标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has expressed profound concerns regarding the future of Carnival 2026 following a recent meeting with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. The meeting, held on November 21, was prompted by the government’s decision to prohibit the use of state-owned sporting facilities for Carnival-related events, including fetes. Notably absent from the meeting was Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, who was occupied with parliamentary duties. Instead, the TTPA engaged with the deputy permanent secretary and other ministry representatives. Despite persistent appeals to lift the venue bans, the government’s stance remains unaltered, casting a shadow over the upcoming Carnival season. A follow-up meeting is slated for November 25 to explore alternative solutions and potential support mechanisms. The TTPA emphasized its ongoing efforts to secure alternative venues but voiced significant worries about the industry’s sustainability under the current restrictions. In a parliamentary address on November 21, Minister Benjamin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting stakeholders, highlighting that the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has made spaces available in the Queen’s Park Savannah and Chaguaramas.

The tragic murder-suicide involving UNC councillor Romona Victor and her common-law husband Rodney Ramsumair has sent shockwaves through the community of Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago. The couple, who had a tumultuous 16-year relationship, were found dead in their home on Sunday afternoon. Victor’s father, Francis, discovered the bodies during a visit to deliver vegetables. Victor was found under blankets on the bed, having succumbed to blunt force trauma to the neck, while Ramsumair was found on the floor, having ingested a poisonous substance. The incident has drawn reactions from both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who emphasized the urgent need to address domestic violence and protect women and girls. Persad-Bissessar, also the MP for Siparia, expressed her condolences on Facebook, urging victims of domestic violence to seek help. She praised Victor as a dedicated public servant who served her community with compassion and humility. Beckles, the Arima MP, highlighted the broader societal issue, citing alarming statistics that one in three women faces domestic or gender-based violence. She called for stronger legal measures, better resources for gender-based violence units, and improved police response to such cases. The tragedy coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on November 25, adding to its poignancy. Siparia mayor Doodnath Mayhroo visited the Victor family, offering support and facilities for the funeral. He described Victor as a hard-working councillor and urged women in abusive relationships to seek help and protection. The municipality will appoint an interim caretaker for Victor’s district until a by-election is held.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has initiated a comprehensive park-and-ride survey as part of its broader strategy to overhaul the nation’s transportation system. The survey, which was officially announced on the government’s communications platform, includes 12 questions aimed at understanding the public’s travel habits and preferences. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour, revealed the details of this initiative during a post-Cabinet media briefing on November 20. The proposed park-and-ride system will allow commuters from Arima, Chaguanas, Couva, and San Fernando to park their vehicles at secure locations and take buses or maxi taxis to Port of Spain. This concept, while not new to Trinidad and Tobago, was first popularized by former Port of Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing in 2012 as part of a traffic control experiment in Woodbrook. In a recent phone interview, Lee Sing praised the government’s plan, emphasizing the country’s financial constraints and the need for innovative traffic management solutions. He highlighted the importance of utilizing existing resources efficiently and expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the initiative. Lee Sing also suggested that similar traffic management strategies could be applied along the east-west corridor, including areas like Sixth Avenue Barataria and Boundary Road, Croisée. He urged the public to be patient and allow the plan to develop, noting that effective traffic management requires time, adherence to new rules, and consistent enforcement. The government’s park-and-ride initiative is seen as a progressive step towards addressing the nation’s transportation challenges and improving overall traffic efficiency.

A police-involved shooting in Trinidad and Tobago’s Central Division on November 22 resulted in the death of Trevon Cumberbatch of Kelly Village and the seizure of two firearms along with ammunition. The incident occurred during an operation led by the Central Division task force, supported by air units and canine teams, in the Caroni area. According to a police media release, officers approached the residence of a 38-year-old suspect who allegedly confronted them with a weapon. The suspect reportedly pointed the firearm at the officers, prompting them to discharge their service weapons in accordance with the use-of-force policy. The suspect sustained injuries and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. Authorities recovered a Glock 17 pistol and a magazine containing ammunition from the scene. The operation was coordinated by Senior Superintendent Bhagwandeen, Superintendent Glodon, and Assistant Superintendents Hernandez and Harrilal. In a separate operation on the same day, the Western Division Task Force conducted an exercise in Cocorite, where they discovered a Glock 19 pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander praised the officers for their bravery, emphasizing the risks they face in confronting armed criminals. Alexander urged criminals to reconsider their actions, highlighting the impact on their families and society. He also warned that raising a weapon at law enforcement would inevitably lead to severe consequences.