A temple is a sacred place of worship where people go to partake in religious activities such as prayer and sacrifice. Situated in the Gulf of Paria, located in Waterloo, Trinidad and Tobago, stands one of the most extraordinary mandir in our multicultural island, the Sewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir, also known as the temple in the sea. Early construction of the temple started in 1952 by Mr. Sewdass Sadhu, who back then was an indentured laborer, and his only intention was to create a place of worship. Face with many challenges through his journey of building, Sadhu even reached the point where he was charged for trespassing and constructing the mandir on the land owned by British sugar manufacturing company Tate and Lyle. The temple was demolished however that didn’t stop Mr. Sadhu from persevering and continued to build his temple only this time it was out in the sea.  Over the years the temple was broken into and vandalized on many occasions, most recent in April 2017 where thieves broke in, vandalizing the property and stealing money and food items. These incidents however, do not affect visitors and worshiper’s from attending the temple to pray as it stands as a resilient part of our history and culture.

“There is no future in crime.” This is just one of the statements made by inmates who are now trying to make a change not just in their own lives but in the lives of the youths in society. As they reflect on their own experiences and mishaps, they voice it as a message to the younger generation, letting them know that there are other alternatives than to resort to crime. Recently, while serving time, inmates have been undergoing training and partaking in programmes so that they can mentor children in various institutions, on the negative impact of crime and the importance of education. Many of today’s youths are easily strayed and influenced by their peers, giving in to the pressure of fitting in and neglecting their opportunities to excel, make a difference and positively contribute to society. Instability of homes, and the lack of proper parenting affect the mental stability of a child, which can determine their outlook on life. Long term exposure to domestic violence, drug, and alcohol abuse are other factors that affect the development of a child. This new approach however, with the help of the reformed inmates, aides in the problems faced within society, where youths feel the need to turn to crime to survive. The resultant effect of sharing their experiences and highlighting ways in which youths can try to make a positive change in life, will influence them to get involved in the various social and cultural activities in their communities and schools and fighting for their rights. 

Helping our pupils excel H.O.P.E is a programme implemented and sponsored by Bankers Insurance Company of T & T Limited. It was introduced to a few primary schools across the nation as the company saw the need for sports to fill the gap in the development of a child. Two of the country most recognized athletes Nigel Paul an Olympic Boxer and Carlos Edwards a Footballer for the national team, promoted this programme in schools by influencing students on the importance of sports to the development of a well-rounded individual. The program was designed to raise awareness to youths through sporting activities, aiming to develop students’ knowledge on topics like violence in schools, exercise and nutrition, and self-motivation. Sports should be viewed as an essential part of a student’s education because of its ability to shape individuals while instilling core qualities of discipline, team work and leadership which contributes to a more dynamic society. 

According to Yvonne Baboolal article published in the Guardian News Paper on 11^th January 2017, over the last ten years, the Registrar General has recorded up to 3,478 child marriages in Trinidad and Tobago. The greater percentage of this number being females, it quickly gained the attention of the public as it was shocking to know that these traditions are still being practiced in a modern society. Viral discussions on social media and other actions like petitions to stop child marriage was the result of this issue. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi discussed the issue together with possible solution to the situation.  He discussed the miscellaneous provision marriage bill 2016, which seeks to increase the age of marriage to eighteen years. The purpose was to synchronize marriage contracts, keeping with the children’s Act of 2012 which forbids marriage under the age of eighteen. The bill was developed after much deliberation and consultation amongst legislative over the years about the issue of child marriage and the laws that govern it. The issue quickly gained the disapproval of many religious leaders, Hindus Muslims and Orisha as they express their religious views where their practice allows for girls to be married as early as twelve years old. Over the last ten years, the statistics reflected a significant increase in the number of teenage pregnancy and children giving birth. It also showed an increase in the number of teenage abortions. Even though the overall majority was against child marriages, the real issue begins at home and the influence on the young minds in society.