标签： Trinidad and Tobago

President Christine Kangaloo addressed the youth at the 25th Annual Model United Nations (MUN) 2025, hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain at Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s, on November 8. She highlighted the stark contrast between the ideals of peace and cooperation promoted by the United Nations and the divisive, often hostile discourse prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Kangaloo described the local environment as ‘hostile,’ emphasizing the challenges young participants face in applying the pathways of peace they learn at the MUN. She noted that public discourse in TT often divides rather than unites, making it difficult for youth to foster healing and unity. Despite these challenges, Kangaloo expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to address contemporary issues incrementally. She urged them to persevere, even in the face of adversity, warning that failure to do so could risk global instability and the potential collapse of the United Nations, reminiscent of the League of Nations’ failure to prevent World War II. Kangaloo underscored the MUN’s critical role in exposing young people to diplomacy, negotiation, and collaboration, equipping them to become advocates for peace in their respective fields. This year’s MUN saw 210 participants from TT and neighboring countries, doubling the usual attendance. The program has benefited over 2,000 participants since its inception, with many alumni assuming leadership roles across the region. Kangaloo called for continued support for such initiatives, which empower youth to communicate effectively, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations.

On November 6, members of the TT Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA) staged a protest at National Quarries Ltd in Turure, Sangre Grande, calling for urgent government intervention to address what they describe as a ‘crippling’ regulatory vacuum. The protest, closely monitored by police, saw the arrest of at least one individual for disorderly conduct. TTAPA President Nigel Tenia led the demonstration, accusing the state-owned National Quarries of operating without a valid processing licence under the Minerals Act of 2000. Tenia emphasized that the alliance’s 24 members unanimously decided to suspend operations earlier this week to raise public awareness and protect themselves from potential criminal charges. He highlighted the sector’s precarious position, noting that legitimate operators are technically in breach of the law due to the absence of processing licences. Tenia called on Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John, and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to investigate National Quarries’ licensing status and enforce regulations uniformly across the industry. Moonilal later issued a statement acknowledging receipt of TTAPA’s October 28 letter but denied the group’s claim that no company has obtained a processing licence. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) asserted that it has granted numerous licences in recent years and has actively engaged with operators to address licensing concerns. However, the ministry did not specify which companies hold licences or address TTAPA’s allegation that National Quarries continues to operate without one. TTAPA warned that the licensing impasse threatens thousands of jobs and could delay national construction projects, as the sector remains ‘suffocated by bureaucracy.’ The protest is set to continue until the government resolves the 25-year licensing void.

A family of ten from Williamsville, left homeless after a devastating fire destroyed their two-storey home on Pooran Street on November 4, is expressing profound gratitude for the outpouring of public support. Elaine Mohammed, the 53-year-old matriarch and a cancer survivor, shared her heartfelt appreciation for the community’s generosity in an interview with Newsday on November 7. The family has already received essential grocery items and clothing from kind-hearted individuals. ‘I am grateful to all the people who reached out to us. Even if it is only one brick, we would be thankful, because if 100 people give one brick, that’s 100 bricks,’ Mohammed said. Despite the challenges, the family remains hopeful of rebuilding their home. Mohammed, who is unable to work due to her age and health condition, emphasized her reliance on faith and community support. Her husband, Kamaludin, is set to retire next month at the age of 60. The family, including their young grandchildren, is currently staying in a cramped room at the back of the damaged house. The fire, which broke out on the first floor while the family was on the ground floor, left them with nothing. Mohammed, overwhelmed by the incident, experienced a spike in her blood sugar and blood pressure, requiring emergency medical attention. ‘I was stressed. I had to be taken to the hospital because of my sugar and blood pressure,’ she recalled. Despite her health scare, Mohammed discharged herself to be with her family. The prompt response of the Mon Repos Fire Station contained the flames, but the family lost everything. Local officials, including Princes Town MP Aniya Ali and councillor Vincent Raghoo, visited the family to offer support. Those willing to assist can contact the family at 355-4449.

In the wake of a violent altercation on November 4 involving male and female students outside Barataria North Secondary School, the Education Ministry has swiftly responded by bolstering security measures. Education Minister Michael Dowlath announced on November 6 that additional police patrols have been arranged for several priority schools, including Barataria North Secondary, to ensure student safety. The ministry expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to addressing indiscipline and disruptive behavior within educational institutions. The school, which had previously been selected for on-campus police presence, is now under heightened scrutiny. The ministry has mobilized various units, such as the School Supervision Division and the Student Support Services Division (SSSD), to implement interventions aimed at fostering a safe and conducive learning environment. An ongoing investigation into the brawl is being conducted, with the ministry advocating for a ‘whole-of-community approach’ to student discipline. This includes engaging parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to reinforce behavioral support systems and encourage positive student engagement. The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has urged students with relevant information to report it to trusted staff members and reminded them of their responsibility to uphold the school’s reputation. The PTA also cautioned against sharing or posting recordings of such incidents on social media, stressing the importance of handling evidence responsibly.

The state has committed to releasing additional documents in multiple lawsuits filed by police officers challenging the 2023 corporal promotion exercise. This decision follows earlier disclosures in June, where individual merit list scores from the promotion process were made public. The lawsuits arose from a contentious promotion round in September 2023, which saw 861 constables promoted to corporal out of 2,342 candidates. The process was halted due to complaints about a ‘glitch’ in the Order of Merit List (OML), prompting internal audits and legal actions. In February, courts granted the constables permission to pursue a judicial review, emphasizing the need for transparency to ensure fairness and public trust in the police promotion system. The officers argue that withholding scores fosters suspicion of favoritism and undermines morale. Over 100 officers have filed similar claims, with a decision expected in January 2026. Acting ASP Gideon Dickson, president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association, highlighted the officers’ frustration and demotivation in a February 2024 letter to then-Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher. Internal affidavits revealed data discrepancies between audit results and consultant reports, leading to a revised OML in January 2024. Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin defended the refusal to release scores under the Freedom of Information Act’s exemption provision. The officers’ attorneys, Keron Ramkhalwhan, Shalini Sankar, and Annesia Gunnes, are seeking full disclosure of individual scores and related documents from the Promotion Advisory Board.