标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In an early morning incident on October 27, fire officers at the Sangre Grande Fire Station in Port of Spain apprehended four teenagers suspected of stealing several items while the officers were asleep. The theft was discovered during a routine security check when a fire officer noticed missing items. Upon further inspection, colleagues confirmed that personal belongings were also stolen. Nearby witnesses reported seeing a group of teenagers loitering near the station and leaving the compound shortly before the theft was discovered. The fire officers immediately alerted the police and initiated a search for the suspects. The teenagers were located a short distance away and detained before being handed over to the police. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of all stolen items. Keone Guy, president of the Fire Officers Association, highlighted the ongoing issue of inadequate security measures at some fire stations. He announced plans to engage with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, and acting Chief Fire Officer Andy Hutchinson to address and rectify these security vulnerabilities.

Over 200 students from 13 primary schools across North East Trinidad recently participated in a vibrant Literacy Day Extravaganza, hosted at the Toco Regional Complex. The event, themed ‘Pages of Enchantment,’ was organized by the Arrow Foundation and sponsored by Perenco Trinidad. It aimed to foster a love for reading through interactive activities such as literacy games, puppet shows, and storytelling sessions. The day also featured the distribution of free books and hampers to students and teachers, symbolizing the community’s commitment to literacy development. Dr. Alicia Lucien Baptiste, representing the Ministry of Education, emphasized the foundational role of literacy in unlocking learning potential and building stronger citizens. The event is part of a broader literacy initiative endorsed by the Ministry, which includes brain-based technology software, workshops for parents and teachers, and home support for students. Christopher Bonterre, managing director of the Arrow Foundation, highlighted the program’s success, noting that 92% of SEA students from participating schools passed their exams, with 96% showing significant improvement in literacy skills. The collaboration between the Arrow Foundation, Perenco, and the Ministry of Education continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a renewed passion for reading among young learners.

The One Seed for Change Initiative, founded by Dr. Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson, is redefining youth empowerment across the Caribbean through innovative, purpose-driven programmes. This NGO, supported by partners like the Digicel Foundation and Shell Caribbean, focuses on fostering sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and community engagement. At its core is the Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurship Movement (YAEM), a national model designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical, real-world skills. YAEM equips young people aged 12-25 with entrepreneurial mindsets and hands-on experience in critical sectors such as Food and Agriculture, Media and Communication, Visual and Performing Arts, and Environment and Nature-Based Enterprises. Dr. Waldropt-Ferguson, an agricultural economist and lecturer at UWI, emphasises the importance of experiential learning and community-driven projects. YAEM’s holistic approach not only prepares youth for employment but also cultivates livelihoods that create meaningful impact. Programmes like Reach, Kairi Rise, and Agro-ecological Field Experiences empower participants to design and execute projects that address food security, environmental conservation, and social issues. The initiative also includes Loud, a youth media empowerment programme that teaches storytelling and digital ethics, enabling young people to amplify their voices and advocate for community issues. Supported by partnerships with government agencies, local businesses, and international collaborators, YAEM is expanding across the Caribbean, inspired by the Netherlands’ model of linking agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Waldropt-Ferguson and YAEM facilitator Khalil Joseph envision a future where Caribbean youth lead with purpose, creativity, and resilience, transforming their communities and building sustainable futures.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old Belmont native and exceptional law student, passed away on October 22 in Colombia, where she had been undergoing medical treatment. Just one day before she was set to graduate with first-class honours in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, her life was tragically cut short. Trim had been battling Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), a rare condition involving abnormal blood vessels that can lead to brain bleeding. Despite her health struggles, she remained a beacon of brilliance, humility, and determination throughout her academic journey. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the Faculty of Law and her peers, who learned of her passing via a WhatsApp group chat on the eve of their graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, valedictorian Jehoshua Williams paid a poignant tribute, stating, “We remember our classmate, Alexia Trim, who should have crossed the stage with us today. Her absence is deeply felt, yet her spirit remains part of our journey.” Trim had been airlifted to Colombia for a surgical procedure related to her condition, but complications arose post-surgery, leading to her passing in intensive care. Tributes have poured in from friends, classmates, and lecturers, who admired her courage and academic excellence. Dr. Alicia Elias-Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Law, described Trim as an exceptional student who faced every challenge with grace and determination. Dr. Safiya Ali, one of her lecturers, highlighted Trim’s remarkable achievements, including leading UWI’s team to second place in the XV Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Law Moot Competition, where she was also named Best Oralist. Despite her physical discomfort, Trim continued to excel academically and inspire those around her. Her legacy has sparked calls for the university to memorialize her contributions, a proposal the faculty may consider after consulting her family. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.