As propounded last week and applying the words of the late Oxford legal philosopher, HLA Hart, whom I have frequently quoted, Trinidad and Tobago is now firmly in a situation in which “the laws of the land have legal validity but cease to be effective, leading to a breakdown in …
Read More »Dear Editor: T&T’s celebrates 60 years of “Independence”—but are we truly independent?
“[…] It is quite an accomplishment to celebrate a 60th anniversary but can we as a people truly say that we have all really enjoyed the benefits of being an independent nation? “There are many positive achievements, most of which can be ascribed to our sportsmen and women, our cultural …
Read More »Daly Bread: And so it has come to pass; T&T suffering from breakdown in legal control
No, no Mr Jacob, Acting Commissioner of Police, you cannot expect us to be patient and bear with the police in tackling crime. During the 20 years of these weekly columns, violent crime—particularly murder and the impunity with which it is committed—has been a high profile subject. As long ago …
Read More »Dear Editor: The TTPS’ return to grey and blue uniforms is a move in the right direction
“[…] Over the last 10 years or so, junior police officers—some of whom may be still on probation—can be often seen wearing a blue operational jacket and black pants while on duty. “[…] In my view, this drop in the standard of dress—which has been allowed for years even before …
Read More »Daly Bread: Delusions of dispelling dejection through fete and sporting feats
The prominent sold out fetes this June provided precursor vibes of the 2023 Carnival season as fete goers celebrated “we outside again”. The coming season was loudly announced by the Tribe band launch in July, which drew large crowds behind music trucks on Ariapita Avenue. Other promoters remained at event …
Read More »“He used calypso music to define calypso music”; Caricom honours iconic calypsonian, David Rudder
“[…] From the very first note, a Rudder song grabs your soul, and never lets it go. He gave us the anthem that still rallies West Indians near and far. He beseeched us to appreciate our neighbours, and to empathise with them in their times of struggle. He used calypso …
Read More »Early Bird: Kamla, West Indies, Paul… but why is nobody discussing Qatar World Cup?
Nobody, it seems, is enraptured with World Cup 2022, at least, nobody I know. Nobody at all is sounding really excited about it. Not even Wired868. Do the math. Mere weeks ago, in late July, three months, three weeks, three days, three hours, three minutes and three seconds separated us …
Read More »Dear Editor: Anil Roberts’ behaviour was appalling; what manner of man is this?
“[…] Mr Anil Roberts, from his demeanour in the video, seemed to have taken a particular delight in his very unsavoury comments. Where is the milk of human kindness? What manner of man is this? “[…] I do not feel that a politician should stoop so low with respect to his …
Read More »PNM NWL: UNC’s attack on PM’s wife is repugnant, reprehensible and a new low
“[…] Having failed on more than one occasion to besmirch the good name of the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has let loose Senator Anil Roberts to attack the good name and reputation of the Honourable Prime Minister’s wife. “[…] Whilst politicians expect to be attacked by their opponents …
Read More »Noble: Why T&T’s housing woes can be a national security issue
Government policies toward public housing are linked to their position on delivering economic growth. To interpret the strategies, we need to appreciate that governments respond to the pressures arising from social and demographic change and adherence to particular ideologies. These decisions are complicated by the public discourse which advocates that …
Read More »Vaneisa: A poignant wingspan of beauty and hope—the prison reform passion of Debbie and Kim
Grief was palpable in her Facebook post; a jolting reminder of the savage, indelicate and arbitrary nature of life. Akili Charles had been gunned down in the night, mere days after his legal challenge to the criminal justice system had been supported by the Privy Council. Those accused of murder …
Read More »Dear Editor: Based on his recent statements, what will happen if Griffith is appointed CoP?
“[…] Is it acceptable for aspirants for the post of commissioner of police to publicly criticise each other by name before the selection process has been completed by the Police Service Commission? “[…] How is Griffith going to manage being the leader of a political party one day, and a …
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