标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The final night of the Divali Nagar festival in Endeavour, Chaguanas, was marred by severe flooding on October 19, following torrential rains linked to a yellow-level adverse weather alert. The downpour inundated key areas including Chaguanas Main Road, Southern Main Road, and Endeavour Road, with social media videos capturing the deluge overwhelming booths at the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) grounds. The adverse weather conditions were attributed to a robust tropical wave, invest #98L, which swept across the Windward Islands. Additional flooding incidents were reported near Medford Gas Station, Price Plaza, and Edinburgh Gardens in Chaguanas. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service warned of continued unsettled weather on October 20, with scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and potential gusty winds. Street and flash flooding remain a risk in areas experiencing heavy rainfall, as the yellow-level weather alert persists.

The phrase ‘This too shall pass’ often serves as a resigned yet hopeful reminder during overwhelming times. For many in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the anticipation surrounding last week’s significant events has now crystallized into either unbridled joy or profound disappointment, depending on individual perspectives and circumstances. The recent budget reading, delivered last Monday, brought mixed reactions. While some sectors celebrated, the arts community was left puzzled by vague promises. The budget briefly mentioned plans to ‘expand cultural industries through a Creative Value-Chain Fund,’ supporting film, fashion, design, and music, alongside enhanced intellectual property (IP) protection and duty concessions. However, the lack of detail has left artists and creatives anxiously awaiting further clarification from the Ministry of Community Development and the Arts. The grouping of arts practice and people development within one ministry is a positive step, acknowledging their symbiotic relationship. Yet, concerns arise as tourism and trade increasingly overlap with culture. Proposals for a year-round Carnival city, driven by the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, risk prioritizing economic gains over cultural authenticity, potentially undermining the essence of TT’s vibrant traditions. The arts fraternity is currently in despair, facing what many describe as the most critical juncture in decades. Critics highlight a significant political knowledge gap regarding the sector’s true potential, both locally and internationally. Calls for a government summit aim to bridge this divide and foster a deeper understanding of the arts’ transformative power. Globally, the creative sector is a powerhouse, employing 50 million people—half of whom are women—and ranking as the world’s second-largest industry, surpassing even the automotive sector. In the UK, the ‘orange economy’ contributes £125 billion, while in the US, it adds over $1.1 trillion to the economy. Despite these staggering figures, TT’s budget failed to address key areas like literature and publishing, leaving the VAT on books unchanged—a move seen as a penalty on reading. The literary sector has been a success story over the past 15 years, with initiatives like the Bocas Lit Fest school projects enhancing cognitive skills, critical thinking, and communication among students. Advocates emphasize that the arts not only drive economic growth but also foster cultural evolution, social change, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Palestinians and Israelis cautiously celebrate a fragile ceasefire. The release of hostages and detainees has brought relief, but the question of ‘what next?’ looms large. The future hinges on the unpredictable actions of global leaders, leaving many to wonder if lasting peace and stability can be achieved.

At just 19 years old, Danika Linton has already made a profound impact, not only through her advocacy but also by challenging societal perceptions of disability. Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a rare condition that limits joint movement, Linton has turned her challenges into opportunities to inspire others. Her recent appearance at the National Awards ceremony in St Ann’s, where she read the biography of an award recipient, showcased her eloquence and poise, leaving the audience in awe.

Archbishop Emeritus Edward Gilbert, the ninth Archbishop of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) from 2001 to 2011, passed away on October 16 at the age of 88. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gilbert spent his final years at St. Alphonsus Villa, a Redemptorist retirement home in Florida, after dedicating over five decades to the church. A member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he was ordained as a priest in 1964 and devoted much of his early career to theological scholarship and canon law. Between 1965 and 1984, he served as a professor of canon law, academic dean, and seminary rector, laying the groundwork for his future leadership roles. Before his appointment to the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Gilbert served as the Bishop of Roseau, Dominica, from 1994 to 2001. His tenure in TT began amidst controversy, following the passing of the beloved Archbishop Clive Pantin. Despite initial resistance, Gilbert navigated the challenges with patience and grace, focusing on pastoral duties and implementing significant administrative and pastoral reforms. His efforts strengthened diocesan structures, promoted vocations, and fostered collaboration among clergy and laity. Gilbert’s influence extended to young priests, including Charles Jason Gordon, who later became Archbishop of Port of Spain. Gordon praised Gilbert for his role in shaping the local church and producing a generation of bishops. In his final years, Gilbert’s health declined, but his legacy remains a cornerstone of the church in TT and the broader region. As the Roseau Diocese noted, Gilbert ‘taught with clarity and worked to build the Kingdom with us all.’