标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles highlighted the importance of service to humanity and unity in diversity during her address at the Divali Nagar 2025 celebrations in Chaguanas on October 16. The event, themed ‘Loka Sangraha,’ underscored the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, resonating deeply with Beckles’ personal and political ethos. Accompanied by National Council of Indian Culture president Surujdeo Mangroo and dancer Samara Mohammed, Beckles lit a deya, symbolizing the festival’s spirit of enlightenment and compassion. Reflecting on her upbringing in the rural Borde Narve Village, Beckles shared how her mother’s teachings and the village’s multicultural environment shaped her values. She recalled the harmonious coexistence of Hindu bhajans, Christian church bells, and Islamic adhan, emphasizing that respect for diverse faiths is rooted in love and action. Beckles also spoke about her commitment to public service, stating that her work in various ministries and projects has always aimed to uplift families from despair to hope. She praised Trinidad and Tobago’s progress as one of the region’s most developed and literate nations, attributing this success to the collective efforts of its citizens and successive governments. The event concluded with Mangroo presenting Beckles with a painting, symbolizing the enduring cultural and spiritual bonds that unite the nation.

Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has launched a scathing critique of the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration’s vacation remedial programme, labeling it as an ‘expensive illusion’ marred by financial mismanagement and lack of accountability. Speaking during the budget debate in the House of Representatives on October 17, Dowlath refuted claims by former Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly that the current government had discontinued the programme. He revealed that the PNM’s initiative, titled ‘Re-Re-engaging For Success,’ left behind over $3.5 million in unpaid teacher stipends, $1.3 million owed for snacks, and $10.5 million in pending costs, with no verifiable impact data or clear objectives. Dowlath also highlighted the absence of four critical reports from various educational support divisions, further underscoring the programme’s inefficacy. In contrast, Dowlath introduced the government’s new Priority Schools Project, a data-driven initiative targeting 56 secondary schools and 187 primary schools for intensive support based on academic, attendance, and behavioral indicators. The project integrates literacy and numeracy recovery, teacher training, parental engagement, and school leadership development, all monitored through key performance indicators. Additionally, Dowlath praised the ministry’s July-August vacation repair programme, which completed a record 458 major and emergency repair projects across schools, addressing issues such as leaking roofs, rewiring, and sanitation. He also defended the government’s decision to extend the July-August school vacation by one week, emphasizing its role in ensuring curriculum balance and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of students and teachers.

The dining landscape in Trinidad is undergoing significant shifts as economic pressures force consumers to rethink their spending habits. A recent investigation by Newsday reveals that many residents are opting for cost-effective and convenient meal options, with some even skipping lunch altogether to save money. One woman shared that she primarily eats breakfast and dinner, often resorting to inexpensive, filling meals like packaged ramen or pasta due to exhaustion after work. She noted that cooking at home has become equally expensive, with grocery bills quickly adding up, leaving her in a ‘no-win situation.’

Another individual highlighted the challenge of balancing affordability and taste, often choosing street food like doubles, pies, or pholourie when on a tight budget. For larger meals, he seeks out restaurants offering generous portions of curry, KFC, or creole cuisine. Similarly, a working woman explained that she brings homemade lunches to work to save money and avoid the limited variety at nearby eateries, occasionally indulging in creole food or junk food for variety.

Food writer Franka Philip attributes these changes to a combination of rising food prices, job losses, and consumer fatigue with repetitive options. She noted that food courts and malls have been particularly affected, with many stalls closing or changing hands. However, food hubs like Woodbrook Yard and Food Square remain popular, especially on weekends, though business has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Philip also pointed out that established restaurants with consistent quality continue to attract loyal customers, particularly for Sunday lunches after church.

Street food remains a cornerstone of Trinidadian culture, with locations like the Food Strip in Queen’s Park Savannah and Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua bustling on weekends. Shira Mohammed, founder of Restaurant Week TT, observed a post-pandemic shift from fine dining to casual, family-style restaurants and sports bars. She emphasized the enduring appeal of street food, which offers affordability, variety, and a taste of local culture. Mohammed also noted the growing reliance on food delivery services, which, despite their cost, have become a staple for many consumers.

Overall, the food industry in Trinidad is navigating a complex landscape, with economic challenges reshaping consumer behavior and forcing businesses to adapt to new realities.

A second victim has succumbed to injuries sustained in a fatal shooting that occurred on October 15 in Brasso Village, central Trinidad. The incident initially claimed the life of a young construction worker and left two others critically wounded. Darias Shadrack, a 16-year-old student at Tabaquite Secondary School, passed away on October 17 while receiving treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope. A close relative revealed that Darias had lost a significant amount of blood and never regained consciousness after the attack. The shooting took place around 2 am at an unfinished wooden structure near his family’s home along Caparo Valley Brasso Road. Initially, police reported that Darias had died on arrival at the hospital, but further checks confirmed he was in a coma. Darias was among four victims targeted by gunmen. His schoolmate, Jerryl Ganness, 15, and brothers Christopher Ricardo “Ricky” Joseph, 20, and Colly Joseph, 23, were also shot. Christopher, a construction worker from Devenish Hill, Tabaquite, died at the scene. The other victims were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Centre and later transferred to Mt Hope. This tragedy adds to the family’s grief, as Darias’ brother, Kirdy Ramdhanie, was killed in a shooting in December 2024. Jerryl, who remains hospitalized in serious condition, had reportedly moved out of his Los Attajos home earlier this year due to family concerns about his behavior. Colly is also in serious condition. The Joseph family has also mourned the loss of Rajindra “Syo” Ramcharan, 33, their mother’s uncle, who was shot and killed in an orange field in Tabaquite in February. Relatives believe Ramcharan was lured to his death. The grieving parents of the Joseph brothers, Marsha and Smith Joseph, have urged police investigators to dedicate full effort to solving this fatal shooting and other unsolved crimes. Police from the Central Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, are continuing the investigation, with the motive believed to be drug-related.

As Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago and around the globe celebrate the vibrant festival of Divali on Monday, the fasting period concludes with a grand celebration marked by an array of delectable foods and sweets. In Trinidad and Tobago, a nation known for its cultural diversity, people from all backgrounds come together to partake in each other’s religious festivities, often preparing special treats to share and enjoy. This year, renowned culinary expert Wendy Rahamut shares her favorite traditional sweets to make the celebration even more memorable. Among the highlights are deep-fried Indian cookies infused with cardamom and cinnamon, known as Shakkar Para, and the creamy, indulgent Barfi. For those with a sweet tooth, Gulab Jamoon, a rich and syrupy dessert, is also a must-try. Each recipe is meticulously detailed, from the preparation of the dough to the final presentation, ensuring that these treats are not only delicious but also a true reflection of the festival’s spirit. These sweets, deeply rooted in tradition, offer a taste of cultural heritage and bring families and communities closer during this joyous occasion.