View Point

“The critical issues for us here in [Trinidad and Tobago] and the region are not how anyone feels about President Nicolás Maduro—based on knowledge, misinformation or ideology—but about fundamental principles in international relations, in particular the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states. “It is vital for …

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GTT) behaves as if human rights are an annoyance. Two clear examples are the issue of rights of refugees and the LGBT community’s right to be treated equally under the Equal Opportunity Act 2000 (EOA). Oh, lest I forget, the EOA’s section 3 (interpretation) …

“Notwithstanding efforts by the UNC to undermine Trinidad and Tobago’s position—particularly at this time of sensitive negotiations—Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its principle positions and counts the USA among its treasured partners in observing and protecting these principles.” The following release on relations between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, …

“Dem doh need no sex eduction. Dem lil gyul hot already, yuh just making them take more man…” What you just read is not even the worst of it. The fact that the person who made this statement—which I overheard at an academic conference—is involved in social work in East …

Readers have surely noticed that each time the police high command claim credit for a temporary decrease in murders, the murderers mock them with a quick spike in killings. We refuse to accept that there are degrading social conditions which fuel gun and domestic violence. Such stubbornness is more than …

“Then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in April 2015: ‘We believe inherently in the sovereignty of nations and so we stand with you President [Nicolás] Maduro for your sovereignty and for the determination of the right of your people to be governed as they choose’…” The following Letter to the Editor …

One year ago, on 26 January 2018, Minister Stuart Young called into a radio programme hosted by former Senator Mariano Browne and tried to read a prepared statement. Almost one year later on 24 January 2019, his colleague Minister Fitzgerald Hinds physically storms the radio programme co-hosted by former Minister …

“Democracy and prosperity require tough choices…” The following release on Trinidad and Tobago’s recognition of Venezuela president Nicolás Maduro’s government was issued by US Ambassador Joseph Mondello: Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaidó and the democratically elected National Assembly have the full recognition and resolute support of the United States of …

“What was the point then of saying that the mother had not reported it, if not to paint her an indifferent and uncaring lout? “This of course was to set the stage for the follow-on narrative of: ‘why should the government care if the mother doesn’t’—and to deflect attention away …

“This sudden outpouring of concern in our neighbours’ well-being is nothing to do with a desire to defend democracy, socialism or any other political theory. It is about the age old practice of colonialism, in whatever acceptable form it takes in the 21st century. “But because of that controlling desire …

A photograph by Maria Nunes stirred emotions in me that I thought I had quelled. I cry for Laventille when I remember the beauty of the people and the ambition and the sense of striving I grew up with. The callous may say, “Nostalgia!” But it was real. The memories …

“Right now you’re in survival mode, firmly planted in the present. All annuities should stop. Any other retirement saving or investing should cease. “[…] The vultures are coming. Apparently it’s feeding season for everybody from insurance agents to car salesmen when they know a few thousand people on our little …