标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In response to escalating crime rates and social fragmentation, Trinidad and Tobago will initiate a transformative 64-day Season for Non-Violence from January 31 to April 4. Organized by the Gandhi Seva Sangh Inc, this grassroots campaign invites citizens to engage in reflective practices and actionable steps toward peaceful conflict resolution.

The initiative emerges as a strategic countermeasure to widespread interpersonal conflicts, anxiety, and community violence plaguing the nation. Developed originally by the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in collaboration with descendants of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the program redefines non-violence as an active discipline requiring courage and emotional intelligence rather than passive acceptance.

Contrary to common misconceptions that equate non-violence with weakness, the program emphasizes its role as a practical toolkit for managing anger, healing trauma, and resolving disputes through measured responses. The organizers identify a critical societal gap: the lack of widespread knowledge about practicing non-violence under pressure.

The daily social media-based campaign will disseminate principles including compassion, respect, forgiveness, and self-control—one for each day of the 64-day period. Participants are encouraged to not only consume this content but actively implement these values in personal interactions, workplaces, and communities.

This initiative operates on the foundational belief that national development originates from individual transformation. By fostering emotional intelligence and ethical clarity at the personal level, the program aims to generate ripple effects across families, schools, and ultimately, the entire nation.

Citizens can participate by following the Season for Nonviolence TT Facebook campaign, reflecting on daily principles, sharing content to amplify peaceful messaging, and practicing principles in daily life. Additional information is available through WhatsApp, email, or social media platforms.

A grieving daughter continues her relentless pursuit for justice nearly seven years after the horrific murder of her mother, a case that remains shrouded in mystery within Trinidad’s criminal investigation system.

Carolyn McKenzie, daughter of the late Angela Elizabeth McKenzie, maintains her vigil for answers regarding the brutal chopping death that claimed her 64-year-old mother’s life on January 30, 2019. The elderly victim was discovered in the front yard of her Quinam Road residence in Siparia, situated within a densely forested area, bearing catastrophic chop wounds that nearly decapitated her.

Forensic evidence examination revealed a disturbing blood trail originating from inside the residence, suggesting the violent attack commenced indoors before culminating in the exterior premises. Notably, investigative reports indicated no apparent theft or robbery, eliminating conventional motives and deepening the mystery surrounding the crime.

Despite comprehensive investigations conducted by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, the case remains officially categorized as ongoing with no arrests made. The deceased, remembered as an active agriculturalist and devout congregant of La Divina Pastora RC Church, lived independently at the time of her tragic demise.

As the seventh anniversary approaches, Carolyn McKenzie plans to honor her mother’s memory through religious commemorations, seeking spiritual solace while confronting the painful reality of unresolved justice. She emphasizes the broader context of unaddressed violent crimes nationwide, expressing both personal anguish and societal concern over investigative delays.

The emotional toll continues to manifest unexpectedly, with Carolyn describing sudden episodes of overwhelming grief that underscore the persistent trauma affecting victims’ families in unsolved homicide cases.

Families from Beetham Gardens are demanding urgent investigations into alleged police brutality and constitutional rights violations during a controversial traffic stop incident in Port of Spain. The incident, which occurred on January 17, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within Trinidad’s law enforcement agencies.

According to eyewitness accounts and family statements, two men returning from work were subjected to violent treatment by police officers during a routine traffic stop on Piccadilly Street. The confrontation reportedly began when one officer used profane language toward the men, prompting a respectful objection about the inappropriate conduct expected from someone in uniform.

The situation escalated rapidly when officers allegedly physically assaulted both men in full public view. Witnesses described disturbing scenes where one man was beaten with a baton until the weapon bent, while another was struck with a police firearm. The elder of the two men was reportedly forced to the ground, restrained with a knee to his chest, and kicked in the head during the altercation.

Following their arrest, the detainees were transported to Besson Street Police Station where their families encountered systematic obstruction in securing their release. Despite recent legislative changes under the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act that explicitly grant justices of the peace authority to administer station bail, officers repeatedly denied bail access.

The case reveals concerning inconsistencies in police procedure. Although relatives were informed the men faced charges of resisting arrest, obscene language, and assault, official documentation only appeared on the Judiciary’s portal approximately 48 hours post-arrest, raising questions about procedural compliance.

Adding to the controversy, witnesses claim police officers later visited community members demanding deletion of video evidence that had circulated widely on social media platforms. Attorney Terry Boyer has formally taken representation of the affected families, preparing comprehensive complaints to both the Professional Standards Bureau and Police Complaints Authority.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities in Trinidad, testing the implementation of recent judicial reforms designed to protect citizens’ rights during police interactions.

In a significant environmental initiative, Trinidad and Tobago’s Coastal and Air Support Unit (TTPS) spearheaded a comprehensive beach clean-up operation across the Carenage District on January 18. The five-hour endeavor, conducted from 7 AM to noon, targeted multiple coastal areas including Tembladora Coastline, Williams Bay, and St Peter’s Bay.

The operation marked the inaugural event in a series of twelve community and public safety programs planned by the TTPS for 2026. This strategic initiative emphasizes three core pillars: enhanced public safety, proactive crime prevention, and substantive community engagement through collaborative action.

Through coordinated efforts between law enforcement and community participants, volunteers successfully removed more than 140 bags of accumulated waste from the coastline. The collected debris comprised diverse materials including discarded wood, metal fragments, abandoned tires, single-use plastic containers, and Styrofoam materials, collectively weighing over 12 volumetric tonnes.

The clean-up operation featured an impressive coalition of stakeholders, including diplomatic representation from the British High Commission through Jennifer Aoo Rogers, alongside the Island Property Owners Association, Marine Services Association, and the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism. Additional participation came from the yachting community, Chaguaramas Development Authority, and the Diego Martin Borough Corporation.

Critical logistical support was provided by several sponsors including Northern Outdoor and Tactical, Ocean Imports Caribbean, Henry’s Mini Mart and Transportation, with additional support from Assistant Superintendent Surendra Sagramsingh and Gregory Reece of Trinidad Dental.

Police officials emphasized the intrinsic connection between environmental protection and public safety, noting that well-maintained coastal areas reduce potential hazards, deter illegal dumping activities, and contribute to enhanced maritime security. The TTPS reaffirmed its commitment to holistic policing approaches that combine enforcement measures with preventive strategies and community partnerships.

The operation was conducted under the directive of Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, with strategic coordination managed by Deputy Commissioner of Operations Suzette Martin and Assistant Commissioner of Tactical Support Collis Hazel. Field execution was overseen by ASP Ag Rawle Ramharack alongside Inspectors Ronny Rampallard (Air Support Unit) and Ricardo Matas (Coastal Support Unit), with senior officers actively participating in the hands-on clean-up efforts.

The Maloney Gardens residential area in Trinidad is confronting a severe public health emergency as mounting piles of uncollected garbage continue to accumulate, creating hazardous living conditions for local residents. Camille Robinson-Regis, Member of Parliament for Trincity/Maloney, has characterized the situation as “serious, unacceptable and a growing public health risk” in an official statement released on January 19.

The crisis has reached critical levels particularly in the parking areas serving Apartment 21, where decomposing waste has generated unsanitary conditions and pervasive foul odors. Robinson-Regis has formally escalated the matter to ministerial levels, demanding immediate cleanup operations and proper sanitation measures. She emphasized that waste removal constitutes a non-negotiable obligation of the responsible agencies.

According to the MP, the accumulating waste presents particular dangers to vulnerable populations including children, elderly residents, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. She has vehemently asserted that no community should be expected to endure such environmental hazards.

Robinson-Regis acknowledged collaborative efforts with Councillor Stephan Wattley in engaging relevant authorities, while clarifying that the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation—whose sanitation workers have provided interim assistance—does not bear ultimate responsibility for resolution. The MP has requested a definitive timeline for remediation and committed to providing residents with ongoing updates.

Expressing solidarity with frustrated constituents, Robinson-Regis has established reporting mechanisms through her constituency office to identify specific problem areas for immediate escalation. She reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to advocating for the community until the health and wellbeing of Maloney Gardens residents are fully safeguarded.