Devant Maharaj: “[…] I am therefore forced to conclude that there is indeed toxic collusion between the Internal Management Election Committee and [Kamla] Persad Bissessar in the conduct of this election unless you can reasonably convince me otherwise…” Jayanti Lutchmedial: “[…] It is most unfortunate that in an attempt to …
Read More »NJAC Rededication: Black Power Revolution and ‘a positive shift in T&T’s mindset’
“[…] The new consciousness defined new ways of looking at ourselves, at our fellow brothers and sisters and humanity as a whole. It enlightened our philosophies and vision, as well as our hopes and aspirations. It advised our system of values, clarified our sense of justice and dictated the growth …
Read More »Media Monitor: Chalkdust’s embarrassing offering on education in the age of smart boards and laptops.
Education kills … by degrees! That graffito leapt off the walls of the London Underground at me about half a century ago. And stayed with me. Last weekend’s Sunday Express brought it back to the front of my mind. And reminded me as well of this idea, long espoused by …
Read More »Dear Editor: Racism and medicine—a toxic mix; decertify the ranting doctor
“[…] The sentiments expressed in such outbursts are not new. They are getting much broader exposure due to the nature of social media that is widely available. Our society cannot continue moving towards that precipice, more dangerous in a time when Covid and increasing economic challenges are pushing us to …
Read More »Demming: Should taxpayers fund tertiary education? What is government’s role?
The following column is based on the author’s participation in the online forum by the Trade and Economic Division of the Department of Economics, the University of the West Indies, St Augustine on the topic The Funding of Tertiary Level Education in Trinidad and Tobago: My favourite quote about education …
Read More »Tye: Trump vs Biden: Loud, overt racism vs polite, subtle racism
I remember when Barack Obama won his first term as US president in 2008. Late that night I heard a massive noise of joyful screams and applause from the neighbourhood, the moment his victory was confirmed. At that point, I knew we were in for a rough ride. In the …
Read More »Dear Editor: Who cares about domestic workers? Certainly not our governments
“[…] In Trinidad and Tobago, domestic workers include: housekeepers, cooks, cleaners, ironers, gardeners, handymen, watchmen, in private homes. They are hired by companies for their CEOs and others who are in high management positions to provide personal and household duties. Estimates indicate that there are 10,000 domestic workers in T&T. …
Read More »‘I went to YouTube for guidance… look how far it got me’: Day in the life of a mask producer
“[…] I did not know how to make a facemask, as we had no reason to use it before. So I went to YouTube for guidance on how to construct one. “I tried it for one person; she wanted more. Other people saw it, and they wanted. And before you …
Read More »NJAC Rededication: 1970 Revolution impacts spirituality and religion in T&T
“[…] White supremacist philosophy, then predominant in the society, was reinforced by very visible symbols of wealth, power, science, technology and general achievement, which resulted from centuries of exploitation of the human and physical resources of colonised societies around the world. “[…] The new teachings of the Trinidad and Tobago …
Read More »Daly Bread: Patriotic manoeuvres on energy and education
Not for the first time, I wondered last week about the coherence of some of the government’s objectives. I noted that the chairman of the committee on community recovery gave an empathetic update on its work so far, but I wondered again whether that empathy would be shared by those …
Read More »Dr Rowley congratulates US president-elect Biden and VP Harris
“[…] Warmest welcome and congratulations to United States president-elect Joe Biden [and] extend a special accolade to vice president-elect Kamala Harris as we acknowledge her Caribbean roots…” The following is a press statement from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the positions …
Read More »NJAC Rededication: Economic transformation and the birth of the people’s sector
“[…] Ownership of our economy was still dominated primarily by foreigners, supported by, a local predominantly white elite. Under NJAC’s leadership, however, people were moving for true independence, which could only be achieved through ownership and control of the economy. “The new slogan was: ‘We do not want crumbs, We …
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