标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) launched its annual Divali Nagar festival on October 11 at the Divali Nagar compound in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. This year’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha – Welfare of the World,’ underscores the universal principles of Hindu philosophy and their relevance in today’s global society. The festival, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and traditions, featured a series of captivating performances and rituals. Among the highlights was Ishana Ramjit of the Shiva Ghana Organisation, who opened the event with a traditional deya ceremony. Over the following days, the Nagar came alive with performances by pannist Sunanda Mohip, devotional aarti rituals, and cultural showcases by children from the Sunil Ramsook Music Academy and members of Sathyam’s Dance Academy. President Christine Kangaloo graced the event on October 15, engaging in discussions with NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo during her tour. Newsday photographers Angelo Marcelle and Grevic Alvarado documented the festivities, capturing the essence of this cultural extravaganza.

In a span of less than ten minutes on the evening of October 16, two food vendors in Chaguanas and Freeport fell victim to brazen robberies carried out by armed assailants. The incidents, which occurred at 10:55 pm and 11:04 pm respectively, involved suspects who fled the scenes in a similar silver-colored vehicle, raising questions about a possible connection between the crimes.

In the first robbery, a 43-year-old man from Trincity was targeted while he was at Darwish Arabian and Local Cuisine along the Chaguanas Main Road. Three men emerged from a silver Nissan AD Wagon, with one brandishing a firearm and another wielding a cutlass. Fearing for his safety, the victim handed over the cash register, which contained an undisclosed amount of money. The suspects quickly returned to their vehicle and sped away.

Just nine minutes later, a 34-year-old food vendor from Chase Village was approached by three men while conducting sales along Southern Main Road. One of the assailants was armed with a gun, and they demanded cash and valuables. The victim was searched, and $300 was taken from his pockets before the suspects escaped in a waiting silver wagon.

Authorities from the Chaguanas and Freeport Police Stations, including PC Mendoza and PC Dickson, are actively investigating the incidents. However, the police have not yet confirmed whether the two robberies are linked. The use of similar vehicles and the proximity in time and location have sparked speculation about a coordinated effort by the perpetrators.

In a recent column titled ‘Opposition to Garvey’s Visit’ published in Newsday on October 16, 2025, UWI historian Jerome Teelucksingh sheds light on the resistance faced by Marcus Garvey during his planned visit to Trinidad in 1928. Teelucksingh highlights the objections raised by the Trinidad Guardian and the legislative council, predominantly composed of the elite class, who blocked Garvey’s entry. This move was met with criticism from trade union leaders such as Arthur Cipriani and Timothy Roodal, who voiced their dissent against the decision. While Teelucksingh briefly mentions Garvey’s eventual visit to Trinidad in 1937, he omits details about the reception he received during that time. Notably, The People, an Afrocentric newspaper, commented that Garvey ‘appears to have little sympathy for the poor.’ This observation aligns with Garvey’s broader ideological stance, as he was known to oppose American trade unions, famously stating that ‘the only convenient friend the Negro worker or labourer has at the present time is the white capitalist.’ This perspective likely influenced his interactions with Trinidadian trade unionists, who may have been unaware of his nuanced views beyond his black activism. Kevin Baldeosingh, in his historical account of 20th-century Trinidad titled ‘From Colony to Curse,’ suggests that Garvey’s Trinidadian supporters were largely unfamiliar with his broader ideological positions, which may have contributed to the mixed reception of his visit.

Recent tragic drowning incidents in Trinidad and Tobago have underscored the critical need for enhanced water safety education. On October 2, 57-year-old Collin Trabulay drowned at Flower Pot Beach, Pointe-a-Pierre, following similar fatalities involving 22-year-old Andrew Curtis Clarke at Penzance Beach and 33-year-old Nigel Dudoon at Columbus Bay in August. These events have reignited calls for greater awareness and preparedness around water bodies. Neil A. Daniel, a seasoned swimming coach with over 34 years of experience and founder of Neil’s Swim School and Tsunami Swim Club, has dedicated his life to addressing this issue. Daniel emphasizes that water safety is not just about swimming skills but also about cultivating awareness and vigilance. He warns against complacency, urging individuals to observe their surroundings, avoid risky behaviors like diving into shallow water, and always swim in groups under supervision. Daniel also highlights the importance of securing open water sources at home, such as pools and tanks, to prevent accidents. He identifies four key signs of drowning distress: the wave, the climb, the stare, and the shout. Daniel advocates for formal swim instruction at any age, stressing that learning to swim is a process requiring time and practice. For those hesitant to start, he encourages taking the first step, regardless of age or fear. In emergencies, he recommends non-contact rescues using tools like sticks or ropes, cautioning against high-risk contact rescues. Daniel’s overarching message is clear: water safety is about respect, vigilance, and preparation to prevent tragedies.