标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Catholic community in Trinidad and Tobago is currently immersed in the Jubilee of Hope, a three-day festival running from October 10 to 12 at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. The event, themed ‘Hope in Christ,’ underscores the Jubilee Year’s message of renewal, reconciliation, and the church’s mission to spread hope. The festivities began with a Eucharistic procession from St Charles RC Church in Tunapuna to the Centre of Excellence, symbolizing unity and faith. Archbishop Jason Gordon, addressing the attendees, emphasized the importance of charity, urging participants to bring non-perishable items for distribution to the less fortunate. ‘This act of giving is a beautiful reflection of who we are as Catholics,’ Gordon remarked. The event also saw the presence of notable figures, including government ministers Barry Padarath, Kennedy Swaratsingh, and Vandana Mohit, as well as Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who joined the celebrations on October 11. The Eucharistic presence remains at the Centre of Excellence throughout the festival, serving as a focal point for worship and community gathering. The Jubilee of Hope not only celebrates faith but also reinforces the church’s commitment to social responsibility and communal support.

The vibrant Ramleela celebrations at Palmiste Park in San Fernando, hosted by the non-profit organization ‘For the Love of the Children,’ captivated audiences from September 26 to October 5. This year’s event, led by organizer Pundit Artma Maharaj, embraced an eco-friendly theme, emphasizing the dual responsibility of upholding dharma and protecting the planet. The festivities featured nightly performances with distinguished guests, including Justice Frank Seepersad, Rana Mohip, and the Ramnarine brothers, Arvind and Amish. The grand finale on October 5 saw Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, join the community in celebrating the timeless victory of good over evil. The climactic burning of Ravana lit up the night sky, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness. The event also showcased the talents of young performers, such as Vivek Ramkhelawan, Dhruv Ramsaran, Reyad Balladin, and Krtvya Sage Deonarine, who portrayed the princes of Ayodhya. The opening night featured a divine reenactment of Shri Ram’s descent to earth, with Veer Dabiesingh, Nivedh Hajaree, and Cade Boodoosingh embodying Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva, respectively. The celebrations concluded with a powerful performance by the cast, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

In a significant move to bolster cancer awareness and support, Creamery Yogurt and the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) have forged a strategic partnership. The collaboration was officially announced at a press conference in Port of Spain on September 26, marking a new chapter in the fight against cancer. Under this initiative, for every tub of Creamery Yogurt purchased, $0.50 will be donated to the TTCS, directly funding their cancer education, screening, and patient support programs. This partnership, which runs from October 1 to November 30, aligns with Creamery Yogurt’s mission to foster healthier communities and make a tangible social impact. Anastasia Pickering, Creamery’s brand manager, emphasized that the collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to wellness beyond its products, encouraging consumers to contribute to a greater cause with each purchase. Liza Yunis, TTCS treasurer, praised the initiative as a vital boost to the society’s decades-long efforts in cancer care. Marć Clarke, marketing manager at Hadco Ltd, Creamery’s local distributor, highlighted the power of private-public partnerships in driving meaningful change. This campaign not only raises funds but also empowers consumers to participate in the fight against cancer, demonstrating that collective small actions can lead to significant societal impact.

At just 21 years old, Shyanne Antoine of Arima is making waves in Trinidad and Tobago’s food scene with her innovative venture, The Kkwabaegi House. Specializing in Korean twisted doughnuts, or kkwabaegi, Antoine has introduced a unique treat that combines global flavors with a local twist. Her creations are not only visually striking but also a delightful departure from traditional doughnuts, offering a light, fluffy texture with a crisp exterior and a variety of playful toppings. Antoine’s journey began two years ago when she stumbled upon a video of kkwabaegi being made while selling homemade bread. Inspired by her love for baking and creativity, she decided to bring something fresh and exciting to Trinidad’s culinary landscape. The process of making these doughnuts is meticulous, involving careful kneading, resting, hand-twisting, and frying to achieve the perfect balance of textures. To cater to local tastes, Antoine experiments with tropical-inspired toppings and fillings, blending Korean tradition with Trinidadian flair. Despite the challenges of introducing a new product, her venture has gained steady traction, with growing demand from customers across the island. Antoine envisions her doughnuts becoming a staple dessert in Trinidad, with plans for a storefront, collaborations, and continued innovation to keep the trend fresh and exciting.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro made his inaugural official visit to Tobago on October 10, marking a significant step in bolstering the island’s security framework. Guevarro, whose nomination was unanimously approved by Parliament on June 13 and officially appointed on June 18, engaged in high-level discussions with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and other key stakeholders to address pressing security concerns. The meeting, held at the Office of the Chief Secretary, focused on proactive strategies to enhance law enforcement, including the deployment of temporary police units in high-risk areas and leveraging advanced intelligence to guide operations. Augustine highlighted the persistent issue of boat and engine thefts, which continue to plague Tobago’s coastal communities. Additionally, the establishment of a coastal and riverine branch was proposed to safeguard marine spaces, including the ecologically significant Buccoo Reef Marine Park. The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) reiterated its dedication to collaborating closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to address emerging security challenges. Commissioner Guevarro acknowledged the positive trends in recent crime statistics but stressed the importance of sustained vigilance and strategic partnerships. The meeting was attended by THA Chief Administrator Denese Toby-Quashie, Tobago Division ACP Oswain Subero, Snr Supt Earl Elie, and other senior officers.

For many, the allure of doughnuts lies in their irresistible combination of soft, pillowy texture and rich, comforting flavors. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, shares her journey of transforming a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece. Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, reveals that it was this fried doughnut recipe that changed her perspective on the beloved treat. The recipe, which combines basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and spices, demonstrates how patience and precision can yield extraordinary results. The process begins with activating yeast in warm milk, followed by kneading a dough infused with cinnamon and nutmeg. After a period of rising, the dough is shaped, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a glaze. Anderson emphasizes the joy of watching the doughnuts puff up in the oil, filling the kitchen with an aromatic blend of spices. At Unicakery, she not only crafts specialty cakes and desserts but also fosters a community of baking enthusiasts through hands-on workshops and mentorship. Her passion for culinary education continues to inspire both novice and experienced bakers alike. For more insights and recipes, visit Unicakery’s website or follow their social media channels.

In a world increasingly fragmented by division, the essence of humanity—compassion, empathy, and care—takes center stage as communities across the globe celebrate cultural and spiritual festivals. This past weekend, significant numbers of people commemorated two pivotal events: the Ogun Festival and Divali. These celebrations not only honor tradition but also invite deeper reflection on what it truly means to be human. Divali, often associated with the lighting of deyas, home cleaning, and feasting, was given a profound twist this year. The National Council of Indian Culture introduced the theme of ‘Loka Sangraha’—Welfare of the World—encouraging participants to embrace a broader sense of responsibility toward humanity. At a yagna (prayer) led by Pandita Geeta Vaahini, the president of the Hindu Prachaar Kendra, attendees were reminded of the importance of social harmony and collective well-being, core tenets of the goddess Lakshmi, who is central to Divali. Similarly, the Ogun Festival, honoring the warrior god Ogun, emphasized themes of resilience, creativity, and generational wealth. Ogun, a deity of iron and steel, symbolizes the clearing of life’s obstacles through personal responsibility and adherence to Ifa/Orisa principles. Both festivals underscore the interconnectedness of life, urging participants to honor ancestors while fostering unity among the living, the unborn, and those who have passed. As the flickering lights of deyas and flambeaux illuminate the night, they serve as a reminder that prayer must be accompanied by action. Only through collective effort can we reclaim our humanity and build a safer, more functional world. Dara E Healy, a performing artist and founder of the Idakeda Group, emphasizes that these festivals are not just cultural events but calls to action for a better future.