标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Trinity College, Moka, has unveiled a powerful motivational sign featuring the words of its esteemed alumnus, Don La Foucade, a renowned motivational speaker and author. Installed in the college hall on October 13, the sign boldly proclaims, ‘There really is nothing impossible to you who believe!’ This installation, adorned with vibrant artwork by parent and graphic artist Jerome Harrylal, showcases the iconic Trinity College building against the Maraval hillside, symbolizing the school’s core values of Courage and Courtesy. Acting Principal Ann Niles highlighted the sign’s role as a visual reminder of the school’s mission to inspire students to embrace their potential and strive for success. The idea for the sign originated from a motivational session La Foucade led during the Form One August vacation camp, which left a lasting impact on students and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA embraced the concept, seeing it as a permanent tribute to La Foucade’s message of resilience and optimism. La Foucade, deeply moved by the installation, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to his alma mater’s legacy. He emphasized the intentional fusion of inspiration and school pride in the chosen phrase, hoping it will motivate future generations of Trinity students. Niles underscored the importance of belief in personal growth, national unity, and collective progress, urging students to never stop dreaming and to turn their aspirations into reality.

The investigation into the fatal shooting of 58-year-old businessman Sylvan ‘Lawah’ Boodan in Rio Claro remains ongoing, with the perpetrator still at large. Boodan, owner of Gloria’s Bar located at Jeffers Crossing on Tabaquite Road, was tragically gunned down on the morning of November 3. The incident occurred around 8:30 am on the premises of R. Baldeosingh Services Ltd (RBSL), a construction company in Poole Village, Rio Claro, where Boodan worked as a straightener and painter. Witnesses reported that an unidentified masked man approached Boodan near his car, called him by name, and after a brief exchange, fired a single shot. The assailant fled the scene, leaving Boodan to collapse and die in front of his vehicle. A relative suggested the murder might be connected to a dispute involving unpaid services to a spiritual advisor, or ‘obeah man,’ earlier this year. However, police have yet to confirm the motive. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted this week at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James. The Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, is leading the case.

Nestled within the compound of St Dominic’s RC Church in Penal, a unique initiative named *A Ray of Hope* is making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable and migrant children. Housed in two repurposed shipping containers, this child-friendly space provides education and a sense of belonging to over 70 children aged four to 13, many of whom are Venezuelan migrants. The project, which began in 2018 under the guidance of then parish priest Fr Robert Christo, has grown into a beacon of hope for displaced families. Today, Venezuelan priest Fr Jorge Amundarain leads the initiative, emphasizing education as a tool for empowerment. He stated, “Education helps children become individuals who can reason, think creatively, and develop their own ideas.” The program, which mirrors Trinidad and Tobago’s national curriculum, also includes subjects like Spanish, Venezuelan history, and geography to prepare children for their eventual return home. Despite its success, the initiative faces financial challenges, relying heavily on community donations and goodwill. Cristina John, the program coordinator, highlighted the struggle for consistent funding, especially after UNICEF’s budget cuts. The project continues to thrive thanks to local supporters, including The Children’s Ark, which donated one of the containers. With a teaching staff of four locals and two Venezuelans, including sports instructor Moises McNish, the program also bridges cultural gaps, introducing students to Trinidadian traditions like Divali. Fr Amundarain remains hopeful, stating, “May this project continue as long as God allows.” The team dreams of expanding to include teenagers but is constrained by limited space and resources. For those willing to help, contact details are available to support this vital cause.

A violent altercation involving students from Barataria North Secondary School has prompted a mother to withdraw her daughter from the institution, citing fears for her safety. The incident, which occurred on November 4 near the school premises, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms. The footage depicted a chaotic scene with numerous students engaged in physical confrontations, including male students assaulting female peers. Witnesses, including a woman wielding a shovel, attempted to intervene, shouting at the students to leave the area. Law enforcement officers present at the scene appeared visibly overwhelmed by the scale of the disturbance. The concerned mother, speaking to Newsday on November 5, expressed her apprehension about potential future attacks on her daughter and has formally requested a school transfer, urging the Education Ministry to expedite the process. Police investigations into the incident are currently underway.

In a harrowing incident that unfolded in the early hours of November 4, a family of seven in south Trinidad was violently awakened by a group of masked gunmen posing as police officers. The ordeal took place around 3 am along the SS Erin Road in Phillipine, a community that is also home to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC. The family, which included five children, was jolted awake by shouts of “Police! Police!” outside their residence. Six armed intruders forcefully kicked open the front door and stormed the house. The attackers demanded money from Vijay Ragoonanan, the homeowner and a gardener by profession. When Ragoonanan informed them he had no money, the assailants struck him multiple times in the face with their firearms. At the time of the attack, Ragoonanan was in a bedroom with his wife and two of their children, including a seven-year-old. The gunmen proceeded to tie the hands of all family members with tie straps and bound their feet with duct tape. They then ransacked the house, making off with an undisclosed amount of cash, cellphones, and other valuables before fleeing the scene. Police from the Southern Division swiftly responded to the incident but were unable to locate the suspects. Investigations into the brazen home invasion are currently ongoing.

The National Drama Association of TT (NDATT) has officially announced its upcoming Biennial General Meeting (BGM), scheduled for November 22 at 10 am in the Helen May Johnstone Room, Queen’s Hall. This pivotal event will allow members to review the progress of the current executive committee and elect a new leadership team for the next two years. Key positions up for election include president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, public relations officer, education officer, and resource development officer.

In a move to ensure a fair and transparent election process, NDATT has introduced a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This initiative, spearheaded by trustees Peter Craig and Triston Wallace, aims to provide members with ample time and information to evaluate potential candidates before formal nominations and voting. Wallace emphasized that leadership within NDATT is rooted in service, humility, and collaboration, urging all members to actively participate in this critical moment for the association.

The EOI period is now open and will close on November 12, ten days before the BGM. All submissions will be reviewed exclusively by the trustees to maintain transparency. A catalog of interested candidates will be shared with members and the public at least seven days prior to the meeting. Nominees must be present at the BGM to accept their nominations, and if no EOI is received for a particular position, nominations will be accepted on the day of the meeting.

Only members with up-to-date financial status for 2025/2026 are eligible to nominate, be nominated, vote, or serve on the executive committee. NDATT encourages all members to ensure their memberships are current ahead of the BGM. For further details, members can contact NDATT via email at nationaldramatnt@gmail.com, call 798-6676, or visit their social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and X @iamndatt.