标签： Trinidad and Tobago

A tragic accident on the Solomon Hochoy Highway has resulted in the death of one individual and left another severely injured. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 13, when a white Nissan Versa veered off the road and landed in a ditch near Indian Trail. The deceased, identified as 34-year-old Paul Nanan from Princes Town, was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle. The driver, a woman from Guanapo Estate in Rio Claro, reported losing control of the car while heading south shortly before 5 am. Both occupants sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Couva Hospital by Emergency Health Services (EHS) personnel. Despite medical efforts, Nanan succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The Highway Patrol Unit, including PCs Boodoo and Bridgemohan, were among the first responders, arriving approximately ten minutes after the crash. Additional support came from the Couva Fire Station and Couva Police Station. Cpl Boodlal is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

In a distressing case that highlights systemic failures in the education system, a 14-year-old girl from Calvary Hill, Arima, has been deprived of her right to education for over two years due to severe bullying and bureaucratic inefficiency. The girl, who excelled in her SEA exams in 2023, was forced to withdraw from school after her parents’ repeated pleas for help went unanswered. Despite filing an official police report and seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education, the family encountered a labyrinth of red tape and delays. By January 2025, the girl was enrolled in a private school, where she achieved an impressive 75% average, but her education was cut short when her parents could no longer afford the fees. Now, she remains at home, her dreams of learning fading away. Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath acknowledged the case but cited bureaucratic challenges within the ministry. This incident is not isolated, as former TTUTA president Martin Lum Kin revealed that similar cases have been reported. The government’s inability to address such basic procedural failures raises serious concerns about its commitment to safeguarding children’s education and well-being.

In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Beatrice McFarlane, a retired public servant and widow from the Guaracara/Tabaquite community, has voiced her growing concerns over the escalating crime rates and the apparent inaction of local law enforcement. McFarlane, who recently fell victim to a robbery, described the fear that has gripped her and her fellow villagers. She recounted a harrowing incident where individuals posing as military officers carried out a brutal home invasion, assaulting residents, including children.

Sangre Grande Member of Parliament Wayne Sturge has garnered widespread praise for his compassionate response to a recent fire incident in his constituency. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, Sturge opened his constituency office to provide temporary shelter for families displaced by the fire. This act of philanthropy underscores his commitment to serving his community in times of crisis.

The Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association (TTPA) has strongly criticized the government’s abrupt decision to ban all fetes and Carnival-related events at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) and other Udecott-controlled facilities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement, made on November 12, has been labeled as “destructive, short-sighted, and a death knell for the entertainment industry” by the TTPA. The association has called for an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to reconsider the decision, but Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that the ban will not be reversed. The decision, which took immediate effect, has left over 20 major Carnival events without a venue, with promoters already informed that their permissions have been revoked. The TTPA argues that this move, coupled with recent increases in alcohol prices, has had a catastrophic impact on the entertainment sector, forcing many businesses to consider closures, cancellations, and job cuts. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin defended the decision, citing long-standing complaints from residents about noise pollution and emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of all citizens. Meanwhile, San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris sees the ban as an opportunity to revitalize the city’s cultural and entertainment sector, with Skinner Park poised to become a new hub for major events.

Two pedestrian walkovers along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway have deteriorated significantly, with gaping holes now exposing the speeding traffic below. This alarming situation has raised concerns among daily commuters and pedestrians who rely on these structures. A Newsday team inspected the walkovers on November 12 after receiving reports from concerned citizens. The first damaged structure, located near Xtra Foods in San Juan, revealed a large hole in its concrete floor, allowing a clear view of the highway beneath. Just meters away, another walkover in the same direction toward Port of Spain showed similar deterioration, with exposed steel reinforcement rods visible through the broken concrete. Further along the highway, near Courts Megastore, another pedestrian overpass appeared to be in better condition, with no visible cracks or damage. Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John confirmed via WhatsApp that the matter has been forwarded to the ministry’s Chief Technical Officer for review. A subsequent email from the ministry’s communications division stated that the structures had been previously inspected and were scheduled for repair under the current fiscal year. The ministry emphasized that the repair works would be handled mainly with internal resources and assured the public that the structures remain safe for use, despite the visible damage. However, pedestrians and commuters were urged to exercise caution until the repairs are completed. The ministry did not provide an estimated cost for the repair works or details on a broader maintenance initiative to address walkover safety nationwide by the time of reporting.

Former Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, Randall Mitchell, has voiced strong opposition to the Urban Development Corporation’s (Udecott) decision to prohibit fetes and cultural events at facilities under its management, including the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and Hasely Crawford Stadium. Mitchell emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural expression should not be dismissed as mere ‘noise,’ a term he believes undermines the nation’s rich cultural heritage. He argued that the cultural economy, driven by creatives and event organizers, plays a vital role in the country’s economic and social fabric. While acknowledging the issue of noise pollution, Mitchell asserted that outright bans are not the solution. Instead, he called for a balanced approach, leveraging existing frameworks like the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and noise pollution regulations to address concerns without stifling cultural activities. Mitchell highlighted the economic impact of events, which employ hundreds of individuals, from sound engineers to artists, and contribute significantly to tourism and creativity. He urged for stricter enforcement of decibel limits and event hours rather than blanket prohibitions. Mitchell also expressed hope that Prime Minister’s policies would support the cultural economy equitably, without favoring one demographic over another.