标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Archbishop Emeritus Edward Gilbert, the ninth Archbishop of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) from 2001 to 2011, passed away on October 16 at the age of 88. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gilbert spent his final years at St. Alphonsus Villa, a Redemptorist retirement home in Florida, after dedicating over five decades to the church. A member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he was ordained as a priest in 1964 and devoted much of his early career to theological scholarship and canon law. Between 1965 and 1984, he served as a professor of canon law, academic dean, and seminary rector, laying the groundwork for his future leadership roles. Before his appointment to the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Gilbert served as the Bishop of Roseau, Dominica, from 1994 to 2001. His tenure in TT began amidst controversy, following the passing of the beloved Archbishop Clive Pantin. Despite initial resistance, Gilbert navigated the challenges with patience and grace, focusing on pastoral duties and implementing significant administrative and pastoral reforms. His efforts strengthened diocesan structures, promoted vocations, and fostered collaboration among clergy and laity. Gilbert’s influence extended to young priests, including Charles Jason Gordon, who later became Archbishop of Port of Spain. Gordon praised Gilbert for his role in shaping the local church and producing a generation of bishops. In his final years, Gilbert’s health declined, but his legacy remains a cornerstone of the church in TT and the broader region. As the Roseau Diocese noted, Gilbert ‘taught with clarity and worked to build the Kingdom with us all.’

Richard ‘Richie’ Conybear’s life took a dramatic turn on May 26, 2023, when a boating accident during his swim near Booby Rock, Charlotteville, left him with severe injuries, including a broken pelvis and severed urinary tract. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Richie’s determination to reclaim his life and reconnect with the ocean became a beacon of resilience. His friend, John ‘Johnny’ Procope, played a pivotal role in his recovery, carrying him to the sea and reigniting his spirit. This act of compassion marked the beginning of Richie’s journey back to health and his passion for swimming. Johnny, a seasoned open-water swimmer, has since made headlines for his record-breaking feats, including a 60 km swim between Tobago and Trinidad in July 2024. On October 13, 2024, Johnny embarked on ‘Big Swim 2,’ an unprecedented attempt to circumnavigate Tobago, supported by friends like Richie and William Carr. The swim aimed to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation and swimming education initiatives. Despite the swim’s premature end due to strong currents, Johnny’s efforts have inspired global admiration and highlighted the potential for Tobago to become a hub for international open-water swimming events. However, the island must address critical safety concerns in marine activities to ensure sustainable tourism and prevent future accidents. Richie’s story and Johnny’s achievements underscore the power of human resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.

The joint funeral of Gracelyn ‘Momin’ Ramberan, 48, and her son Randy ‘Jacks’ Rampersad, 26, held at Mosquito Creek, became a poignant moment of national grief. Pt Artma Maharaj, who officiated the ceremony, emphasized the profound sorrow not only for the bereaved family but for the entire nation. He urged the community to guide one another toward positive choices, stating, ‘It is important for us, as young people, as adults, as parents, as custodians, to make good choices, to advise our children and family to walk the path of truth.’ The tragic incident occurred on October 10, when gunmen stormed the family’s home in Friendship Village, San Fernando, fatally shooting the mother and son. Randy’s father, Vijay Rampersad, and his wife, Kimberly Rampersad, were also injured but survived. The funeral, held on the eve of the Divali holiday, saw the bodies cremated side by side at the Shore of Peace cremation site in La Romaine. Pt Maharaj reflected on the fragility of life and the importance of family unity, offering prayers for the grieving family. The Southern Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, are actively investigating the case, but the perpetrators remain at large.

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, law enforcement officers from the National Operations Task Force and Southern Division conducted a successful raid in San Fernando on October 18, seizing approximately 75.35 kilogrammes of marijuana. The operation, carried out under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, targeted an apartment on La Pique Street, where three Spanish-speaking individuals were present. During the search, police discovered a white crocus bag and a brown cardboard box containing 145 packages of marijuana. Additionally, eight one-gallon plastic containers with an orange-colored substance, four notebooks, and five cellphones were confiscated. All items were transported to the San Fernando Police Station for further analysis. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) emphasized their commitment to aggressively dismantling drug trafficking networks and urged the public to report suspicious activities through official channels. The operation was led by senior officers including ACP Tactical Support Collis Hazel, ACP South Michael Pierre, and Senior Supt Simon, with support from various units and personnel.