标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The San Juan Promenade, locally known as the Croisee, has been officially renamed the Anthony Roberts Promenade in a ceremony held on October 10. This renaming honors Anthony Roberts, a former chairman of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation and former Member of Parliament for St. Ann’s East. The event, attended by local officials and community members, celebrated Roberts’ decades of service and dedication to the region.

Sherma Edwards Joefield, CEO of the regional corporation, emphasized that the promenade is more than just a pathway—it is a space for gathering, reflection, and inspiration. She highlighted Roberts’ journey from a dedicated councillor to a national representative, noting his unwavering commitment to public service. The promenade, she said, will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy, ensuring future generations remember his contributions.

Peter Mitchell, acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, praised the initiative, stating that it reflects the region’s commitment to improving public spaces. He also acknowledged Roberts’ pioneering role in the Social Sector Investment Programme, which has become a staple in national budgeting.

Richard Walcott, current chairman of the San Juan Laventille Regional Corporation, shared how Roberts transformed the promenade from a collection of shacks into a vibrant community space. He revealed Roberts’ broader vision for the region, including plans for a volleyball court, a crematorium, and a cemetery. Walcott assured that these projects would be realized in the coming years.

Roberts, in his speech, recounted the challenges he faced during the promenade’s redevelopment, including threats to his family’s safety. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his mission to improve the community. He expressed gratitude to his family for their support and urged the corporation to continue fulfilling his dreams, including the construction of a library at the old Barataria market site.

The renaming ceremony marked not only a celebration of Roberts’ achievements but also a commitment to preserving his vision for a self-sufficient and thriving San Juan/Laventille.

In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying, a multi-million dollar operation in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was halted on October 9 by a strategic police intervention. The operation, which had been ongoing for months, involved the unauthorized extraction of minerals from state lands, causing extensive environmental damage. The quarry operator, who had previously resumed activities despite an earlier shutdown in July, was arrested along with 18 employees. Charges were filed on October 11 for processing minerals without a license. The illegal site featured advanced equipment, including conveyor belts, rock-crushing machinery, and a fully air-conditioned concrete building. The police are now investigating the operator’s real estate portfolio, suspected to have been funded by the illicit profits. The operation not only stripped valuable resources but also devastated a pristine forest and endangered local wildlife. Legal quarrying requires licenses, royalty payments, and site rehabilitation bonds, but the absence of national remediation efforts has left small organizations to address the environmental fallout. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro’s decisive action signals a commitment to protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s natural heritage. However, without stricter legal consequences, illegal quarrying will continue to exploit state lands, highlighting the need for robust enforcement and judicial follow-up.

In a heartfelt appeal during the opening of Divali Nagar on October 11, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo urged the nation’s diaspora to return home and contribute to the country’s renewal. Speaking in Chaguanas, Tancoo likened Trinidad and Tobago to ‘our Ayodhya,’ referencing the epic poem The Ramayan, where the Hindu god Shri Ram returned after 14 years of exile to become king. He emphasized that the country’s diaspora, whether born in Trinidad or of Trini ancestry, should bring their skills, resources, and love for the homeland to ignite a new era of hope, prosperity, and justice. Tancoo’s message was clear: ‘Your exile is over. Your Motherland calls for you to come home.’ He called on the diaspora to invest, teach, mentor, and share their experiences to help build a nation that shines as a beacon in the Caribbean and beyond. The minister also urged citizens to banish corruption and greed, embrace fairness, and unite as one people. The Divali Nagar, a cultural festival celebrating the Hindu festival of lights, served as the backdrop for this appeal. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, highlighted the festival’s role as a ‘national institution of cultural and moral development.’ He stressed the importance of investing in Divali Nagar to preserve values like discipline, respect, and compassion for future generations. Mangaroo pointed out that the festival’s children’s programs act as living classrooms, instilling values that guide young citizens toward responsible and compassionate leadership. This year’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha’ or ‘Welfare of the World,’ called on attendees to rise above self-interest and act with compassion, justice, and solidarity. The event featured traditional performances, deya lighting ceremonies, and vibrant displays of East Indian culture, underscoring the festival’s dual role as both entertainment and education.

The concept of tolerance, often hailed as a virtue, is increasingly being scrutinized for its underlying implications. While tolerance is commonly understood as the act of enduring something or someone one dislikes, it often carries an implicit sense of superiority. This perspective, deeply embedded in societal norms, raises questions about its true value and impact on marginalized groups. The author of this commentary argues that tolerance, as it stands, perpetuates a hierarchical mindset, where the tolerator assumes a position of dominance over the tolerated. This dynamic undermines the dignity of those on the receiving end, reducing their existence to something merely ‘endured’ rather than respected or embraced. The commentary draws on academic research, including a study by Verkuyten, Yogeeswaran, and Adelman, which highlights the negative psychological and social consequences of being tolerated. These include threats to self-esteem, belonging, and identity, as well as perceived injustices and social withdrawal. The author also references a Belgian report on LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing that marginalized communities seek respect, not mere tolerance. The piece concludes with a call to move beyond tolerance, advocating for acceptance, cherishing, and embracing diversity. It urges readers to reflect on their own attitudes and strive for a more inclusive and empathetic society. The commentary also advises consulting mental health professionals for deeper insights into the complexities of these issues.

Felicity Hindu School in Trinidad and Tobago recently hosted its annual inter-school decorating competition in preparation for Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated on October 20. The event, held on October 9, showcased the creativity and cultural pride of its 455 students, predominantly Hindu, who participated in various age-appropriate activities. From infants to Standard Five, students engaged in tasks ranging from coloring deyas (traditional oil lamps) to crafting intricate kalsa sets and Divali wreaths. The competition not only highlighted artistic talent but also reinforced cultural traditions, with some students planning to use their creations in home puja ceremonies. Principal Denesh Bhagwandeen emphasized the importance of such events in fostering cultural awareness and providing a break from academic routines. The best designs from each class will be displayed during the school’s Divali program on October 16, followed by a puja ceremony on October 17. The event underscored the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural heritage, offering students a platform to express their creativity while celebrating their traditions.