标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, during her inaugural official visit to Tobago, unveiled a comprehensive plan to revitalize the island’s education system and create new opportunities for its youth. Speaking at Signal Hill Secondary School on November 4, she emphasized her government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances. The Prime Minister’s visit marked a significant moment, as it was her first official trip to Tobago since assuming office in April. Addressing a diverse audience of students, including those from primary, secondary, early childhood, and special needs schools, Persad-Bissessar announced several key initiatives. She pledged support for the Signal Hill Secondary Cultural Group to perform in an African country next year, a promise that resonated deeply with the students. Additionally, she revealed that every Form One student at the school would receive a laptop under the government’s Digital Learning Initiative by the end of the academic year. Reflecting on her own humble beginnings, Persad-Bissessar shared personal anecdotes about her childhood in Siparia, where she walked barefoot to school on muddy roads. She credited her mother’s belief in education as a transformative force for her success. The Prime Minister also outlined plans to strengthen early childhood education, including training 500 teachers in AI-supported lesson planning to foster innovation in classrooms. She highlighted the importance of reviving the laptop program, which had been discontinued, and stressed its critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Persad-Bissessar further emphasized expanded opportunities in tertiary and vocational education through institutions like the University of Trinidad and Tobago and the College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts. She also reaffirmed her commitment to special needs education, pledging to revive the national network of enrichment centers for children with disabilities. In her closing remarks, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to parents and teachers for their dedication and vowed that Tobago would never be overlooked again. Quoting Nelson Mandela, she underscored the importance of investing in children as a reflection of society’s soul.

The family of 21-year-old Thomas Vasquez, who has been missing for nearly seven months, has been offered renewed hope by Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Sean Sobers. Speaking after a media briefing on October 26, Sobers assured the family that the government remains committed to resolving the case and will connect them with regional security services and the Caricom Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security. Sobers admitted he had not yet contacted the family due to a lack of updates on the investigation, stating, “I did not want to contact them without having information to share. As soon as I speak with the relevant people, officials will contact the family.” Vasquez disappeared on April 15, just one day after returning to Antigua to resume work at a cannabis farm. He had initially traveled to Antigua in 2024 at the invitation of a fellow Trinidadian Rastafarian priest and reportedly worked at what was believed to be a legal cannabis operation. Sobers, who took office on May 6, immediately instructed staff to reach out to Antiguan officials for updates. Vasquez’s mother, Candy Jageshar, described the ongoing agony of not knowing her son’s fate. She recounted a mass held on October 15, the six-month anniversary of his disappearance, at La Sevia Church in Diego Martin, where prayers were offered for her son’s soul. “It was very heartbreaking,” she said, expressing hope that Sobers would reach out to her directly. Jageshar found a glimmer of hope in Antigua’s recent announcement of a cold-case unit, which will revisit unsolved cases. The investigation has included several searches, including a house in Hodges Bay and English Harbour Marina, but no significant leads have been found. The case has also sparked tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda, with Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne criticizing Sobers on social media. Despite the challenges, Jageshar continues to lean on her faith for strength as she awaits news of her son.

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has confirmed an ongoing operation to assess the legal status of Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). While Sturge refrained from divulging specifics, he acknowledged reports of police detaining individuals resembling Venezuelans and verifying their documentation. In a WhatsApp response, Sturge stated, “I am aware, I will address this question raised by you at the appropriate time,” adding that further details would be provided toward the end of the operation. This development follows Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent reaffirmation of Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s pledge for “mass deportations” of Venezuelan nationals residing illegally in TT. Sobers emphasized that illegal entry into TT constitutes an offense, regardless of criminal activity. The government’s stance coincides with a significant reduction in work permits issued to Venezuelans. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne expressed concern over the potential for xenophobic undertones in the deportation process. Browne highlighted the previous administration’s collaborative efforts with Caracas to deport Venezuelan migrants involved in criminal activities, emphasizing a smooth and non-provocative approach. He cautioned against mimicking actions from other nations or adopting measures that could inflame tensions with Venezuela, TT’s nearest neighbor. The Opposition has pledged to monitor the government’s deportation strategies, ensuring adherence to constitutional responsibilities and international law.