标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The adage ‘once a man, twice a child’ often surfaces in discussions about aging, but the reality of caring for an elderly adult is far more complex than tending to a child. Dr. Taureef Mohammed, a physician from Trinidad and Tobago now practicing in Canada, shares his personal experiences and challenges in caring for his elderly father, shedding light on the often-overlooked difficulties of elder care.

The tragic death of a three-day-old baby following Divali celebrations has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stricter regulations on fireworks. Fireworks Use Sufferers (FUS), an advocacy group, has expressed profound sympathy for the grieving family, who reportedly endured relentless noise from fireworks despite pleas for restraint. While the exact cause of the infant’s death remains unclear—whether due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the stress induced by the fireworks—the incident has highlighted the government’s perceived negligence in addressing the issue. Critics argue that the administration’s decision to ban fireworks for Independence Day but not for Divali reflects a reckless and biased approach. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been urged to issue guidelines promoting the use of silent fireworks and enforce stricter permitting processes. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the government’s alleged favoritism toward Fireone Fireworks, a major importer of these devices, despite their non-essential nature and the strain they place on foreign exchange reserves. The incident has also exposed the inadequacies of law enforcement, with reports of police failing to respond effectively to noise complaints. As the year-end celebrations approach, activists and stakeholders are demanding immediate action to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and animals. Public protests and calls for accountability from the Prime Minister and Attorney General are being organized to address this pressing issue.

The family of 21-year-old Thomas Vasquez, who has been missing for nearly seven months, has been offered renewed hope by Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Sean Sobers. Speaking after a media briefing on October 26, Sobers assured the family that the government remains committed to resolving the case and will connect them with regional security services and the Caricom Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security. Sobers admitted he had not yet contacted the family due to a lack of updates on the investigation, stating, “I did not want to contact them without having information to share. As soon as I speak with the relevant people, officials will contact the family.” Vasquez disappeared on April 15, just one day after returning to Antigua to resume work at a cannabis farm. He had initially traveled to Antigua in 2024 at the invitation of a fellow Trinidadian Rastafarian priest and reportedly worked at what was believed to be a legal cannabis operation. Sobers, who took office on May 6, immediately instructed staff to reach out to Antiguan officials for updates. Vasquez’s mother, Candy Jageshar, described the ongoing agony of not knowing her son’s fate. She recounted a mass held on October 15, the six-month anniversary of his disappearance, at La Sevia Church in Diego Martin, where prayers were offered for her son’s soul. “It was very heartbreaking,” she said, expressing hope that Sobers would reach out to her directly. Jageshar found a glimmer of hope in Antigua’s recent announcement of a cold-case unit, which will revisit unsolved cases. The investigation has included several searches, including a house in Hodges Bay and English Harbour Marina, but no significant leads have been found. The case has also sparked tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda, with Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne criticizing Sobers on social media. Despite the challenges, Jageshar continues to lean on her faith for strength as she awaits news of her son.

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has confirmed an ongoing operation to assess the legal status of Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). While Sturge refrained from divulging specifics, he acknowledged reports of police detaining individuals resembling Venezuelans and verifying their documentation. In a WhatsApp response, Sturge stated, “I am aware, I will address this question raised by you at the appropriate time,” adding that further details would be provided toward the end of the operation. This development follows Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent reaffirmation of Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s pledge for “mass deportations” of Venezuelan nationals residing illegally in TT. Sobers emphasized that illegal entry into TT constitutes an offense, regardless of criminal activity. The government’s stance coincides with a significant reduction in work permits issued to Venezuelans. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne expressed concern over the potential for xenophobic undertones in the deportation process. Browne highlighted the previous administration’s collaborative efforts with Caracas to deport Venezuelan migrants involved in criminal activities, emphasizing a smooth and non-provocative approach. He cautioned against mimicking actions from other nations or adopting measures that could inflame tensions with Venezuela, TT’s nearest neighbor. The Opposition has pledged to monitor the government’s deportation strategies, ensuring adherence to constitutional responsibilities and international law.