February has arrived. It is a month that is usually the prelude to our annual carnival, which culminates in two days of what used to be ingenious and artistic masquerade, (colloquially known as mas’). However, some mas’ has introduced a Mardi Gras strut that contains an unwelcome shade or classist …
Read More »Dear Editor: Political parties must understand value of experience alongside fresh faces
“[…] With the current leadership transition announced by Dr Keith Rowley, despite having new faces in the likes of Kareem Marcelle and Christian Birchwood for the Laventille seats and not-so-new faces in MPs Terrence Deyalsingh, Faris Al-Rawi, Stuart Young, Nyan Gadsby-Dolly—who all have at least 10 years of experience under …
Read More »Daly Bread: Dr Rowley’s succession manoeuvres; how to ride steelpan momentum
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley (the PM) has evaded having his choice of Minister Stuart Young as successor to the leadership of the party and the country (or indeed any other person desiring such leadership) sent to a vote at a convention of the membership of the People’s National Movement …
Read More »Dear Editor: Does Dr Browne’s withdrawal show politics places loyalty over competence?
“[…] 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 …
Read More »Noble: Who will we put? Does T&T have competent, charismatic leader for these difficult times?
The next five years ahead for the country will be tough. What is terrible now has every chance of worsening: this is the future facing us. We quickly forget that we have a country to run when we read about the various leadership struggles in the two major political parties. …
Read More »Live Wire: Crimson Sky on Plantation as Regents vote on Party’s future while Opposition plots response
On a faraway, remote island in a time long, long before yesterday, a great Party that always prevails—it is on their calling card—summons its regents to a meeting at Tobago Plantation. The aging taikō, Lord Keithos, has made it known on several occasions that he wants to leave public affairs …
Read More »Daly Bread: Pervading sadness at Morris-Julian’s passing—a role model for party representatives
My intended topic this week was a further examination of the rumblings over leadership succession within the People’s National Movement (PNM), the party currently in government, with the General Elections due no later than November next year. I have been suspicious that the PNM hierarchy wishes to avoid succession to …
Read More »Noble: Have we lost every drop of human kindness? Lisa Morris-Julian deserves better
“[…] I am saddened by those among us who cannot restrain ourselves from spewing bitter bile at this moment of great tragedy. “[…] Is there not a John McCain—the Republican presidential candidate who defended Barack Obama as a decent person—among us? No holding back the vile trolls on the Facebook …
Read More »On Lisa Morris-Julian: “[…] Her kindness, humility, and sense of purpose touched everyone…”
“[…] I first met Lisa many years ago when she was a young teacher, full of enthusiasm and an unwavering passion for serving others. Even then, she radiated a bright light that inspired everyone she encountered. “Her journey from the classroom to the corridors of public service was a natural …
Read More »Daly Bread: Uncertainties of Dragon Gas and Diego Martin
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has put his political leadership of the People’s National Movement (PNM) into play, but he did so by ambiguous remarks in the House of Representatives (the House). As a consequence, there have been all kinds of rumblings. Moreover, we are still awaiting “the further positions” …
Read More »Daly Bread: Deflections and delusions, as General Election beckons
Contemporaneously with critical commentaries, the Prime Minister last Sunday attempted certain deflections of the Government’s decision—despite the parlous state of our finances—to accept for its members the hefty salary increases and backpay, which the Salaries Review Commission recommended (the SRC increases). However, it is reasonable to hold this Government accountable …
Read More »Dear Editor: PNM will lose moral authority—and elections—if it implements SRC recommendations
“[…] The Cabinet has adopted the same arguments advanced by trade unionists in support of their claims for hefty increases in the remuneration packages of their members. “The SRC surveyed the local, regional and international environment and discovered that the remuneration packages of those under its purview were wholly inadequate …
Read More »