标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Presbyterian Board has sparked a debate by limiting religious observances in its schools to Christian celebrations. While the board’s policy aims to protect its religious identity by restricting non-Christian observances to educational purposes, critics argue that this approach should not encroach on regular school hours. The board’s stance, which emphasizes preventing the erosion of its religious beliefs and practices, has been met with mixed reactions. Iqubal Hydal, a concerned citizen, suggests that Presbyterian schools should remain open on non-Christian religious holidays, such as Divali, to educate students about diverse faiths. This, Hydal argues, would place the board on higher moral ground by fostering inclusivity and understanding. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between preserving institutional religious identity and promoting interfaith education in a multicultural society.

In 1927, the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Trinidad and Tobago eagerly prepared for Marcus Garvey’s anticipated visit. However, the Trinidad Guardian’s editorial on December 11, 1927, vehemently opposed his arrival, accusing Garvey of making extravagant promises during his visits to British Honduras and Jamaica. The editorial urged the government to bar Garvey, labeling him an ‘undesirable immigrant’ and warning of his potential to deceive the public for personal gain. This stance sparked outrage among the working class, with a letter to the Labour Leader condemning the editorial as a ‘gross insult to the Negro race.’ Garvey, undeterred, expressed his intention to visit Trinidad in 1928, dismissing the opposition as beneath his dignity. Despite his plans, the Legislative Council passed the Expulsion of Undesirables (Amendment) Ordinance, widely seen as an attempt to block his visit. Garvey ultimately canceled his trip. Nearly a decade later, in 1937, Garvey sought permission to visit Trinidad again, assuring Governor Murchison Fletcher of his non-political intentions. After consultations, Fletcher allowed Garvey to land, recognizing that existing evidence did not justify a ban. This decision marked a significant shift in the colonial government’s stance toward the prominent Afro-Caribbean leader.

As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on World Food Day, Dr. Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General, reflects on the organization’s monumental achievements and the pressing challenges that lie ahead. Established in 1945, FAO’s mission has been to eradicate hunger and ensure global food security. Over the decades, the organization has made significant strides, from eradicating the rinderpest virus to establishing the Codex Alimentarius food safety standards and nearly tripling global rice yields. Despite these successes, chronic undernourishment persists, affecting 8.2% of the global population today, a stark contrast to the two-thirds who faced inadequate food supply in 1946. The world now produces enough calories to feed its population, yet disparities in access and distribution remain. Recent crises, such as the 2019 desert locust outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the interconnectedness of global agrifood systems and the need for international cooperation. FAO’s initiatives, including the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and the One Country One Priority Product program, aim to address these challenges by promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing market access, and leveraging digital technologies. Dr. Qu emphasizes the urgency of collective action to combat transboundary threats like climate change, pests, and diseases, which threaten to reverse decades of progress. The FAO’s vision of ‘four betters’—better production, nutrition, environment, and life—guides its efforts to ensure no one is left behind. As Dr. Qu concludes, hunger is not inevitable, and with shared purpose and collaboration, the world can achieve a food-secure future for all.

Residents of Building 16 in Maloney Gardens were left in shock after a violent shooting incident on October 15. At approximately 4 a.m., two masked gunmen forcefully entered an apartment, targeting a man and his nine-year-old son. The father, initially mistaking the intruders for police, attempted to flee to his son’s room but was pursued and shot. The boy sustained a gunshot wound to his heel, while the father was hit in his toe. Both victims were rushed to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Police recovered eight spent 9mm shell casings at the scene, highlighting the severity of the attack. The incident has left the community on edge, with many parents expressing fear for their children’s safety. A resident, speaking anonymously, described the situation as heartbreaking, emphasizing that gun violence has become a grim norm in the area. Another mother, who heard the gunshots, recounted how she instructed her children to lie on the floor while she prayed for their safety. The community, once considered relatively safe, is now grappling with escalating violence, prompting some residents to consider relocating. A teenage boy lamented the loss of order in the neighborhood, stressing that children should never be victims of such violence. Meanwhile, a long-time resident, known as “Mama,” reflected on the changing dynamics of the community, urging parents to prioritize their children’s safety. The incident underscores the urgent need for measures to address gun violence and restore peace in Maloney Gardens.