标签： Trinidad and Tobago

A recent exposé by Sunday Newsday has brought to light the alarming environmental and infrastructural impacts of illegal quarrying operations in Trinidad. The story, initially published on June 29, 2025, revealed how an illegal quarrying site in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was wreaking havoc on the region’s water supply and natural ecosystems. Following the report, newly-appointed Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro visited the site in July, leading to a temporary shutdown of the operation. However, in a shocking turn of events, Guevarro returned to the same location on October 9, this time shutting down a multimillion-dollar illegal quarrying outfit equipped with advanced machinery that had devastated acres of virgin forests, hills, and rivers. The operation, which had been converting tonnes of earth and rock into valuable aggregate, had been polluting the Guanapo River and threatening the Caroni Water Treatment Plant, which supplies potable water to hundreds of thousands of people. The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) had earlier issued warnings about the pollution, but enforcement actions were delayed until the media spotlight forced authorities to act. Investigations revealed that the quarry operator, based in Sangre Grande, had illegally excavated over five hectares of state land and was linked to similar activities in other regions. Despite political connections and profits funding legitimate businesses, the operator was arrested in the October 9 raid, along with 18 others. The case highlights systemic failures in environmental regulation and enforcement, raising questions about the future of Trinidad’s natural resources.

The recent hit-and-run incident on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway near the O’Meara intersection has sparked urgent calls for improved road safety measures. The tragic event, which occurred at 6:30 am on October 5, claimed the life of Simone Rose, leaving her family and friends devastated. Witnesses reported that the vehicle involved was white, but no further details, such as the make, model, or registration number, were provided. Shockingly, even 36 hours after the incident, no additional information about the vehicle or the driver had surfaced. This lack of critical details underscores the pressing need for functional surveillance cameras at key intersections and major roads across the country. The absence of CCTV footage in this case has severely hindered the investigation, leaving authorities with limited leads. The incident also raises questions about the reliability of eyewitness accounts in such situations. A personal anecdote shared by the author highlights how crucial detailed observations can be in resolving such cases. The author emphasizes that law enforcement cannot solely depend on witness testimonies and must explore other means of gathering information, such as installing cameras and offering monetary rewards to jog the memory of potential witnesses. The tragic loss of Simone Rose serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

An 87-year-old pensioner from Point Fortin sustained severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the Southern Main Road on the evening of October 9. The incident occurred around 10:15 PM near Egypt Village, where the driver of a Mazda 323 was exiting onto the main road. According to the driver, he accidentally hit the elderly woman as she was crossing the junction. The driver immediately transported the injured woman to Point Fortin Hospital for urgent medical attention. Medical reports indicate that the victim suffered a head laceration, a liver laceration, and a fractured hip. Due to her critical condition, investigators were unable to obtain a statement from her as she remained sedated. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Tesse Wilson of Marabella highlights the urgent need for a collective and apolitical approach to addressing crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Wilson argues that crime has become a political tool, exploited by the two main political parties, which distracts from the real suffering of victims and their families. She emphasizes that citizens must set aside political differences and demand that authorities act impartially to ensure swift justice for perpetrators. Wilson stresses that crime is a societal issue that affects everyone, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, and calls for zero tolerance toward injustice. To effectively reduce crime, Wilson advocates for adequate resources for law enforcement, proactive policing, a fair judicial system, public cooperation, prison reform, and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, she underscores the importance of addressing community and family dynamics, as these environments shape individual character. Wilson concludes with a plea for the nation to uphold respect for law, order, and the sanctity of life, urging a united, God-fearing approach to tackling crime.

In a vibrant display of solidarity and support, over 40 Digicel employees and their families participated in the Buddy Walk 2025, an event organized by the Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) on October 5. The event, which has become a cherished annual tradition for the company, celebrated inclusion, awareness, and the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.