标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The concept of ‘revolution’ has historically been linked to upheaval, violence, and the overthrow of regimes. From the 18th to the 20th century, nations like France, Haiti, Cuba, Russia, and the United States underwent transformative revolutions. Yet, these events did not universally lead to stability or prosperity. In 2025, democracy and progress remain elusive for many citizens in these countries. Revolutionary leaders often romanticize their successes, yet the reality is marred by inequality, social strife, and undemocratic practices such as the suppression of dissent. Revolutions can exacerbate racial, religious, and class tensions, and their outcomes are frequently exaggerated, leaving supporters disillusioned. Counter-revolutions often lead to regression rather than progress. Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist and advocate of the Algerian revolution, viewed violence as a ‘cleansing force’ that restores self-confidence to the oppressed. Similarly, Walter Rodney argued that violence aimed at achieving equality should not be equated with violence used to maintain oppression. However, in 2025, the world no longer needs justifications for violence or ideologues promoting it. Instead, there is a pressing need for peaceful, constructive revolutions that uplift society. Movements promoting literacy, clean water, healthy living, kindness, and recycling are essential. A 2022 article in New Scientist, titled ‘The Happiness Revolution,’ highlighted the importance of creating a joyful society. Citizens must shift their focus to intellectual empowerment, reducing discrimination, and fostering equality. Effective leadership is crucial for any meaningful revolution, yet many are resistant to unorthodox ideas. A true revolution requires maturity, a paradigm shift in societal interactions, and a focus on the marginalized. Developing countries face unique challenges, as revolutions can lead to uncontrollable outcomes and reversed progress. Global protests indicate that societies are increasingly volatile, with even developed nations susceptible to unrest due to societal imperfections and disguised dictatorships. Politicians must embrace concepts like ‘consensus democracy’ and ‘politics of inclusion’ to foster stability. The Caribbean, in particular, must address economic and political disparities to create a suitable environment for progress. A merit-based revolution is needed to end nepotism and corruption, ensuring appointments and promotions are based on qualifications rather than ethnicity, religion, or political ties. Continuous efforts are essential to combat the misuse of taxpayer funds and build a just society.

Every year, the uncontrolled use of fireworks across the nation brings distress to countless citizens, pets, and wildlife, turning moments of celebration into nights of trauma and environmental disruption. Despite existing laws under the Summary Offences Act (Chap 11:02) and the Explosives Act (Chap 16:02), which regulate the use, importation, and sale of fireworks, enforcement remains virtually nonexistent. Fireworks continue to explode indiscriminately in communities, often causing widespread harm. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has recommended banning the importation of loud fireworks, restricting their use to specific occasions and government-managed venues, and promoting quieter alternatives. This approach is both logical and compassionate. Roger Neckles, in a letter to the editor, advocates for a total ban on the public sale and use of fireworks, with exceptions only for Independence Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations at authorized, government-supervised venues. This proposal aims to balance cultural traditions with public safety, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility. Fireworks cause significant suffering to pets, wildlife, and vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the sick, and children on the autism spectrum. The loud detonations disorient nesting birds, bats, and forest animals, often leading to death or abandonment of their young. Neckles urges citizens to express joy through kindness, such as supporting charities or community causes, rather than through harmful smoke, debris, and noise. He calls on leaders to enforce existing laws and protect people and wildlife from this annual assault on peace and sanity.

In a compelling letter to the editor of Newsday, Roger Neckles has urged for a comprehensive ban on the public sale and use of fireworks, citing the widespread harm they cause to citizens, pets, and wildlife. Neckles highlights how what should be joyous celebrations have turned into nights of trauma, anxiety, and environmental disruption. Despite existing laws under the Summary Offences Act (Chap 11:02) and the Explosives Act (Chap 16:02), which regulate the use, importation, and sale of fireworks, enforcement remains lax, leading to indiscriminate explosions in communities across the country. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has already recommended banning loud fireworks and promoting quieter alternatives, a move Neckles supports as both logical and compassionate. He proposes a total ban on fireworks, with exceptions only for Independence Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations at government-supervised venues. This approach, he argues, would balance cultural traditions with the need to protect public safety, animal welfare, and the environment. Neckles also emphasizes the suffering fireworks cause to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the sick, and children on the autism spectrum, as well as the devastating impact on wildlife, such as disorienting nesting birds and forest animals. He calls for celebrations to be expressed through acts of kindness, such as supporting charities or community causes, rather than through harmful noise and debris. Neckles concludes by urging leaders to enforce existing laws and protect both people and wildlife from the annual disruption caused by fireworks.