标签： Trinidad and Tobago

On October 20, just before 4 pm, Elspeth Duncan heard what she initially thought was a vehicle backfiring near her home. Assuming it was the typical noise from drag-racing cars, she dismissed it, expecting it to cease soon. However, the persistent explosions revealed a different source: individuals bussing bamboo in preparation for Divali. The noise, though less intense than fireworks, continued for hours, distressing her dogs and prompting her to administer calming tablets before leaving the house. Upon encountering the young men responsible, she learned that the tradition, fueled by the unavailability of fireworks, would persist until 7 pm. This exchange highlighted a broader issue: the disruption caused by such activities during festive seasons. That night, the community was further disturbed by extended firework displays, leaving dogs and residents alike in distress. Efforts to contact the police proved futile, underscoring the lack of enforcement. Duncan’s reflections extended to Tobago’s aspiration to become the ‘Best Little Island on the Planet,’ suggesting that banning fireworks could be a significant step toward this goal. She also emphasized the need for a unified approach across Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for the prohibition of both the sale and use of fireworks. As the festive season approaches, with Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon, the potential for increased noise pollution looms large. Duncan called for government action, referencing the Prime Minister’s promise to address excessive noise through legislation. She concluded with a plea to hold leaders accountable, emphasizing the need for peace and quiet in a time of growing unrest.

Brightstar Lottery has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting The Just Because Foundation (JBF) by renewing its sponsorship of the JBF Be Better Bears initiative and enhancing the technological capabilities of the JBF Paediatric Specialty Unit at Mt Hope. The Be Better Bear, a comforting teddy bear, has become a symbol of hope for children diagnosed with cancer in Trinidad and Tobago. Each child admitted to the unit receives one of these bears, and proceeds from sales fund JBF’s outreach and patient care programs. Brightstar’s latest contribution includes a mobile projector, which will be used to facilitate movie time and group activities, providing moments of joy and normalcy during hospital stays. Additionally, Brightstar maintains the computer room at the specialty unit, ensuring children and families remain connected to their schools, friends, and the wider world. Brightstar’s General Manager, Dexter Thomas, emphasized the importance of their partnership with JBF through the After School Advantage (ASA) program, which provides digital learning centers for non-profit organizations. Beyond corporate support, many Brightstar employees personally contribute by adopting Be Better Bears, further aiding JBF’s mission. On October 2, JBF team members, accompanied by mascot Jolly Bear, visited Brightstar’s Port of Spain office to deliver bears and engage employees in packaging them for sale. Chevaughn Joseph, co-founder of JBF, highlighted the symbolic significance of the bears, encouraging adopters to send messages of love and encouragement to children on the ward. The partnership between Brightstar and JBF, which began in 2015, continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families facing childhood cancer.

The Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT) and the non-governmental organisation Feminitt Caribbean have welcomed the government’s announcement of a $5 million women’s health fund aimed at addressing period poverty. The initiative, set to launch in January 2026, will focus on providing free menstrual kits in educational institutions and promoting menstrual health education to dismantle societal stigmas. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo revealed the fund during the October 13 budget presentation, highlighting its collaboration with the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services and other stakeholders to ensure sustainability. FPATT Executive Director Jill De Bourg praised the initiative, emphasizing that access to affordable menstrual products is crucial for women and girls to participate fully in educational, social, and economic activities without barriers. The fund will also include educational programmes targeting men and boys to foster inclusivity. Feminitt Caribbean’s Safe Cycle Initiative, launched in 2020, has already made strides in menstrual health education and service delivery, including the establishment of the Safe Cycle Care Bank in 2021. Dr. TeHilla Paul, Feminitt’s Safe Cycle programme lead, called for further legislative measures, such as a Menstrual Equity Act and a ‘Period Card,’ to ensure access to free gynaecology services. The issue of period poverty was also addressed in a December 2023 joint select committee, which recommended comprehensive measures, including menstrual health education, product provision in schools, and cross-ministerial coordination.

Trinidad and Tobago, once buoyed by the oil boom, now grapples with the repercussions of mismanagement, corruption, and economic decline. As the nation faces an uncertain future, the voices of calypso artists emerge as powerful advocates for change, offering both critique and solutions. Dara E Healy, a performing artist and founder of the Idakeda Group, reflects on the enduring relevance of calypso music in addressing societal issues and fostering cultural resilience. Despite the government’s persistent neglect of the arts as a strategic economic force, events like Tobago’s carnival demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving and amplifying local culture. Healy draws inspiration from iconic calypsonians who, over decades, have fearlessly addressed systemic failures. Tobago Crusoe’s 1983 calypso, *Don’t Cry Now*, highlighted the nation’s poor decisions, from neglecting agriculture to extravagant spending, while Mighty Chalkdust in 1968 urged a return to local practices to combat economic devaluation. Attila the Hun’s 1937 critique of financial mismanagement and Mighty Shadow’s 1994 *Poverty is Hell* further underscore the enduring inequities in society. These artists, Healy argues, serve as cultural practitioners who compel society to confront its flaws and seek collective advancement. Their messages remain relevant today, urging citizens to take responsibility for the nation’s future. As Trinidad and Tobago navigates its post-oil era, the legacy of calypso music offers a roadmap for economic diversification, cultural preservation, and social justice.