents the latest development in a long-standing struggle for improved status among reserve officers. Only in July, following a judicial ruling by Justice Frank Seepersad, were SRPs and municipal police granted voting rights in police association elections.

The current integration initiative, designed to address a staffing shortfall of 1,154 officers, marks the most substantial proposed change in SRP status since 2019. That year, authorities targeted integrating 500 reserve officers into full police roles.

Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin subsequently assured media outlets of the service’s commitment to fulfilling the cabinet directive. However, this assurance comes with the recognition that elevating potentially unqualified or unprepared officers to full TTPS duty could significantly impact both police operations and public safety.

The resistance to basic academic requirements suggests that SRP recruitment standards may have been considerably more flexible than those applied to regular officers. While Minister Alexander may personally know qualified SRPs who could transition effectively, identifying 800 such candidates presents a considerable challenge.

Police leadership appropriately maintains that any integration process must include rigorous, transparent assessment protocols alongside provisions for remedial training where necessary. Experts suggest that reserve officers indicating interest in regular service should receive preparation from their initial deployment, ensuring they meet the functional standards required of all officers performing full police duties.

As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women concludes, the grim reality of ongoing gender-based violence persists unabated. Hazel Thompson-Ahye, a seasoned legal professional, reflects on the tragic pattern of domestic fatalities that continue to plague society, questioning how many more women must perish before substantive change occurs.

The recent murder of Councillor Romona Teeneal Victor represents the latest chapter in a devastating narrative that Thompson-Ahye first witnessed four decades ago with the death of client June Edwards. Despite court-issued injunctions and legal interventions, the system failed to prevent Edwards’ husband from stabbing her before ending his own life. The haunting memory of Edwards’ young children at their mother’s funeral remains etched in Thompson-Ahye’s consciousness, symbolizing the profound collateral damage of domestic violence.

Through her extensive career, Thompson-Ahye has adopted a survival-first approach, advising clients to immediately flee dangerous situations regardless of material sacrifices. However, she acknowledges the complex barriers that prevent many from leaving, including homelessness and paralyzing fear. Her practice has evolved to include counseling male clients, encouraging emotional maturity and acceptance when relationships end. One transformative success story involved a formerly troublesome client who reformed his behavior and maintained positive communication years later.

The legal profession bears significant responsibility in preventing violence, Thompson-Ahye emphasizes. She recalls a catastrophic instance where a lawyer’s negligence resulted in a client fracturing his wife’s skull with a hammer. This incident underscores the critical need for legal professionals to exercise diligent protection measures.

Educational reform represents another crucial frontier. Thompson-Ahye advocates for comprehensive training from preschool onward to help both girls and boys recognize abusive patterns and understand gender equality. The University of the West Indies Laboratory Pre-School’s model of teaching equality through difference provides a replicable framework for nationwide implementation.

While legislative improvements have been made to the Domestic Violence Act, Thompson-Ahye criticizes law enforcement’s continued failure to treat domestic violence with the same seriousness as other crimes. She argues that police must investigate regardless of victim cooperation, breaking the cycle of impunity.

In tribute to victims, Thompson-Ahye shares her calypso composition “Ah Reconstructing Masculinity,” originally written to honor Professor Eudine Barriteau of UWI Cave Hill. The poem employs powerful symbolism—hard hats, steel-tipped boots, and toolkits—to represent the rebuilding of masculinity with gender sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and respect. Updated verses for 2025 celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s female leadership while advocating for women’s expanded roles in governance, particularly in financial management where Thompson-Ahye believes women demonstrate superior competency.

A devastating residential fire in the New Grant community has resulted in the tragic death of a 40-year-old man on December 7th. The victim has been identified as Armanath Ramnarinesingh, who perished in the blaze that engulfed his two-story residence located on Frederick Branch Road.

According to preliminary reports obtained by Newsday, the catastrophic fire ignited approximately at 7:00 PM, rapidly consuming the structure where Ramnarinesingh resided. Emergency responders, including fire service personnel, rushed to the scene upon notification, battling the flames in efforts to control the inferno and prevent further destruction.

The exact cause of the conflagration remains undetermined at this time, with authorities launching a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Fire officials and forensic experts are meticulously examining the premises to establish the origin and circumstances that led to the deadly outbreak.

While the confirmed casualty remains singular, officials have not yet issued definitive statements regarding potential additional victims. The investigation continues as community members mourn the loss of life in this tragic incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about residential fire safety protocols and emergency response effectiveness in the region.

In a disturbing development on Monos Island, renowned former powerboat racer Derek ‘Stones’ Tardieu, 70, and his wife Clarabelle have been violently abducted from their residence. The couple was forcibly taken by armed kidnappers who subsequently contacted family members demanding a substantial ransom payment of $2.5 million for their safe release.

According to investigative sources, the home invasion occurred while the Tardieus were present at their property. The assailants thoroughly ransacked the premises before departing with the elderly couple. Particularly concerning is Tardieu’s critical medical condition—the former athlete suffers from severe heart complications and a brain tumor requiring continuous medication, raising urgent concerns about his wellbeing in captivity.

The kidnappers have provided chilling proof of life through a video recording showing Tardieu with a firearm pressed against his head while another individual brandishes a grenade. Initial contact was established around 9:44 AM when relatives received a voice message from an unrecognized number containing Tardieu’s apparent statement: ‘They have me and want US$2.5 million for my release.’

The couple’s son, Phillip Tardieu, discovered the ransacked home after being alerted to the situation and found both parents missing. Subsequent attempts to reach his father via mobile phone proved unsuccessful. Law enforcement authorities and family representatives are urgently requesting public assistance, asking anyone with relevant information to immediately contact emergency numbers 555, 999, or the nearest police station.