Religious festivals, customs and traditions form an integral part of Trinidad and Tobago’s society and the Hindu festival, Divali is no exception.  This stems from a large portion of the country’s population being East Indians and a significant amount are Hindus.  Divali was brought to Trinidad and Tobago by Hindus who came as indentured labourers in 1845. The celebration of Divali in Trinidad and Tobago is marked as a national holiday with numerous functions held to celebrate the occasion.

The celebration of Divali in Trinidad is one of the largest in the English speaking Caribbean.  Celebrations are not only held at temples and by religious groups, it has been extended to homes and communities but now organizations have also embraced this festival with special events held to commemorate this occasion.

Divali, is celebrated by Hindus around the world, is called the Festival of Lights which symbolizes the lifting of spiritual darkness. It is a celebration of good over evil and light over darkness.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a worldwide annual campaign to increase awareness and to promote regular screening and early detection of breast cancer.

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting American women, with 1 in 8 receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer during one’s lifetime. Early detection provides the best chance of successful treatment and cure. Over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors are alive today thanks to advances in screening, detection and treatment.

Republic Day in Trinidad and Tobago is celebrated annually on September 24th. This date marks the first session of the Parliament under the new Republican Constitution, which was enacted in 1976. The day commemorates the country’s transition from a monarchy to a republic, with the President as the Head of State. Republic Day is a public holiday, and various events and activities are organized to celebrate the nation’s identity and independence. These include parades, flag raising ceremonies, and cultural performances. The holiday serves as a moment of reflection on the nation’s history, achievements, and aspirations, symbolizing the commitment to uphold the values of democracy and freedom.

Emancipation Day in Trinidad and Tobago is celebrated on 1 August to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the British colonies in 1838. This public holiday is marked by various activities, including street processions, cultural performances, religious observances, and exhibitions of African art. It was declared a national holiday in 1985, making Trinidad and Tobago the first country to officially recognize this day as a public holiday to honor the end of slavery. 

Indian Arrival Day, celebrated on 30th May, commemorates the arrival of the first Indian Indentured labourers from India to Trinidad, in May 1845, on the ship Fatel Razack. The Fatel Razack brought not only a new labour force to assist in the economic development of Trinidad, but also a new people with a new culture.

While this momentous event has been celebrated among the East Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago for many years, it was not until 1994 that it was made an official public holiday. It was called Arrival Day. In 1995, it was re-named Indian Arrival Day. On 30th May each year, Indian Arrival Day commemorates this momentous event by staging a re-enactment of the arrival of the Fatel Razack at various beaches throughout Trinidad and Tobago. There is also music and dance, and outstanding members of the community are honoured for their contributions to society.

Indian Immigration to Trinidad spanned the period 1845-1917. During this period over 140,000 Indians were transported to the island. The journey was long and arduous and living conditions were deplorable. After disembarking at Nelson Island, the arrivals were fed and rested for a couple weeks and then sent to the various estates that had requested them previously.

Yes, the month of May is often recognized as a time to focus on vision health and awareness, including in Trinidad and Tobago. May is known as Healthy Vision Month, and it’s a period when organizations and individuals can raise awareness about the importance of eye care and prevention of vision loss. In Trinidad and Tobago, May is also used for educational and awareness activities related to blindness and visual challenges, particularly through the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association.

Blind Awareness Month:

May is also used to raise awareness about blindness and visual challenges, with activities and events organized to educate the public about the realities of living without sight. 

Eye Health Screenings:

Health fairs and other events may include visual and health screenings to help identify and address vision issues. 

Happy Easter from VH Medical & Scientific Ltd!

Wishing you a happy Easter full of blessings. Let’s rejoice together in His glory and the miracle of His resurrection. Today, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and give thanks for what he brought to our world. Wishing you a blessed and holy Easter! We hope your day is filled with joy, love, and maybe even a few chocolate eggs. Thank you for your continued support – we appreciate you!”

The Ministry of Health’s Continued Enhanced Surveillance, Confirms One Additional Case for Malaria

The vector for Malaria is predominantly the Anopheles species of mosquito. This mosquito primarily bites during the night. It is noteworthy that unlike Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, Malaria is not spread by a virus.

Early symptoms of Malaria include fever, chills, headaches and fatigue, which may start within 10-15 days of being bitten by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Persons experiencing any of these symptoms should visit their nearest health facility.