标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, law enforcement authorities have seized an estimated $400,000 worth of high-grade marijuana at the Port of Port of Spain. The discovery was made during a meticulously coordinated operation led by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and its partner agencies on November 24. The illicit cargo, weighing approximately 4.6 kilograms, was concealed within a barrel shipped from Fort Myers, Florida. Acting on credible intelligence received on November 23, officers pinpointed a suspected storage location at the Port Authority on Dock Road. The operation, codenamed BLAST, involved multiple agencies including the Port Police, Customs and Excise Division, Special Branch, Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and the National Operational Task Force (NOTF). The search of two barrels awaiting clearance led to the discovery of cannabis packages hidden beneath clothing. Senior officials, including DCP Operations Suzette Martin and ACP Tactical Support Collis Hazel, oversaw the operation. The TTPS has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local and international law enforcement to combat the illegal narcotics trade and ensure public safety. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) is optimistic about upcoming salary negotiations after the Trinidad and Tobago government formalized a 10% wage increase offer for public servants. The offer, covering two outstanding periods from 2014 to 2019, was presented to the Public Services Association (PSA) on November 21 during a meeting involving the Personnel Department and the Ministry of Finance. NUGFW President General Christopher Streete expressed his elation and hopes that his union, representing 17,000 daily-rated workers, will soon be invited to the bargaining table for similar discussions. Streete emphasized that the NUGFW had previously rejected a 4% offer under the former administration and supported the current government’s campaign promises for better terms. He also thanked the PSA for its persistence in resolving the issue and expressed confidence that other trade unions would receive comparable offers. The government’s economic briefing during the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the nation’s fiscal position to guide negotiations. Streete assured that if the NUGFW is not contacted by mid-week, he will initiate discussions to ensure his members receive their due.

In many Caribbean households, including Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the age-old saying ‘children should be seen and not heard’ has long been a cultural norm. Rooted in traditional values, this adage emphasized children’s passive role in adult-dominated spaces, discouraging them from voicing their opinions or interrupting elders. However, as global perspectives on childhood have evolved, this proverb now stands in stark contrast to modern understandings of children’s rights, marking a shift from enforced silence to active participation.

The phrase ‘children should be seen and not heard’ reflects a hierarchical view of family and society, where adults held authority and children were expected to learn through observation rather than vocal expression. While this approach aimed to instill discipline, it often stifled children’s natural curiosity and self-expression. In TT, a nation rich in cultural diversity, this saying shaped family gatherings, schools, and community events, influencing how children navigated social spaces.

The 20th and 21st centuries brought a profound re-evaluation of such norms. In 1989, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was adopted, becoming the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. The UNCRC outlines fundamental rights for children, including the right to express their views freely, be heard in matters affecting them, and participate in decisions shaping their lives. This landmark agreement has transformed children’s lives globally, challenging outdated adages and promoting a world where young people are active contributors to society.

On Universal Children’s Day, November 20, 2025, the theme ‘My Day, My Rights’ emphasized amplifying children’s voices and understanding how their rights are present, missing, or pursued in daily life. This theme aligns with the 35th anniversary of the UNCRC, urging active participation by children in shaping their world. Rather than being passive observers, children are now encouraged to share their experiences, advocate for their needs, and influence policies. This shift fosters dialogue between adults and young voices, building inclusive communities and addressing global disparities.

The benefits of children’s rights extend far beyond rhetoric, offering tangible improvements worldwide. The UNCRC has driven initiatives to end child labour, combat trafficking, and provide mental health support. In countries like Sweden and Canada, robust implementation of the convention has enabled children to participate in school councils and family decisions, fostering confidence and resilience. Globally, it has reduced child mortality rates and increased literacy, empowering generations to break cycles of poverty.

In TT, the UNCRC’s principles have been integrated into the legal framework, including the Children Act of 2012, which emphasizes children’s best interests, protection from harm, and the right to be heard. This has led to advancements in child welfare, such as improved access to education and healthcare, and efforts to combat issues like child abuse and juvenile delinquency. Programmes like the Child Protection Unit safeguard vulnerable children, while school initiatives encourage student voices through councils and debates.

Despite progress, challenges remain. In TT, issues like poverty, domestic violence, and limited resources hinder the full realization of children’s rights. Globally, conflicts in places like Ukraine and Yemen continue to threaten children’s rights, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy. The ‘My Day, My Rights’ theme serves as a reminder that progress requires collective action from governments, families, and communities.

In conclusion, the adage ‘children should be seen and not heard’ reflects a bygone era of enforced quietude, but the UNCRC and Universal Children’s Day 2025 herald a new chapter of empowerment. By prioritizing children’s voices, we unlock their potential, benefiting societies in TT and worldwide. As we celebrate on November 20, 2025, let us commit to a world where children are not just seen, but truly heard – shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all.