标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The investigation into the fatal shooting of 58-year-old businessman Sylvan ‘Lawah’ Boodan in Rio Claro remains ongoing, with the perpetrator still at large. Boodan, owner of Gloria’s Bar located at Jeffers Crossing on Tabaquite Road, was tragically gunned down on the morning of November 3. The incident occurred around 8:30 am on the premises of R. Baldeosingh Services Ltd (RBSL), a construction company in Poole Village, Rio Claro, where Boodan worked as a straightener and painter. Witnesses reported that an unidentified masked man approached Boodan near his car, called him by name, and after a brief exchange, fired a single shot. The assailant fled the scene, leaving Boodan to collapse and die in front of his vehicle. A relative suggested the murder might be connected to a dispute involving unpaid services to a spiritual advisor, or ‘obeah man,’ earlier this year. However, police have yet to confirm the motive. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted this week at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James. The Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, is leading the case.

Nestled within the compound of St Dominic’s RC Church in Penal, a unique initiative named *A Ray of Hope* is making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable and migrant children. Housed in two repurposed shipping containers, this child-friendly space provides education and a sense of belonging to over 70 children aged four to 13, many of whom are Venezuelan migrants. The project, which began in 2018 under the guidance of then parish priest Fr Robert Christo, has grown into a beacon of hope for displaced families. Today, Venezuelan priest Fr Jorge Amundarain leads the initiative, emphasizing education as a tool for empowerment. He stated, “Education helps children become individuals who can reason, think creatively, and develop their own ideas.” The program, which mirrors Trinidad and Tobago’s national curriculum, also includes subjects like Spanish, Venezuelan history, and geography to prepare children for their eventual return home. Despite its success, the initiative faces financial challenges, relying heavily on community donations and goodwill. Cristina John, the program coordinator, highlighted the struggle for consistent funding, especially after UNICEF’s budget cuts. The project continues to thrive thanks to local supporters, including The Children’s Ark, which donated one of the containers. With a teaching staff of four locals and two Venezuelans, including sports instructor Moises McNish, the program also bridges cultural gaps, introducing students to Trinidadian traditions like Divali. Fr Amundarain remains hopeful, stating, “May this project continue as long as God allows.” The team dreams of expanding to include teenagers but is constrained by limited space and resources. For those willing to help, contact details are available to support this vital cause.

A violent altercation involving students from Barataria North Secondary School has prompted a mother to withdraw her daughter from the institution, citing fears for her safety. The incident, which occurred on November 4 near the school premises, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms. The footage depicted a chaotic scene with numerous students engaged in physical confrontations, including male students assaulting female peers. Witnesses, including a woman wielding a shovel, attempted to intervene, shouting at the students to leave the area. Law enforcement officers present at the scene appeared visibly overwhelmed by the scale of the disturbance. The concerned mother, speaking to Newsday on November 5, expressed her apprehension about potential future attacks on her daughter and has formally requested a school transfer, urging the Education Ministry to expedite the process. Police investigations into the incident are currently underway.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the Port of Spain City Corporation has launched a disaster relief initiative to support affected communities. The hurricane, which struck on October 28 with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, caused widespread destruction and claimed 28 lives, marking it as one of the most powerful storms in Jamaica’s history. The Port of Spain City Corporation has expressed profound gratitude to donors who have contributed non-perishable food items and clothing, while urging others to join the effort. An official emphasized the importance of compassion during such tragedies, stating, “We remain deeply grateful to those who have given and those who will give.” The corporation is also collaborating with local businesses, some of which are organizing their own donation drives. During a visit to the collection site at City Hall on November 4, workers were seen diligently recording and storing donated items. Craig Magloire, an employee of the corporation, highlighted the impact of even small contributions, saying, “One tin can make a difference in someone’s life.” Jamaican music icon Sean Paul, who pledged $50,000 to match donations to Food For The Poor Jamaica, described the devastation as “overwhelming” and shared his concern for children traumatized by the storm. He also visited St Mary, a less affected area, where residents remain without electricity and unaware of the full extent of the destruction elsewhere.