标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen has urged regional corporations to adopt innovative approaches to secure funding for infrastructure and security projects, emphasizing the importance of not relying solely on government subventions. Speaking at the commissioning of the refurbished Tunapuna/Piarco Municipal Police Post and the launch of the Building Trust Through Vigilance programme on November 20, Ameen highlighted the expanded CCTV surveillance system and dedicated monitoring room under the Eagle Eye project. She encouraged other corporations to present development proposals for purpose-built municipal police facilities, promising support through public-private partnerships. The new station, equipped to accommodate 44 officers, features upgraded facilities including a reception area, charge room, processing area, secure cell block, and administrative offices. Ameen stressed that the improved environment should translate into enhanced public service, reflecting the professionalism and dignity deserved by officers and citizens. She emphasized that modern surveillance tools aim to protect, not intrude, fostering public trust and enabling early crime detection and quick response. The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s national agenda for safer communities through smarter technology, addressing the region’s high population, commercial activity, and cultural hubs. Ameen also urged officers to focus on core municipal policing duties, such as enforcing regulations related to corporation assets, litter prevention, and illegal dumping, while cautioning against their diversion into general police operations. Corporation chairman Josiah Austin described the refurbishment as a renewed commitment to public safety, part of a broader development programme aimed at improving infrastructure, boosting police readiness, and strengthening community safety. The upgraded station, along with new municipal police vehicles and an expanded CCTV monitoring system, equips officers with the tools needed for efficient and professional service. Austin emphasized the importance of community vigilance in crime prevention, urging residents to contribute to public safety by sharing information.

In a historic departure from tradition, San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris awarded four keys to the city during the 37th Anniversary Civic Awards and Reception held at the City Hall Auditorium on November 18. This unprecedented move was driven by the exceptional achievements of the honorees, who have significantly contributed to the city’s cultural, economic, and social fabric. Among the recipients was former San Fernando West MP Dianne Seukeran, a visionary leader battling cancer, whose work has reshaped the city’s landscape. Seukeran expressed profound gratitude, dedicating the honor to the collective efforts of her supporters and mentors, including the late Prime Minister Patrick Manning. Mayor Parris lauded her as one of San Fernando’s most defining voices, highlighting her pioneering role in community arts, scouting, and national projects. Also honored were sisters Beverly Guide-Williams and Lisa Guide-Tang How, third-generation stewards of the JE Guide Funeral Home and Crematorium, who viewed the recognition as a testament to their family’s resilience and commitment to the city. Cultural icon Imran ‘GI’ Beharry, the first chutney soca artiste to receive this honor, described the award as a profound affirmation of his roots and a reminder of his responsibility to uplift culture and youth. The fourth key was awarded to steelpan virtuoso Joshua Regrello, a Guinness World Record holder, who humorously inquired if the key granted him parking privileges. Regrello reflected on his deep connection to San Fernando, crediting the city for shaping his identity and achievements. Additionally, legendary mas band leader Ivan Kalicharan received a commemorative plaque, with a stand at Skinner Park to be named in his and his late wife Wendy’s honor. The event underscored San Fernando’s commitment to celebrating its own, recognizing individuals who have left an indelible mark on the city’s history and culture.

A Chaguanas mother and retired nurse, Rosanna Smith, has been granted permission to pursue a judicial review to obtain critical details of the police investigation into the death of her only daughter, Maria Kathleen Smith, in 2021. Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams approved the request, allowing Smith to challenge the decision of Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to withhold key information about the case. Smith is represented by attorneys Martin George and Sarah Lawrence.

Maria’s death remains shrouded in mystery. She went missing on October 15, 2021, and her body was discovered two days later in the passenger seat of a vehicle parked in a forested area at Spring Bridge, Blanchisseuse. A blanket covered her body, and a hose connected to the vehicle’s muffler was inserted through a slightly open window. Despite these unusual circumstances, the police classified the death as a suicide, though they claimed the investigation was ongoing.

Smith revealed that she had uncovered WhatsApp messages indicating a secret relationship between her daughter and a married police officer, who was also a relative. She provided this information to the authorities but received minimal updates and no substantive answers over the years. After multiple attempts, including a Freedom of Information request, Smith argued that the police failed to provide meaningful updates on interviews, evidence collection, toxicology reports, or any investigative steps taken since her daughter’s death.

Her attorneys stated that Smith remains “grieving and distraught,” facing significant emotional hardship due to the lack of closure. The situation worsened as the police refused to provide detailed information, only reiterating that investigations were ongoing and awaiting toxicology results. Smith also sought assistance from Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, who referred her back to the police.

Justice Quinlan-Williams ordered that the claim be served on the Commissioner of Police within 14 days, with the case set to be heard on February 2, 2026.

In a heartfelt statement commemorating World Children’s Day (WCD) on November 20, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized her government’s steadfast dedication to protecting the well-being, safety, and development of every child in Trinidad and Tobago. This year’s WCD theme, ‘My Day, My Rights,’ serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent dignity and rights of children, urging global and national efforts to ensure their voices are heard and their futures shaped. Persad-Bissessar invoked the words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who once described the trust the world holds with children as sacred, underscoring the collective responsibility to create a society where every child feels valued and empowered. Since her government’s election victory in April, several initiatives have been launched to bolster children’s rights and opportunities. These include providing universal digital access through secure devices, distributing free laptops to secondary school entrants, enhancing school safety frameworks, and expanding paediatric mental health services. A landmark achievement is the upcoming opening of the Couva Children’s Hospital in December, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to paediatric and adolescent care. Persad-Bissessar called on the nation to amplify the voices of young people, whose creativity and courage, she believes, hold the key to Trinidad and Tobago’s future. She urged collective action to transform the WCD theme into a tangible reality, ensuring every child’s dreams and rights are upheld.