Tag Archives: Dennise Demming

“[…] Our reality is that: women still make up only 23% of members of Parliament; the unemployment rate for women remains higher than for men, especially among young women aged 15-24 (CSO, 2022); and one in three women in Trinidad and Tobago has experienced intimate partner violence (UN Women Caribbean, 2023). “[…] The late Hazel Brown, one …

“[…] The now-infamous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), exposed thanks to Afra Raymond’s successful legal challenge, showed a lopsided agreement. The state was to fund and build the resort on public land. “In turn, Sandals would enjoy sweeping concessions—tax holidays, duty-free status, unlimited work permits for foreigners, and no obligations to …

“[…] Here in Trinidad and Tobago, the Road March results still rely on a manual system—TUCO officials physically count song plays at competition venues. “This outdated process is not only time-consuming but also vulnerable to human error, bias, and undue influence…. Embracing digitalisation in Carnival adjudication could resolve these challenges …

“[…] Dennise Demming, like many others, highlights Dr Keith Rowley’s TT$87,847 pension while juxtaposing it against the TT$3,000 pension of senior citizens. This comparison is both disingenuous and misleading. “The salaries and benefits of public officials, including the prime minister, are determined by the Salaries Review Commission—an independent body tasked …

Congratulations to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on his departure from Whitehall and return to Mason Hall. His administration leaves behind a new airport terminal in Tobago, perhaps its final claim to success. As he transitions to retirement with a TT$87,847 monthly pension, the citizens who entrusted him with leadership …

“[…] Dr Amery Browne’s record speaks for itself… His recent withdrawal from the nomination process for Diego Martin West once again highlights the internal dynamics of party politics, where decisions sometimes prioritize strategy over proven competence. “As citizens, we must consider the implications of such decisions. Are we prioritising loyalty …

“[…] The Prime Minister’s Pension Act […] allows high-ranking public servants to secure pensions at the peak of their earnings—an advantage unavailable to the average citizen, whose pensions are typically calculated on lower salary scales and subject to strict caps. “This is a system that has been kept out of the …

“[…] Our deepest issue is the inequality of our education system. Despite calls for reform, we’re stuck with a system that often doesn’t prepare young people for a changing world. “The prestige schools have better facilities, better managed teachers, and more opportunities compared to schools in rural or poor areas. …

“[…] A glaring example of this disconnect is the Government’s approach to wage negotiations. While public servants are offered a mere 5% salary increase for 2020–2022—a proposal so meager it was sent to the Industrial Court—the Salaries Review Commission (SRC) has recommended massive raises for top officials. “[…] These increases, …

“[…] The sight of public officials indulging in alcohol sends mixed messages, particularly to younger generations, who are often told to avoid drinking. “The transformation of Trinidad and Tobago will only occur when we start making conscious decisions that reflect the values we want to promote…” The following Letter to …

When Erla Harewood-Christopher assumed the role of acting commissioner of police in December 2022 following the vacation of her predecessor, McDonald Jacob, I was optimistic that things would change and our approach to crime would improve. Her official appointment in February 2023 as our country’s first female commissioner of police …

Dear Former Minister Darryl Smith, Congratulations on your recent appointment as a commercial officer for the Ministry of Trade. Your appointment is an indication that you passed the background check with flying colours and landed this very important job to represent our country. It is truly heart-warming to see you triumph …