标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Dr. Stephen Ramroop, former CEO of Trinidad and Tobago’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), has issued a stark warning regarding the nation’s preparedness for major disasters. In a recent editorial, Ramroop contends that the country remains critically unprepared for significant hazard impacts, despite observable warning signs demonstrated through recent traffic crises.

The assessment follows severe traffic incidents on September 8 that paralyzed the Beetham Highway, creating cascading consequences throughout the transportation network. Commuters endured excessive delays exceeding six hours, resulting in missed medical appointments for critical conditions including cancer treatments and post-operative care, numerous missed flights, and widespread physical discomfort among stranded travelers.

Ramroop emphasizes that these incidents serve as measurable indicators within disaster risk management assessment frameworks. He poses a compelling hypothetical: had an earthquake struck during similar peak traffic periods, the consequences would have extended beyond a single highway to affect multiple transportation arteries simultaneously.

The former disaster management executive identifies fundamental deficiencies in the national response framework, noting insufficient coordination between multiple sectors including transport, homeland security, infrastructure, defense, and local government. He specifically calls for revitalization of the National Operations Centre (NOC) beyond its current crime-fighting mandate to encompass comprehensive emergency management.

Ramroop proposes integrated technological solutions including automated smart roadblocks with sensor connectivity, unified automatic number plate recognition systems, AI-driven traffic analytics capable of predicting congestion patterns, and drone surveillance for real-time situational awareness. Operational improvements recommended include dynamic lane control systems, queue warning mechanisms, variable speed limits, and enhanced communication protocols utilizing V2X technology.

Additionally, he advocates for improved crisis communication strategies incorporating social media alerts, alternative route recommendations, and welfare assistance programs for stranded motorists requiring essential supplies such as water, food, and medication.

The commentary concludes with an urgent recommendation to reconfigure the NOC to include ODPM and other agencies operational during the 2012-2015 period, emphasizing that comprehensive disaster readiness requires multi-sectoral coordination rather than isolated police responsibility.

A devoted reader has expressed profound disappointment upon learning about the imminent shutdown of Newsday, marking the end of a 32-year legacy in Trinidad and Tobago’s media landscape. In a heartfelt letter to the editor, the reader identified as C Denoon acknowledged the newspaper’s pivotal role in keeping citizens informed about local, regional, and international developments.

The correspondence, submitted via email, highlighted the publication’s significance as a platform for public discourse, noting personal gratitude for having multiple letters published over the years. The reader characterized Newsday as an institutional pillar within the nation’s media ecosystem, emphasizing its contribution to an informed citizenry.

While expressing sadness about the closure, the author acknowledged the inevitability of such transitions, stating that goodbyes remain an unavoidable aspect of life. The message concluded with a simple yet poignant farewell to the publication that had served Trinidad and Tobago for more than three decades.

The closure represents a significant shift in the country’s media environment, removing a long-standing voice that had provided news coverage and commentary across multiple domains including politics, social issues, and international affairs.

In an era dominated by digital technology where tablets and smartphones have become commonplace parenting tools, Archbishop Jason Gordon has ignited crucial discussions about implementing legislative controls on minors’ social media access. The prominent religious leader contends that certain online platforms demonstrate higher addictive potential than alcohol, advocating for regulatory measures similar to existing prohibitions on underage alcohol sales.

The archbishop’s comments emerge alongside governmental considerations to raise legal ages for alcohol, cannabis consumption, and gambling in Trinidad and Tobago. Gordon specifically referenced Australia’s groundbreaking legislation that prohibits children under 16 from accessing major social media services including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Threads, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch.

This Australian model, currently being monitored by numerous countries, completely deactivates existing profiles and prevents new account creation for minors. Meanwhile, these platforms remain freely accessible in Trinidad and Tobago to any individual with digital devices and internet connectivity.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Trinidad and Tobago has adopted, guarantees children protections from harmful influences while ensuring their rights to development, health, education, and recreation. Archbishop Gordon argues that unfiltered social media content often exposes young minds to uncensored information that can promote detrimental behavior and unrealistic expectations.

While constitutional protections safeguard freedom of speech, religious authorities emphasize the necessity to balance these rights with protecting children from offensive and addictive content. The government’s proposed age restriction changes for substances and gambling aim to prevent early addiction and restore social discipline, initiatives that Archbishop Gordon believes should extend to digital protections through comprehensive societal cooperation and innovative enforcement strategies.

Belmont-based independent mas band Vulgar Fraction is poised to introduce its groundbreaking 2026 Carnival presentation titled ‘TantiBlak’ through two significant events scheduled for January 21 and 28. Both gatherings will convene at 24 Erthig Road, Belmont commencing at 6:30 pm, featuring a live discussion and official band launch respectively.

According to founder and creative director Robert Young, TantiBlak represents an innovative cultural synthesis that channels the anti-anti-blackness movement through the symbolic Caribbean figure of the Tantie—a revered icon embodying care, truth, and resistance. This conceptual framework extends beyond mere opposition to racism, embracing a broader practice of refusal and reimagining societal structures.

The philosophical foundation positions Blackness not as a racial category but as a dynamic condition of becoming—characterized by fluidity, incompletion, and boundless potential. This perspective acknowledges how Blackness is shaped through historical loss, survival mechanisms, cultural improvisation, and the courage to transcend externally imposed limitations.

Young explains the conceptual origin: ‘The terminology emerged from contemplating our collective response to anti-blackness, which we term anti-anti-blackness. The phonetic resonance between ‘anti’ and ‘aunty’ naturally evolved into Tantie—the reassuring figure who affirms self-worth while teaching resistance without self-erasure.’

Vulgar Fraction deliberately grounds this global discourse in Caribbean vernacular through Carnival expressions, making complex theoretical concepts accessible through masquerade, kaiso, and local cultural frameworks. The project examines how blackness transcends identity politics, functioning as an experimental space that raises fundamental questions about power dynamics, historical erasure, and how marginalized communities navigate dominant systems.

Citing philosopher Bayo Akomolafe’s concept of cracks as spaces where new worlds are rehearsed, Young emphasizes: ‘We’re fascinated by the crack not as weakness but as intelligence—precisely where the Tantie demonstrates her resilience through strategic adaptation and skillful navigation of challenging circumstances.’

The band’s aesthetic approach will feature layered black textures creating simultaneous sensations of menace and intimacy. ‘I want the presentation to feel unsettling yet affirming,’ Young notes, ‘inviting participants to confront internalized anti-blackness while reflecting on self-definition and protection.’

The January 21 live talk will feature cultural practitioners Camille Quamina, Omari Ashby, and mental health professional Shivonne DuBarry. The band launch culminates in a procession led by moko jumbie king Adrian ‘Daddy Jumbie’ Young accompanied by Egbe Omo Oni Isese drummers, with presentations by researcher Abeo Jackson and cultural creative Marva Newton. A post-Carnival discussion featuring Professor Kevin Adonis Brown is scheduled for February.

As Trinidad and Tobago enters 2026, Hazel Mohan-George, Secretary of the nation’s Safety Council, has issued a comprehensive call for safety to become embedded as a fundamental cultural value rather than merely a seasonal resolution. This urgent appeal comes against the backdrop of recent preventable tragedies, including a significant blaze at Products Central toy store in San Fernando that required coordinated emergency response efforts.

The analysis emphasizes that true safety extends beyond workplace compliance to encompass all aspects of daily life—homes, roadways, public gatherings, and seasonal celebrations including the upcoming Carnival festivities. Mohan-George systematically outlines critical risk areas: residential hazards ranging from electrical overloads and unattended cooking to improper chemical storage; road safety concerns including distracted and impaired driving; and Carnival-specific dangers such as overcrowded venues, unsafe temporary electrical installations, and alcohol-related incidents.

The framework presents a multilayered approach to accident prevention, advocating for both individual responsibility and collective action. Household recommendations include maintaining functional smoke detectors, creating emergency evacuation plans, and securing basic emergency kits. For road safety, the Council emphasizes vehicle maintenance, defensive driving training, and heightened consideration among all road users.

Particular attention is given to seasonal events, where the convergence of large crowds, temporary infrastructure, and alcohol consumption creates complex safety challenges. The guidance specifies practical measures including designated driver programs, venue capacity management, and thorough safety checks for water vessels and temporary event structures.

The Council positions safety as a continuous practice requiring proactive leadership, employee engagement, and community-wide cooperation. By intervening against unsafe conditions, acknowledging positive behavior, and educating children, Trinidad and Tobago can build what Mohan-George describes as ‘a more responsible and safety-conscious nation’ where protective measures become second nature throughout 2026 and beyond.