标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In recent months, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has witnessed a troubling surge in noise pollution, with residents enduring sleepless nights, distressed pets, and deteriorating mental and physical health. Despite existing regulations under the Environmental Management Act and the Noise Pollution Control Rules of 2001, enforcement remains alarmingly inadequate. Offenders, ranging from bars and vehicles to roadside events, continue to operate with impunity, often violating permissible decibel limits without facing consequences. The situation has escalated to tragic levels, as evidenced by the recent death of three-year-old Kemani Gordon, whose parents claim incessant fireworks explosions caused the infant’s distress. Despite repeated calls to law enforcement, no action was taken. This incident echoes the 2015 case of Sudama Saroop, who was jailed for five years after confronting a neighbor over loud music that disturbed his baby. Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT (CANPTT) reports widespread complaints, with residents citing elevated blood pressure and other health issues due to relentless noise. Despite clear legal provisions under the Summary Offences Act, both the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the police have failed to address the issue effectively, often passing responsibility between agencies. CANPTT is advocating for legislative reform, including stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, mandatory closure of non-compliant establishments, and the provision of sound-level meters to police divisions. Additionally, public education campaigns are urgently needed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of noise pollution and the legal responsibilities of citizens and business owners.

A recent review of the Draft Estimates for the Development Programme 2026 has unveiled a troubling policy change that has sparked widespread concern. The project for the Construction of a Socially Displaced Assessment Centre, initially allocated $15 million in the previous year, has been completely defunded, with its budget reduced to $0.00 under the Infrastructural Development Fund. This abrupt decision has raised questions about the government’s commitment to addressing homelessness and social displacement. The centre, which was envisioned as a $50 million facility, aimed to provide shelter, healthcare, job training, and other essential services to at least 200 homeless individuals. Its defunding casts a shadow over the future of this critical initiative, leaving many to wonder if the socially displaced are no longer a priority for the new administration. Statistics from the former government indicate a 13.4 per cent increase in homelessness since 2011, with hundreds of citizens living on the streets. The complete removal of funding for a project designed to tackle this growing crisis has been interpreted as a failure to uphold civic responsibility and social justice. The public is now demanding transparency and accountability from the Minister of People, Social Development, and Family Services regarding the future of this project and the government’s broader policy direction.

The Embassy of Mexico in Trinidad and Tobago recently hosted a heartfelt celebration of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a tradition that resonates deeply with its themes of love, memory, and cultural connection. The event, held in St. Clair, featured a meticulously crafted ofrenda (altar) adorned with photographs, marigolds, sugar skulls, and flickering candles, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere. This year’s commemoration held special significance as it honored the victims of the catastrophic floods that devastated regions of Mexico, including Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí, in October. The embassy’s tribute from afar underscored the compassionate spirit of Mexican culture and its commitment to solidarity. The celebration also highlighted the role of embassies as bridges of cultural diplomacy, fostering understanding and unity through shared traditions. Día de Muertos, with its vibrant blend of life and loss, serves as a joyful remembrance of loved ones, reminding us that memory can be both celebratory and healing. In Trinidad and Tobago, similar observances like All Saints’ Day, Indian Arrival Day, and Emancipation Day reflect shared values of resilience and heritage. The event emphasized how cultural exchanges deepen appreciation for both foreign traditions and our own humanity. As the evening concluded, the embassy’s courtyard glowed with warmth, symbolizing the enduring connections forged through empathy and shared experiences. The Embassy of Mexico’s celebration of Día de Muertos exemplified how diplomacy transcends politics, rooted instead in the quiet power of remembrance and friendship.

Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with a series of fatal LPG gas cylinder explosions, with four lives lost since April. The Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA) has confirmed that there are no existing regulations or standards for the manufacture of LPG gas cylinders or the importation of regulators and hoses. This regulatory gap has led to a market flooded with varying quality and safety standards of these critical components. LPG producers have attributed the recent tragedies to faulty regulators and hoses, urging the public to use only those compliant with international safety standards. A visit to hardware stores in San Fernando revealed a wide range of regulators priced between $60 and $150, with some lacking credible safety certifications. The absence of standardized regulations has raised significant safety concerns, prompting OSHA and the TT Bureau of Standards (TTBS) to work on drafting new policies. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) has initiated measures to address the issue, including reconvening the Specifications Committee for LPG to review and update national standards. Stakeholders are expected to meet soon to discuss these developments, as public anxiety over the safety of LPG usage continues to grow.