“A time of crisis is not the time to paint the spread of misinformation as political. Concern about the spread of misinformation, though, is valid. This is more so during a time of crisis, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic, as it can seriously undermine efforts to contain the threat. …
Read More »Daly Bread: Lingering credibility questions; gov’t ‘trying to control media narrative’
When is an exemption to closed borders not an exemption after the borders are closed? I will return to this riddle, but let me first note that the limited testing for Covid-19 has been expanded in obvious response to queries about its previous deficiencies. There was room to acknowledge that the …
Read More »Journalists in danger of contact spread, Young drops Alleyne hint as T&T’s Covid-19 cases climb to 60
“[The threat of] contact spread is real and amongst you all,” said National Security Minister Stuart Young, in response to a question about flamboyant Crime Watch host Ian Alleyne. Yesterday, Alleyne shared two emotional videos—one filmed by an unidentified person and the other by his young son—which claimed that he …
Read More »Young slams media, ‘washes hands’ of Trinbagonians stranded abroad; Dr Hinds offers ‘community spread’ info
Minister of National Security Stuart Young continued his criticism of the media today at a press conference to update the public on the country’s battle with Covid-19, as he suggested local journalists were being irresponsible by interviewing citizens stranded abroad who are desperate to return home. The government shut the …
Read More »Live Wire chronicles: School prefect Deyalsingh, cheery Colm and storytelling PM hold court
“We are trying to walk a tightrope between fighting off a virus that can kill us,” said Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, “and trying to protect an economy that could collapse and a country that could go into bankruptcy if things go pear-shaped.” In retrospect, maybe this is not the …
Read More »Daly: Credibility in a crisis; why are health-related questions ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘mischievous’?
In our post-colonial society, we have never solved the problem of what checks and balances ought to be placed on the exercise of the constitutional power of the political bosses, namely the Executive, which we elect to govern us at periodic intervals, usually every five years. It is a long …
Read More »‘Pray from home!’ Gov’t promises action as Rev Cuffie calls out worshippers for ‘healing’
National Security Minister Stuart Young vowed that the government will take action on churches who refuse to act responsibly. Young’s warning came after Reverend Winston Cuffie advised followers to refuse to be ‘dominated by fear’ and attend a Miracle Ministries service last night in Chase Village, Chaguanas—dedicated to ‘the impartation …
Read More »Bars, clubs closed temporarily; Govt defends limited patient info and testing process
The Trinidad and Tobago Government has enacted a special Public Health Ordinance for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), which carries the penalty of a six month imprisonment for anyone who operates a bar, club or provides seated dining amenities for customers. The law comes into force on 21 March 2020 …
Read More »It. Just. Got. Real! Live Wire explains coronavirus ‘dos’ and ‘donts’—read if you want to see Carnival 2021
So it turns out Kenneth Petty-man was not Trinidad and Tobago’s most unwelcome overseas visitor this Lent after all. The government confirmed its first official case of coronavirus or Covid-19 yesterday—and it’s a 52 year old Swiss who just returned from Switzerland and has a child attending a high-end prep …
Read More »Live Wire Chronicles: Al-Masih appears in PoS with profound message; be still and know…
In the blistering heat and with dust everywhere, a mysterious figure trudges onward—followed by dozens of persons carrying knapsacks. One follower, petitioned by his companions, finds the gumption to politely question his leader. Follower: Al-Masih, why do you lead us through this desert? What is our purpose? Leader: What desert? …
Read More »Noble: ‘Big business’ can be a partner against crime; and here is how
The Chamber of Commerce spoke out this week as the nation grapples with the crime situation, defining it as a ‘crisis’ for which we do not have ‘the luxury of time’. The Chamber advanced possible solutions, including the need for foreign help since the TTPS appeared not to have the …
Read More »Hilarant! Haiti is sorry for T&T as local crime mess creates Caribbean tragicomedy
Full circle. Just about 30 years ago, David Rudder was singing “Haiti, I’m sorry.” Nowadays, however, my Haitian friend is sorry for us. And all he needed to sum up the situation of those of us who, trying to escape from the UNC, voted for the PNM was four words. …
Read More »