At Felicity Hindu School in Trinidad and Tobago, the annual inter-school decorating competition on October 9 showcased the creativity and cultural pride of its students in preparation for Divali, the Hindu festival of lights. The event, attended by Newsday Kids, featured students from infants to Standard Five participating in various age-appropriate activities. Infant students colored printouts of deyas (traditional oil lamps), while older students engaged in more complex projects such as decorating clay deyas, creating Divali wreaths, and designing kalsa sets used in puja rituals. Principal Denesh Bhagwandeen emphasized the importance of Divali to the predominantly Hindu student body, many of whom also participate in local Ramleela re-enactments. The competition not only allowed students to express their artistic talents but also reinforced their cultural heritage. Projects were judged fairly, with the best designs selected for display during the school’s Divali program on October 16. The school will also host a Divali puja on October 17, further celebrating this significant festival.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Speaker Singh: PNM claims that I am biased are unfounded
House Speaker Jagdeo Singh has firmly rejected accusations leveled against him by the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), labeling them as baseless. The controversy erupted during a parliamentary session on October 10, when the PNM staged a walkout in protest against Singh’s alleged partiality in presiding over the House of Representatives. The debate centered on the motion to appoint Junior Benjamin as Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) and ACP Kurt Simon as Acting Deputy Commissioner, necessitated by the absence of CoP Allister Guevarro and DCP Suzette Martin, who are attending an international police chiefs conference in Denver, Colorado. In a statement issued shortly after the walkout, the PNM accused Singh of exhibiting a consistent pattern of biased and prejudicial behavior, claiming that his rulings unfairly favor government members while penalizing opposition members. Singh, however, dismissed these allegations in a brief response to Newsday on October 12, stating, “I think it’s unfounded, in my view. Beyond that, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to further comment on the business of the Parliament in the public domain.” The incident has reignited tensions between the government and the opposition, raising questions about the impartiality of parliamentary proceedings.
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CoP boasts of 300 per cent decline in Tobago murders
In a significant development for Tobago, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro announced a remarkable 300% decline in homicides on the island. Speaking on the Tobago Updates morning show on October 10 during his first official visit, Guevarro revealed that while Tobago recorded 24 or 25 homicides at this time last year, the number has dropped to just six this year, with four of those cases already solved. Guevarro attributed this success to the strategic leadership of Tobago commanders, including ACP Oswain Subero, head of the division, Snr Supt Earl Elie, and other senior officers, who implemented a comprehensive ‘all of Tobago’ approach to crime prevention. However, he emphasized that crime-fighting is a collective responsibility and urged Tobagonians to remain vigilant and avoid becoming soft targets for criminals. Guevarro also highlighted the police’s proactive use of preventative detention powers under the ongoing state of emergency, with 79 orders executed and 46 still outstanding. Additionally, he praised the school-oriented policing initiative introduced in high-risk schools in September, noting its positive impact in reducing violence through a softer, more engaging approach, such as officers playing badminton and fixing ties with students. During his visit, Guevarro met with Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine to discuss crime-fighting and security strategies. Guevarro’s appointment as police commissioner was unanimously approved by Parliament on June 13, and he officially assumed the role on June 18.
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Panday slams UNC, PNM MPs’ behaviour
Mickela Panday, leader of the Patriotic Front, has publicly criticized the recent disorderly conduct of Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the United National Congress (UNC) and the People’s National Movement (PNM) during a session in the House of Representatives on October 10. The incident, which unfolded during debates on the nominations for key police positions, saw a heated exchange between Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath and Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle, escalating into a verbal clash that disrupted parliamentary proceedings. Panday, in a Facebook post the following day, described the behavior as ‘disgraceful’ and emphasized that such conduct undermines the integrity of parliamentary democracy. She stressed that power without discipline is perilous and called for MPs to uphold decorum, especially in a public forum watched by the nation. Panday also highlighted the role of Speaker Jagdeo Singh, who she noted failed to control the situation. The PNM, in a separate statement, accused Singh of bias and criticized his handling of parliamentary procedures, claiming it challenges accountability and transparency. The opposition reiterated its commitment to democratic principles and reminded the government that Parliament belongs to the people, not to any political party.
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Young: PM eroding Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation by keeping Lee in office
Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape is embroiled in controversy as former Prime Minister Stuart Young and other prominent figures criticize Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for allowing Housing Minister David Lee to remain in Cabinet despite facing criminal charges. Young, in a Facebook post on October 11, argued that Lee’s continued presence in the Cabinet undermines the nation’s reputation and sets a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that individuals charged with criminal offenses should step down until their names are cleared, adhering to the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ Young called for Lee’s immediate removal, stating that the situation cannot be ignored or accepted by the public. Larry Lalla, a former UNC member and senior counsel, echoed Young’s concerns, highlighting that standard practice dictates public servants charged with crimes should be placed on leave pending trial. Lalla questioned whether this standard should not also apply to ministers, warning of the grave consequences of ignoring this precedent. Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi were re-arrested last week on charges related to the misuse of a vehicle tax exemption, allegedly defrauding the State of $1.4 million in tax revenue. Despite the charges, Persad-Bissessar defended Lee, expressing confidence in the courts to deliver a just outcome. The controversy has sparked widespread debate about accountability and ethical governance in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Fatima win one for Seth Hadeed, maintain one-point lead over rampant ‘Naps’
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division witnessed thrilling matches on October 11, as defending champions Fatima College and challengers Naparima College continued their impressive campaigns. Fatima, leading the league with 22 points, secured a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory against Queen’s Royal College (QRC) at their Mucurapo grounds. Despite QRC’s early lead through Jasai Theophilus, Fatima turned the tide with goals from Jonathan Mason and Jeremai Nanton, fueled by a standout performance from midfielder Seth Hadeed, who played despite attending his father’s funeral earlier that day. Meanwhile, Naparima College, just one point behind Fatima, showcased their dominance with an 8-0 demolition of St Augustine at their Lewis Street base. Forwards Arron Raymond and Jabari Rodriguez each scored twice, extending Naparima’s winning streak to seven matches and their goal tally to 28, the highest in the division. Their defense has been equally formidable, conceding only one goal this season. The stage is now set for a blockbuster midweek clash on October 15, as Fatima and Naparima, both unbeaten, face off in a battle for supremacy. Elsewhere, Signal Hill Secondary stunned third-placed Presentation College San Fernando with a 1-0 victory, while St Benedict’s College climbed to fifth with a 2-0 win over Arima North Secondary. The SSFL continues to deliver excitement and unpredictability as the season progresses.
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Firearm seized, stolen vehicle recovered
In a coordinated effort to combat criminal activity, law enforcement agencies conducted two major anti-crime operations in the Arouca and La Horquetta districts on October 10. These operations led to the seizure of a firearm and ammunition, the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the arrest of multiple individuals. The first operation, carried out between 1 pm and 4 pm in Arouca, involved stop-and-search exercises, roadblocks, and targeted checks. Officers, acting on intelligence and with the assistance of Task Force East, identified a stolen silver Nissan Tiida on Victoria Street. The vehicle, which had a broken rear triangle glass, was confirmed to have been reported stolen in the Malabar district. It was subsequently towed to the Arouca Police Station for further investigation by the Crime Scene Unit. The operation was led by ACP Singh, Snr Supt Gift, and Supt Jaggernauth, with support from officers of the Arouca charge room. Later that evening, between 7.30 pm and 11 pm, a second operation in La Horquetta resulted in the discovery of a Smith & Wesson pistol, one magazine, and three rounds of .40 calibre ammunition at a residence on Sonny Ramdin Avenue. A warrant is expected to be issued in connection with this seizure. Additionally, six men aged between 27 and 40 were arrested for various offenses, including shooting enquiries, outstanding warrants, and traffic violations. This operation was led by ASP Pitt of Northern Division North, with assistance from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), National Operations Task Force (NOTF), Air Support Unit, Canine Unit, and an external agency.
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High expectations in first budget of UNC government – Over to you, Mr Tancoo
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is set to deliver Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025/2026 national budget today in the House of Representatives, marking his first budget presentation since his appointment following the April 28 general election. This budget is also the first for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her second term, as the United National Congress (UNC) government faces the challenge of balancing economic realities with campaign promises. The budget comes against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, with Standard & Poor’s (S&P) recently downgrading the country’s credit outlook from stable to negative, citing eroded fiscal and external buffers, limited GDP growth, and ineffective fiscal management. S&P’s report highlighted the cancellation of key projects, including access to Venezuelan natural gas reserves and the proposed Revenue Authority, as factors contributing to the downgrade. Economists have expressed low optimism about the government’s ability to implement meaningful reforms within S&P’s 6-24 month timeframe to avoid further downgrades. The budget is also being framed against low global oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude trading at $59.80 and $72.73 per barrel, respectively. Economists Marlene Attzs and Conrad Enill have advised the government to temper public expectations and adopt a disciplined, medium-term fiscal framework. Key election promises, such as creating 50,000 new jobs and a 10% wage increase for public servants, will be scrutinized as the government navigates these economic challenges. The budget debate is expected to conclude by October 29, with the final budget set to be sent to President Christine Kangaloo for assent.
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PM celebrates Divali homecoming in Siparia
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar joined hundreds of residents in Siparia for a vibrant Divali celebration hosted by the Siparia Women’s Association (SWA) on October 11. The event, held at her constituency office in Penal, marked two significant milestones: the 28th anniversary of the SWA and Persad-Bissessar’s 30 years as Member of Parliament for Siparia. Streets were temporarily closed to accommodate the festivities, which drew members of the UNC government, the diplomatic corps, and local families. In her address, the Prime Minister reflected on her political journey, drawing parallels between her experiences and the story of Lord Rama from the Ramayan. She emphasized the resilience of the Siparia community, describing it as a family united by compassion and courage. The celebration’s theme, “A Journey of Light – From Village Deyas to a Nation’s Flame,” highlighted the contributions of ordinary citizens in shaping the nation. Persad-Bissessar also drew inspiration from the April 28 general election victory, likening it to a “Divali of return” and a triumph of unity and faith. She pledged to continue fighting for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, vowing to combat corruption, crime, and neglect. The event concluded with a promise of steadfast leadership as her government prepares to present its maiden budget on October 13.
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Bera bandit nabbed by cops
A 19-year-old thief was swiftly apprehended by two vigilant police officers after attempting to steal a valuable gold bera (a traditional East Indian hand bracelet) from a woman in San Fernando on Saturday. The incident occurred on High Street near Scotiabank, where the victim was walking when she felt a sudden tug on her left hand. Turning around, she witnessed the suspect fleeing with her bracelet, valued at $5,000. The victim immediately raised an alarm, alerting Corporal Matloo and WPC Cyrus, who sprang into action. Demonstrating remarkable coordination and speed, the officers pursued and captured the suspect. The young man, a resident of Las Alturas in Morvant, was taken into custody at the San Fernando Police Station, where he remains as investigations proceed. It remains unclear whether the stolen bera has been recovered. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of law enforcement in responding to such crimes.