Tag Archives: CEPEP

“[…] Almost daily, the discourse has been filled with opinions on Cepep and Cepep workers: UNC/PNM supporters, radio commentators and newspaper columnists present opinions and arguments on one side or the other. “These are all useful for taking the public temperature. But, after nearly 20 years of Cepep, absent from …

On 4 April 2025, then Caricom head Mia Mottley, in discussing the global crises as they impacted the Caribbean, said: “Our world is in crisis. I will not sugarcoat it. These are among the most challenging of times for our region since the majority of our members gained their independence. …

This last week, those of us who follow cricket witnessed a South African batsman and stand-in captain refuse to chase Brian Lara’s world record. Wiaan Mulder was batting against Zimbabwe, a much weaker side. He explained his decision in these words: “Lara got 401 or whatever it is (400) against …

The recent article by Ashton Ford, former general secretary of the People’s National Movement (PNM), attempts to paint the PNM as a historic champion of labour. While it’s true the party has had moments of engagement with trade unionists and enacted key legislation decades ago, this selective retelling overlooks the …

“[…] Cepep was designed as a springboard—a transitional system for those facing barriers to employment, a way to build dignity through work and community care and structured training. “[…] Eventually, somewhere along the journey, the programme drifted… This drift turned Cepep into a make-work programme that, while providing some income …

“[…] What kind of society are we building when the working class is always the first to feel the axe? When institutions are reshaped in silence? When accountability is demanded only of ‘the other side’? “[…] Too often, those who cry foul in opposition grow quiet once in power. Outrage …

“Kill everyone!” was the instruction Dole Chadee gave Joey Ramiah, who then murdered four members of a single family. How could people be so heartless and cold-blooded? It was a long time in coming. Nothing was ever done to dismantle the networks that brought cocaine to our shores since life …

“When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.” Ecclesiastes 8: 11 Last week’s avalanche of news robs any politician of the right to criticise any citizen for being cynical. It was like a hit parade list of things that can go wrong. The …

Planting fruit trees is a great idea. And even better, on public property—if there is buy-in from the community. Former agriculture minister Clarence Rambharat’s hands were probably too full, we now guess, for him to provide direction on that issue. And the new man in there? Well, we’ll have to …

Our governance arrangements and political style have left us in an uncomfortable void. Our country is not nearly as well managed as we could make it. We have not employed an enlightened combination of the country’s resources, citizen commitment and fairness. There are not many countries that have achieved satisfactory …

“[…] This decision [to reduce salaries by 33.3%], while contentious, directly protects the welfare of workers as that is the Company’s main priority at this time. This measure will ensure that there is no job loss at CEPEP…” The following press statement on CEPEP’s decision to reduce the salary of …

In honour of our fifty-eighth Independence anniversary, I visited Woodford Square, aka The People’s University, where seeds of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence grew. But instead of feeling pride, I felt shame. Twenty tree stumps, envoys of once stately trees, left to rot without  love or dignity illuminated Marcus Garvey’s words: …