标签： Trinidad and Tobago

A tragic shooting in Brasso Village, central Trinidad, has left a family in mourning and a community in shock. On October 15, 20-year-old construction worker Christopher Ricardo “Ricky” Joseph was killed when gunmen opened fire at a house along Caparo Valley Brasso Road. His brother, Colly Joseph, 23, and two teenagers, Jerryl Ganness, 15, and Darias Shadrack, 16, were also injured in the attack. The incident occurred around 2 am inside an unfinished wooden structure on the compound of Darias’s relatives. Villagers reported hearing gunshots and later discovered Christopher’s body with multiple bullet wounds. The wounded were initially taken to the Chaguanas Health Centre before being transferred to Mt Hope Hospital. Christopher’s mother, Marsha Joseph, 45, who is visually impaired, recounted her last conversation with her son, who had called to express his love for her just hours before his death. She described Ricky as a reserved individual who, despite his interest in gangster music, was not involved in criminal activities. The family has faced tragedy before, with Marsha’s uncle, Rajindra “Syo” Ramcharan, 33, being shot and killed in February. Christopher’s father, Smith Joseph, 65, who suffered a stroke in 2020 and had a leg amputated, urged the police to fully commit to solving all crimes. The family is now seeking justice for Christopher’s death and his brother’s shooting, expressing their faith in divine justice if the legal system fails. The shooting is believed to be drug-related, and police investigations are ongoing. This incident adds to the growing concern over the rising crime rate in Trinidad, with 299 murders recorded so far this year, including more than two dozen in the past two weeks. Despite the ongoing state of emergency, the monthly murder toll for October has surpassed last year’s figures, highlighting the urgent need for effective crime control measures.

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense promise in transforming crime prevention, offering tools like predictive policing and enhanced detection of illicit activities. Yet, the high costs associated with developing and implementing such technologies, particularly in smaller economies like Trinidad and Tobago (TT), raise critical concerns about affordability, transparency, and the potential for misuse or overreach. The debate centers on whether the benefits of AI can truly outweigh these risks.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has been exploited by various sectors, including food, freight, and utilities, as a pretext for unjustified price hikes. These opaque practices, designed to manipulate public perception, mirror tactics reminiscent of former US President Donald Trump’s dismissal of climate change as a ‘con job.’ Such economic manipulation erodes purchasing power and exacerbates financial strain on individuals and families.

On the environmental front, a glaring inconsistency persists. While some global leaders champion green energy initiatives, major economies like China, Iran, Russia, and Iraq continue to rely heavily on coal and fossil fuels, perpetuating the climate crisis. This dichotomy highlights the intricate interplay between economic interests and environmental sustainability in global energy politics.

Ultimately, whether addressing AI, economic exploitation, or climate policy, the need for transparency, responsible leadership, and strategic planning is paramount. Misinformation and distractions only hinder progress, benefiting a select few while burdening the majority. The call for clarity and genuine action has never been more urgent.

Gordon Laughlin, via e-mail

The 2025 Budget marks a historic milestone by addressing period poverty, a critical issue framed by global and local feminist activism as a matter of public health, human rights, and gender equity. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo highlighted the detrimental impact of period poverty on health and education, particularly for those unable to afford menstrual hygiene products. St Lucia has already taken proactive steps by allocating US$250,000 to support students in need. In response, the finance minister proposed a Women’s Health Fund with an initial $5 million, aimed at launching a pilot program to distribute free menstrual kits in educational institutions and provide menstrual health education to various groups, including men and boys, to foster inclusivity and dismantle stigma. The fund also seeks to address the broader spectrum of menstrual health needs, such as access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and privacy. This initiative builds on previous efforts, such as the removal of VAT on menstrual products in 2001, which recognized these items as basic necessities. The budget also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sexuality education in schools to empower adolescents with knowledge about their bodies and reproductive health. Organizations like Feminitt and Crown Her TT have been instrumental in advocating for menstrual equity, recommending measures such as a ‘period card’ and increased research on menstrual inequity. The 2025 Budget represents a significant win for people who menstruate, particularly girls and women, and underscores the importance of youth-led activism in shaping state policies.

Heavy rainfall on the afternoon of October 13 led to sudden flash floods in multiple regions of central and south Trinidad, prompting urgent warnings from disaster management authorities. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) issued a 4 pm update, highlighting significant flooding in the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo and Princes Town municipalities. In the central area, residential flooding was reported along Hermitage Road in Claxton Bay, while Pine Avenue in Fairview Park, Freeport, and Macaulay Trace Junction faced street flooding. In Princes Town, Guaracara Tabaquite Road near the Williamsville Community Centre and Piparo Junction were also affected. Fortunately, no property damage was reported. The ODPM urged residents in flood-prone zones to secure household items, relocate vehicles to higher ground, and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters to ensure safety.