标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the Concerned Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago (CMTT) have mobilized to provide urgent relief to affected communities. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, left widespread destruction, displacing thousands and creating dire humanitarian needs. CMTT, in collaboration with international partners, has launched the Jamaica Disaster and Emergency Relief Project to address the crisis. Group PRO Imtiaz Mohammed and a colleague arrived in Jamaica on Friday, coordinating efforts to distribute 500 hampers filled with essential supplies. The hampers include rice, flour, sugar, baked beans, oil, pasta, canned mackerel, macaroni, soap, detergent, toilet paper, crackers, and bottled water. These items, purchased at a cost of approximately US$22,000, were sourced from wholesalers in Kingston. The distribution process began on Sunday, with plans to continue through Monday and Tuesday. Mohammed emphasized the challenges of operating in severely affected areas, particularly in St Elizabeth and western Jamaica, where civil unrest, robberies, and looting have been reported. CMTT has sought assistance from the Jamaica Defence Force to ensure safe delivery of aid. The organization has also partnered with Islamic Relief Worldwide, including its UK, US, and Canada offices, to expand its relief efforts over the next two to four weeks. CMTT has urged donors to monitor its social media channels for updates on the most urgently needed items.

Authorities are currently investigating a case of larceny at Valencia High School, where several valuable pieces of school equipment were reported missing following the institution’s reopening after the July/August vacation. The incident was officially reported by the school’s principal on October 30 at the Valencia police post. According to the police report, the school, situated on Oropouche Road, was secured on July 7 as staff and students embarked on their summer break. During this period, contractors authorized by the Ministry of Education were provided with keys to carry out maintenance and repair work. Some of these contractors subsequently subcontracted parts of the job. Upon the school’s reopening on September 8, staff members discovered that several items were missing and the premises were left in disarray. The stolen items include an OHAUS Balance Scoot Scientific scale valued at $4,500, a 20-foot, 10-amp extension cord worth $300, a Proctor Silex kettle priced at $300, three fans (one white, one orange, and one black) totaling $1,350, and six small knives valued at $600. The total estimated loss amounts to $7,050. The report emphasized that no one had been granted permission to remove these items. Police investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

On October 25, 2025, Natasha Athara Lewis, a dedicated educator and advocate for disability inclusion, marked a historic milestone as she received her postgraduate diploma in education with distinction from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine. Wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy, Lewis described the moment as a triumph of resilience, representation, and personal achievement. Her journey, marked by perseverance and advocacy, has inspired countless individuals across Trinidad and Tobago.

Lewis, a mature student and teacher at Malick Secondary School, has spent her life transforming challenges into opportunities. Born in St. James, Port of Spain, she began her education at the Princess Elizabeth Special School for the physically handicapped, where she learned the value of perseverance. Supported by her family, church community, and what she calls her ‘village,’ Lewis overcame numerous obstacles, including surgeries, physiotherapy, and speech therapy, to achieve greater independence.

Her educational path continued at St. James Secondary School, followed by professional certifications in dressmaking and design. Despite facing daily challenges, such as climbing 40 steps on crutches at the John S Donaldson Technical Institute, Lewis persisted, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, she began her teaching career, blending her passion for education with her advocacy for inclusion.

Lewis’s journey is also marked by her entrepreneurial spirit. In 1992, she founded Athara’s Designs, a fashion brand that transforms discarded materials into wearable art. She views her creations as a metaphor for the potential of individuals with disabilities, often overlooked but capable of extraordinary contributions. Although her business is currently on hold due to her teaching commitments, her designs continue to inspire.

At UWI, Lewis found a supportive and inclusive environment, which she credits for her success in completing her postgraduate diploma. She also faced new challenges during her teaching practicum, navigating inaccessible classrooms with the help of administrators and peers. These experiences, she noted, not only shaped her but also educated others about the importance of true inclusion.

Beyond the classroom, Lewis has partnered with the Ministry of Social Development to lead sensitization campaigns on accessibility and disability rights. She credits her former educators, Miss Myers and Maria D Thomas, for instilling in her the belief that teaching is a mission of empowerment and equity.

Lewis’s unshakable faith and resilience have been her anchors throughout her journey. She emphasizes that inclusion is not charity but justice, urging society to recognize the diverse talents and creativity of differently-abled individuals. Her advice to parents of children with disabilities is to love, support, and envision a bright future for them.

In her closing remarks, Lewis expressed gratitude to her family, friends, mentors, and UWI for their unwavering support, stating, ‘This accomplishment is not mine alone – it belongs to all of us.’

A tragic incident unfolded in Santa Cruz on the evening of November 1, resulting in the deaths of two men. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Curt Simon, the double murder occurred around 10 pm in the Sun Valley area. One victim, identified as 31-year-old Angelo Leandre, was found lifeless on the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, Jeremiah Britto, was rushed to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex but was declared dead at 8.50 pm. Preliminary investigations suggest that Leandre was washing a car when several armed assailants approached and opened fire. Britto, who was standing nearby, was also struck. Leandre reportedly attempted to flee but was pursued and shot multiple times before collapsing. Crime scene investigators recovered 18 spent 9mm shell casings and two projectiles. Authorities are continuing their investigation into this violent incident.