标签： Trinidad and Tobago

A La Romaine resident, Anthony Ogeer, has been handed a five-year prison sentence with hard labor after pleading guilty to possessing two rounds of .38-caliber ammunition discovered at his Pond Street residence in 2023. The sentencing was delivered by Justice Nalini Singh, who detailed the circumstances of the case. During a police search of Ogeer’s home, the ammunition was found concealed beneath a tabletop stove. While the Firearms Act mandates a minimum 20-year sentence for a first conviction on indictment, Justice Singh set a starting point of six years, citing the limited quantity of ammunition and the absence of a firearm as mitigating factors. However, Ogeer’s prior convictions, including four marijuana-related offenses, led to an increased sentence of nine years. The judge highlighted Ogeer’s escalating criminal behavior, noting that the current offense occurred while he was on bail for a similar charge in January 2023. Despite this, the 2025 conviction was not considered an aggravating factor. Reductions were granted for Ogeer’s remorse and early guilty plea, resulting in the final five-year term. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the ammunition, disqualification from holding a firearm license, and notification of relevant authorities regarding the conviction.

In a bold and meticulously planned robbery, two armed and masked individuals targeted the Royal Ton Casino in Crown Point on the morning of November 17. The incident unfolded shortly after 8 am when the assailants confronted casino employees, leading to a tense exchange of gunfire with security personnel. The robbers managed to escape with an undisclosed sum of cash, fleeing to a nearby beach where they boarded a waiting pirogue. The vessel, later discovered abandoned at Pigeon Point beach, has been seized by police as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of one individual who is currently assisting law enforcement in their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects. The case has drawn significant attention due to the audacity of the crime and the use of a maritime escape route, highlighting the evolving tactics of criminal enterprises in the region.

Surujdeo Mangaroo, President of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), has been awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the Acharya Ramsamooj Arya University (ARAU) in New York. The prestigious recognition was conferred during the university’s graduation ceremony on November 2 at Flushing Town Hall, where Mangaroo was also invited to address the Class of 2025. The honor celebrates his lifelong dedication to cultural preservation, social empowerment, and community development. In his invitation letter, Prof. Pundit Ramadheen Ramsamooj, president of ARAU, praised Mangaroo as a distinguished representative of the Caribbean Hindu diaspora, highlighting his significant contributions to the community. Founded on the principles of Shuddha Sanatan Vedic Dharma, ARAU emphasizes the study and propagation of Vedic knowledge and disciplines. During his address, Mangaroo expressed humility and gratitude, dedicating the award to his family and emphasizing the importance of education, culture, and community in building a humane society. He urged graduates to use their education as a tool for service and innovation, reminding them that true success lies in uplifting others. Mangaroo’s recognition follows previous honorees such as the late Basdeo Panday, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname’s President Santhoki.

The I Am Academy in Woodbrook has unveiled its newly transformed schoolyard, now known as ‘The Garden of Oneness.’ What was once a simple space has been reimagined into an eco-conscious haven featuring a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a river-themed landscape, a companion-planted vegetable and herb garden, a tribute to national heroes, and a rustic welcome wall adorned with affirmations and the school’s motto. This initiative, led by TropiMulch Ltd in partnership with Miss Environment TT Rebecca Baptiste, repurposes waste wood into mulch, art installations, and purposeful spaces, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Founded in 2019, I Am Academy serves 40 students with special needs, emphasizing individualized learning and holistic development. Principal Lynn Diann Russell-Allen explained that the school’s philosophy centers on teaching identity, awareness, and purpose, viewing every child as ‘whole, perfect, and filled with divine potential.’ The garden, she noted, is more than a landscaping project—it is a ‘living classroom’ that fosters healing, inspiration, and education.

The project began with a vision to beautify the school space in a way that reflects the calm and divine order of the universe. Collaborations with TropiMulch CEO Lionel Seucharan and Miss Environment TT brought the vision to life. Students and parents actively participated in clearing debris, preparing soil, planting seedlings, and painting walls, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

Russell-Allen highlighted the garden’s impact on students, noting increased confidence, cooperation, and expressiveness. The multisensory environment has become a sanctuary for neurodiverse learners, reinforcing the school’s mission to nurture each child’s highest potential. Plans are already underway to expand the garden, adding sensory zones, a meditation corner, and an extended butterfly garden.

The principal expressed gratitude to TropiMulch Ltd, Miss Environment TT, and all contributors, emphasizing that inclusion begins with love. ‘When we honour the divine essence in every child, we naturally extend that care to the environment,’ she said. ‘Education and ecology go hand in hand—both are acts of stewardship.’

A Coast Guard officer, who had been embroiled in a protracted legal battle over the delay in processing his firearm user’s licence (FUL), has finally received his provisional licence. The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed due to security concerns, was granted leave by Justice Karen Reid to pursue a judicial review against the Commissioner of Police (CoP), Allister Guevarro. The officer alleged that the CoP had failed to fulfil a statutory duty by not processing firearm licence applications for eligible, law-abiding citizens. The officer had initially applied for the FUL in 2015, with a police investigation completed in 2016. Despite providing all necessary documentation and being informed that the investigating officer raised no objections, the application remained unresolved for nearly a decade. The officer’s legal team, led by attorney Keron Ramkhalwhan, argued that the CoP’s inaction compromised public safety and infringed on citizens’ right to self-defence. The officer criticised the CoP’s restrictive interpretation of the Firearms Act and the failure to allocate resources to expedite applications. On October 29, the officer collected his provisional licence, and the TT Police Service’s legal unit confirmed the decision on November 17. Consequently, a hearing scheduled for November 18 is expected to be vacated. The officer emphasised that the decade-long delay was unreasonable and highlighted the escalating criminal activity as a grave public concern.

The Castara Fisherfolk Association marked World Food Day with a vibrant Open Day and Bonfire event at the Castara Fishing Facility on November 13. The celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage and communal spirit of the fishing community in Tobago. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including boat races, fishing competitions, children’s games, and traditional seine pulling. A highlight of the event was the preparation of a large pot of fish broth, symbolizing the communal sharing of food and resources. Clifton ‘Rackerman’ Alleyne demonstrated the art of seine repair, while Matika Alfred was awarded for catching the largest fish of the day. The festivities also featured a lime and spoon race for pre-schoolers and a conch shell blowing session, with Eldon Williams and British national Chris Runciman participating. The event, captured by Newsday photographer Alva Viarruel, underscored the importance of preserving local traditions and fostering community bonds.