“The ‘formal’ effect of the provision would seemingly not criminalise investigative journalism, whereas the ‘substantive’ and practical effect would in fact stifle investigative journalism and journalistic independence as a whole. Democratic discourse could be severely trammelled.” Senior lecturer (Mona) and barrister Dr Emir Crowne, BA, LLB, LLM, LLM, PhD, LEC, …
Read More »DALY BREAD: Bats and fads, Twitter-ish judges, Marcia twists and importance of JLSC review
It is difficult to move away from the current controversies swirling around the judiciary. With the revelation, last Sunday, of Mrs Marcia Ayers-Caesar’s version of what took place between her and the Chief Justice regarding unfinished cases—part-heard matters—the plot has thickened. It is now common ground that on the evening …
Read More »MEDIA MONITOR: Sermon on the Mount: Suffer the little black boys…
The Guardian’s Jensen La Vende tried very hard to take the emotion out of his lead story in Wednesday’s paper and make it an inoffensive, completely objective news report that wouldn’t mash nobody corn. And the Express’ Michelle Loubon tried no less hard to avoid using the obvious word. But it was …
Read More »NAKHID TRUTH: Life in the Fourth World, sport, LifeSport and political ghosts in the Savannah
Like many football enthusiasts, I look forward to the Wired 868 match reports on the youth football tournament being played at many venues around the country, including the “largest roundabout in the world.” Sometimes, though, the pictures have a story of their own to tell. And speaking of pictures, it …
Read More »STREET VIBES: The sacred and the profane: if the priest could pay… will politicians now tackle crime?
I claim no special credit for having in the past made the point about Trinidad and Tobago being the Land of the Limbo so that we should not be surprised that our criminals are apparently hell-bent on seeing just how low they can go. The newest low, according to the …
Read More »MEDIA MONITOR: Who will safeguard the media vs the Guardian? And the CJ vs the Express?
More or less 20%. That is the share of the newspaper market that the Guardian has enjoyed (if that is the right verb) for several years now. It is also the figure that, according to a former Guardian editor of fairly recent vintage, is more than adequate provided that that …
Read More »Chief Justice Archie should stand firm; Fixin T&T alleges that Law Association is political tool
“The actions of the [Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago] are serving to further undermine confidence in the very institution it claims to be seeking to protect. Any success realised will set a bad and extremely dangerous precedent.” Fixin’ T&T slams the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) for its …
Read More »DALY BREAD: Why we’re right to challenge power—be it a Permanent Secretary, President or Chief Justice
In relation to the huge Marcia mess created by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC), there is no need to explain again the critical difference between the powers vested by law to deal with errant public officials and the complementary role of public opinion. Robust public opinion encourages accountability …
Read More »Law Association defends Justice Seepersad against political bias allegations, scolds media
“We urge the Registry to take steps to ensure that any such suspected attempts at forum shopping are immediately brought to the attention of the judiciary so that remedial action can be taken. “We ask the print media to be mindful that blindly repeating what is being peddled on social …
Read More »Dear Editor: Judicial independence in T&T is under attack by a “select group of lawyers”
“Judicial independence essentially means that judges and other judicial officers are free to exercise the functions of their office without fear of reprisal, retribution or termination. The elements of such independence are security of tenure, financial security and administrative independence. “Each of these elements is essential to ensure that democracy …
Read More »DEAR EDITOR: Force-fed freedom? Must Muslim women move backwards to Islamic Front?
“Is Abdullah suggesting, however irrational that may appear, that anyone who raises questions about the advisability or wisdom of wearing the hijab is encouraging Muslim women to tend towards prostitution? “Clearly, Muslim women, hijabis or not, can think for themselves. Evidently, Aisha Sabur didn’t feel she wanted to remove her …
Read More »MEDIA MONITOR: Did Guardian editorial heads play a role in making Baldeosingh’s head roll?
The Guardian’s recent firing of controversial columnist Kelvin Baldeosingh after the publication of a column under his by-line which the Guardian has not, it seems, removed from its online site raises an issue that I think needs urgent ventilation. Some say that it’s really very straightforward; four other columnists have …
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