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In a recent TV6 interview entitled “All Things Considered” and meant to be a mid-term review of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s administration, there was a brief exchange between the Prime Minister and reporter Faine Richards.
Faine Richards: Prime Minister, I’d like to move the conversation to a more social climate; you look on social media…
Dr Keith Rowley (interjecting with a broad grin): We should have some drinks then.
Richards: Well, perhaps of the non-alcoholic flavour.
Rowley: Well, that is not a drink.
(Copyright Andrea De Silva)
The 14-second snippet caused a stir on social media where comments flowed as to whether it was an inappropriate remark by Rowley or much ado about nothing.
Is this an opportunity to discuss what is permissible “ole talk” between men and women in the workplace? Or is Rowley being attacked purely because of his position at the helm of the ruling PNM Administration?
Read the comments below and share your own thoughts.
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(The Preface and Editorial needed to contextualize what is read in this thread is a book.
You up to that task?
This has been an interesting discussion. It’s Serious and simultaneously quite laughable that at this stage in our development, we are devoid of the ability to have a thoughtful, intelligent and objective debate of a serious topic. I have said many times that ‘TT is better off having a citizenry that is capable of critical analysis, and thinks objectively through issues, rather than one that is split down the lines of political party fanaticism’.
Talking Tropes
Black Women defending Rowley
He knows your name,?
He would defend you as you are him?
Your families, children?
A really huge poignant statement was made and overlooked above:
” if so we have bigger problems than the PM”
I am surprised no one seized on that. We do!!!!
This thread makes me cringe and never want to be the proponent of certain arguments ever again
When we abuse legitimate theories or aren’t sophisticated enough to nuance dynamics to truth.
The only thing that seems to get sophisticated is people’s patronage to their party. And our slavery to a culture that have a lot of places to grow and evolve.
I mean the same black women oogle and drool over these same politicians, especially the light, mix white ones who wouldnt see them in stiff sun, so what conversation are we having. Its the culture of the petri dish
Maven I will speak for myself…. I am not defending the PM because nothing he did in this occurrence requires defence what I am doing however is addressing the root issue for why this is an issue… which has nothing to do with the individual past what he represents and whether he or others would acknowledge it that extra darkness affects how he and others that look like him are dealt with, perceived, judged etc….he is not my focus as much as what he represents.
Maven Huggins are you referring to comments on Wired or comments on the FB page that posted the video, because I cannot find the comment you referenced on the Wired thread
Danielle Ifayemisi Frederick could you projecting your views unto others? My comments have nothing to do with race, colourism, political party etc.
I simply disagree with a PM making those comments in that situation (full stop)
Nigel, Danielle made that profound statement above in one of her shorter comment box
Yes, a huge statement slipped by unnoticed.
And that’s what we missing. Rowley is symptomatic. He is not the problem. Lol
Cheers
After YEARS of inappropriate behavior by the PeePee (who say Grey Goose), this pettiness is grabbed at for an issue. Steeeeeups!
That this is a talking point is telling of two things. (1) desperate to thief again racist skunks/UNC supporters (same thing), and (2) Follow the USA culture. Cause the USA farting sexual harassment, some copy cat Trinis want to make mountains out of nonsense.
I roll my eyes every time a PNM supporter starts defence of his party with a reference to the PP. Because a few years ago, PNM supporters and myself were rolling our eyes everytime a PP politician began a defence of their own administration by pointing to the behaviour of Manning’s team in office.
Lasana Liburd you don’t find it annoying that after a two hour discussion that a ten minute misdirection controls the narrative. Isn’t that in itself an indication of a society’s degredation?
Brian Lewis, are you saying that since the PP was inappropriate, one cannot criticise the incumbent government?
The argument that gets made in Trinidad “the last government did the same / worst’ is a weak one in my opinion. The public dealt with them and that’s why they are in opposition and I will judge the current government based on their current performance.
MJ, not necessarily. I agree that it is disappointing nobody shared the substantive bit about that interview. But many people are honestly confused about male and female interaction at work. So I can see how people may want to use this as a chance to discuss that.
Once race stays out of it and people are mature then I don’t see a problem talking about it.
It beggars belief that race can stay out of this discourse. It has been and is an intimate part of how Trinis look at any and everything. The comments on this issue (admittedly on other profiles) are vile, racist, malicious and unacceptable. The race profile and attendant stereotypes of our PM are well known, and to deny or ignore that they contribute to the perception of his conduct is naive. You may not be using this lens Lasana, but lets not deny that many do.
Dawn it is true that race is a big part of local politics. But we can at least try not to stoop to that level.
My vision for Wired868 is we set the example in how we can debate without getting bitter or divisive.
I think it is great that we can share different opinions without grabbing each other by the truth.
For instance, I didn’t agree with Danielle. But she put me on my toes too. Because I do have to acknowledge that there are people who will use this to make racist points.
So let’s keep each other on our toes without getting nasty.
I don’t know if I need to point this out but I actually like Rowley. I spoke to him a few times over the years and I think he is smart and definitely someone who I’d share a drink with.
Rose-Marie, I can substitute for Faine! ??
Wait… I’m not sure if that came out right! ???
Point is personality won’t stop me from being critical. I can think someone is a good human being and still criticize them. It isn’t personal.
Yeah Lasana I could share a drink with Rowley too…but only if you there??
Lasana Liburd so you actually believe that the prevailing conversation on social media about a ten secong bit subtracted from a two hour conversation is because of a confusion of male and female interactions. It’s either you naive or I’m a bit too suspicious.
MJ Ray I could not care less about any conversation outside this group. I’m not a part of any other groups.
I’d say you can respond to whatever you like in that area. But when here, you should respond to what you see here. I think that is fair.
Lasana Liburd I hear you brother. But I for one know the genesis of alot if these conversations/misdirection and it does not start in Wired but somehow makes its way onto Wired.
Unlike you, I do go onto other sites and see the topics for discussion. Most times soon after any interview with Rowley either with public interaction or the media I go onto the Opposition/UNC sites to see the thoughts of the PMs interviews despite how backward and childish they are. And most of these type of ten second conversation to paint the PM negatively finds its Genesis on these UNC sites.
This talk about propositioning Feine started on the UNC site the morning after.
So yiu might say yiu only care about conversations that are carried on in Wired but alot of the conversations that are carried on on Wired has its genesis on other sites and this original post is one of them.
And it’s really annoying since alot of the posters/contributor on these UNC site are qite bigoted and simply racist. And to see the topics that originate fron bigots and racists finding its way here and your response is “I don’t care, one race is not involved” but in actuality, the very origin of the topic is from racists my friend. Believe that.
It is natural that UNC and PNM supporters would jump on any opportunity to benefit from what they think is a faux pas from the other side.
I’m not really interested in them and their noise. We can decide amongst ourselves whether a topic has merit or not.
MJ Ray as the originator of this post I totally disagree with you. I first became aware of the comment by Dr Rowley after listening to the morning talk show on i95.5 (which by no means is a UNC station).
I asked a question (granted using the word tackle to be provocative), someone posted the 10 second clip and after viewing same, I came to the conclusion that the comment was inappropriate.
It is amazing that I have since been accused of being racist, politically biased, self-hating as a dark black man (among other “isms”) What I have failed to see in these 100+ comments is any true discussion about the comments and the appropriateness (or lack thereof) of the comments by a PM to a reporter live on air!.
Lasana Liburd, you are intelligent enough to know that anti-Unc/PeePee doesn’t equate to being a PNM supporter. So, give your eyes a rest from the rolling bro.
Nigel Noel, there is no ambiguity in my post. I even elaborated with two points. You are hearing other arguments that I am not making.
Basically, if this is the utter SHIT big men and women have to yap about now, then in some regard we are better off than under the PeePee piss brigade where there was cause for heavy discussion weekly, sometimes daily in fact.
Now you guys could carry on with your own arguments and agenda, I was very clear and unambiguous in my post.
And, you may not be seeing the kind of ‘true discussion’ you crave because people know this is nonsense and are busy discussing the anti gang legislation and other serious matters. Not ole talk and a 3 second clip without context.
I’m not knocking anyone for voting eh. I vote too. I’m just saying we should keep an open mind and judge all parties by the same yardstick. If you do Brian then that’s great.
Sexual appropriateness depends on the person receiving the message and the culture they belong to.
Faine definitely wasn’t offended. And what might offend an American wouldn’t offend someone in France and so on.
This topic doesn’t have to be narrowed down to just Faine and Rowley.
It really is what you choose to make of it. Or you can just ignore the thread and discuss something else. There are no shortage of discussion points in the world.
I am anti-UNC. Full stop. Period. Everyone ought to know that by now. 🙂
And, if Faine wasn’t offended, then that is the CONTEXT of the particular situation. A non issue to the primary party concerned. Which is my point.
People just searching for things to discuss because we have so little now compared to 2010-2015.
Brian Lewis And let’s not forget, KPB is in campaign mode and Dr. Rowley and ALL things government will be painted in a negative light for the next two years. What this does, is reflect very poorly on our nation for the rest of the world to see – and that is the reality.
Annette the rest of the world couldn’t give a toss about trinidad politics.
I don’t care about KPB’s views. She is already dead politically but somehow hasn’t noticed yet. I had just hoped we could discuss something in a mature way without combusting.
Lasana Liburd, she isn’t dead politically. People with sense would think she is, but once you step your thoughts to the side, you realise the UNC is very capable of winning the next GE under her leadership.
They honestly do not have anyone else to be their leader.
Anyway, she is off topic.
Kamla is incapable of winning in my opinion. What would need to happen is Rowley would need a Herculean effort to lose.
But yeah, this is off topic.
This is an extension of the unruly, over sexed Black male trope… let’s call it what it is…
why should he refrain from levity with female reporters?!!
No…when he is serious he is unapproachable, he engages in local palance he is inappropriate, he jokes he is flirting….all yuh ‘ism’ petticoat showing….
Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday both had great sense of humor and revelled in their Trini-ness never had this backlash….in part to the fact that they NEVER subjected themselves to as much public questioning as the current PM…BUT in no small part that our current is as dark as he is….all the tropes come out in feigned protocols and ‘proper’ behaviour….how dare he be confident and not self deprecating
I am not a fan of his but I call BS on him refraining from being normal and natural less he slip into someone’s latent colourism or racist sensibilities
Please don’t make Rowley the lightening rod for all black men, Danielle. That would just be taking the bait from racists on the other side.
You cannot have a reasonable discussion if every matter is one race versus the next or goodness against darkness and all that nonsense.
Rowley has had much previous with the other sex. Let’s not pretend he is Knolly Clarke or something.
There is plenty reason for people to be sensitive to loose comments with females at the work place in this moment of time.
If you want to counterbalance racists, then wait for a racist comment to respond to.
I am not making him the standard… nor is everything about race but this entire conversation is intellectually dishonest about WHY people feel ‘uncomfortable’ with the statement….
we as a people love to revel in the superficial and this ‘concern’ is superficial and I dare say would not have occurred with two variables being changed….AND BOTH are race and colourism based….
I am not counterbalancing race I am turning the dog whistle into a full blown whistle….
the comment was in no way loose and to discount the hypersensitivity where the current PM is concerned due to race and colourism issues ESPECIALLY with regards his communication style is disingenuous
He should refrain from levity with female reporters for the same reason teachers of unruly classes should refrain from too much levity with their easily distracted students. Not for his sake, but for our’s.
How does that help? the two are not remotely connected…are u saying that a man cannot be social without being inappropriate? In particular our PM?….If that’s the case we have a much bigger problem than our PM
No not at all. I’m saying we can be incredibly immature and take the slightest opportunity to turn the most insignificant comment or gesture and turn it into the subject of the conversation.
We lil special ed!
Vernal then to attempt to jump through the many immature hoops Trinis possess would leave him mute…so ‘llow him….and jam him when he deserves jamming….and stop cuddling the immature and “call out the devil” so to speak
I think I did.
Danielle Ifayemisi Frederick as the originator of the post, I totally disagree with your assessment of my reason for posting.
I am as dark as the PM (If not darker) and my comment has nothing to do with race or my “political petticoat”. I felt then (and I still feel that way now) that the comment was inappropriate for a PM whilst being interviewed on National Television.
The fact that a large section of the commentators to this thread had tried to make it about race and/or political bias says where we have reached as a nation!
Danielle, people see the world they want to see. With Franken’s resignation, for instance, the furore over Ralph Balgobin and the prior accusation that Rowley was very inappropriate with a reporter–Anika Gumbs–I find it quite reasonable that people would be more sensitive with Rowley’s statements in such scenarios.
So I disagree that this is just about race. It might be for some racist UNC people. And it might be for you. But there is enough here for a discussion without race.
Nigel Noel exactly. Is Dr Rowley suddenly the emblem of all black men and we have to tiptoe around criticising him lest someone accuses of racism?
Danielle, you’re not seeing it but you’re doing exactly the same as UNC supporters who said every criticism against Kamla was because she was either Indian or a woman.
I will criticise Kamla and I will criticise Rowley. And I’m neither racist nor sexist.
Lasana Liburd Were the accusations regarding Anika Gumbs proved or remotely substantiated…that as an example is weak in attempting to pretend that this added “vigilance” is necessary or warranted…
@nigel u being as dark as the current PM does not exempt you from colourism hence it’s inclusion in my analysis…nor does it invalidate it as being a dog whistle…you are not exempt from social programming regarding the tropes regarding people that look like u…so that isn’t an out
@lasana stop saying what I didn’t say or imply..I did not say or imply that one was to tip toe around the PM nor did I make him the standard of male Blackness…but I refuse to pretend that both race and colourism are not at the root of this “discomfort”…you comparing me to racist or alluding to me being racist doesn’t phase me and let’s me know that you either refuse to acknowledge what actually is a racist vs discrimination and neither figure into why I am calling BS on this alleged inappropriate comment
@nigel I said nothing about “political petticoat”….”ism petticoat”….not politics… what I am dealing with is programming and latent stereotypes
Danielle how many sexual accusations have been proven anywhere around the world? The reality is the response can be so emotive as to leave a mark regardless. Surely you know that.
Haven’t you seen several people all over the world forced to resign just based on whether a story seems compelling enough?
Once the accusation is deemed to have enough to meet the public people are not going to forget about it. It is politically naive not to be sensitive to such things.
And, like I said, the backlash against Rolph Balgobin should mean that Rowley should actually instruct his Cabinet to be on their Ps and Qs.
Danielle, considering that the world is abuzz with sexual harassment claims and, to be honest, we are learning every day what is and isn’t harassment and I don’t think there is consensus on that yet… You wouldn’t recommend that Rowley and the gang try to be as careful as possible?
Danielle Ifayemisi Frederick how do you assess my comment is related to colourism………you are guilty of the same things you are accussing me of. You are assuming that my biases are influencing my assessment of his comment, yet you are using your own biases to put me in the “ism box”
Lasana I am weary of any trend that has the accuser as the sole burden of proof and the removal of the political context of the Ankia Gumbs accusation is disappointing…
the fall out regarding the Chairman of AL is based on AL’s poor public handling of that situation and there being multiple similar accusations regarding the office holder….
I don’t want them on their Ps & Qs because that gives me the feeling that they maybe attempting to cover a serious character flaw rather than just doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do..and them doing the right thing doesn’t mean that they can’t or shouldn’t joke with a female in a business setting that is plain silly
Good grief!! Focus on the REAL issues here pls wired, and not a 2 minute exchange by the PM. So many pressing social issues: Crime, Anti-gang bill, corruption, price of (imported) food, Sandals, US$ availability, and the list goes on. Lasana it would be prudent to note that many commentators are now voicing concerns at the backlash and impact of accusations without a shred of proof offered and with many accusers remaining anonymous. There needs to be some balance. Btw, the Anika Gumbs accusation was (IMO) iffy and shouldn’t even feature in this discusson.
I know about the political context regarding Gumbs because I wrote about it. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Rowley came out of that episode smelling of roses.
So the PNM cabinet shouldn’t be careful about their behavior?
If you honestly think that there is a room full of men in their 50s and beyond in any country on this planet that doesn’t need a lesson on appropriate and inappropriate behaviour around women in the workplace…
Well then no wonder you only see race here.
Dawn i feel uncomfortable about fact that people can lose their jobs over unsubstantiated accusations. But all the more reason to just be careful until we find a new moral code to handle male and female workplace interaction.
Again u are making general statements and attributing them to me because u have yet to invalidate my analysis…
sexual appropriateness of content is not my analysis…it is yours….
as I have said nothing in the comment or it’s delivery was inappropriate or sexual and the issue is who is making it….not even his office… but the individual and the ‘inappropriate’-ness of it only is a factor because it feeds a trope and in order to cover that trope and it’s manifestations…. consciously or subconsciously….is where the alleged discomfort came from.
Danielle Ifayemisi Frederick i can only speak for myself and my comments have nothing to do with the individual but the office he holds.
If the comment was made by any PM irrespective of race, religion, political party or any “ism” I would have felt that it was inappropriate.
Danielle I never said the PM’s comment was sexually appropriate. What I said is there is enough for people to have a discussion on it. And that the PM himself should probably be more careful.
What you said that I disagree with is that criticism of his comment is racially motivated.
Danielle Ifayemisi Frederick thanks you. This is the land of Calypso. We carry on the greatest show on earth. Where for two days our women unclothed themselves while our men girate on these skimpily clad women and most of us, directly or indirectly participate in some aspect of it. But we get offended when a PM sheepishly mentions taking a seasonal drink as is custom. So offended are we that we don’t even mention anything else from the nearly two hour interview. Riiiiight. We fall for this every time.
I remember the public meeting when the discussuon of spousal abuse came up and the PM addressed it in his own unique way as he should be allowed. And again the next morning and for days afterwards all we were talking about was that the PM blames women when violence is done against them.
Every damn time we fall for the misdirection.
That last line effectively sums it up!
Rose-Marie that is what you would refer to as either a throwaway line or fishing. It stays just on the right side of what is permissible but maybe tests the boundaries a little. Lol.
No, it doesn’t tip the scale to become sexual harassment. But I felt it was a little childish personally.
I’m not sure how many global leaders would permit themselves to waffle outside of off stump like that while in a formal
Interview with the Media with cameras rolling.
But then I’m sure if we have any consensus on behaviour in public office.
Whether we are talking about Kamla, Keithos, Jack, Carmona, Archie… too many people seem to form opinions based on loyalties rather than principles.
Lol. We can agree it was ill-advised. Especially with the smirk that accompanied the statement. He really shouldn’t have said it but he didn’t cross any lines imo
Rose-Marie, there is context too. Rowley is known to be a sweet man (surely even Pnm-ites agree), plus he famously had another female reporter accuse him of inappropriate behavior… and all this at a time when some factions are urging the Govt to act on Rolph Balgobin for alleged sexual harassment and when the issue of male behaviour in the workplace (Faine was at work!) is under scrutiny because of the likes of Harvey Weinstein.
Now put all those together and the picture looks murkier still.
The comment itself wasn’t a big deal. But there are so many things that make it really unwise.
Yeah when you put all those issues around it it does look worse than the words themselves. He should have known better but I put it down to “He just couldn’t help himself”. I honestly don’t think his intention was the same as Gayle in suggesting that Faine “have drinks with him”. To me it was more like Is Christmas..where the drinks. But sigh…definitely an ill-advised statement.
And consider Faine who would have been pleased to get this interview and through no fault of her own, many people are focusing on whether or not the PM was hitting on her rather than the interview itself.
Yup. It also reduces her to a sound bite when (I haven’t seen it) the entire interview must have been a wide-ranging professional discourse.
One thing Lasana, if Harvey Weinstein had been a Trini and was running say …. Angustura instead of Miramax, it would have been business as usual! LOL
To think that a discussion about whether the Prime Minister behaved appropriately can lead to one member—unprovoked—calling another member a “bitch” is as sad as it is ironic.
Reynold F. Ollivierre I can’t remember seeing messages like that from you before.
Would you withdraw that comment and just acknowledge that you forgot yourself and was inappropriate?
I know. I apologize for same. I was tired as hell with some of these people. Will rectify same.
Ok Reynold.
I am suprised at how easily the UNC controls the general narrative of social media discussion.
Throw your minds back. Can you remember of the UNC was allegedly caught looking up the skirt of a female on a ladder.
Antoinette Sankar do you remember a leader of the UNC was caught looking up the skirt of a female on a ladder.
So because KPB was a bad example of a PM, anything after cannot be questioned?
Two hours of a PM answering questions coherently and thoroughly about relevant issues of public concern, and a ten second soundbite is the topic for discussion throughout Trinidad. I must say I am really disgusted with the interlectual dishonesty of some of my fellow countrymen. I understand why the UNC hates this man. But I dont understand why alot of you “un-alligned” hate him.
They get back Kamla and Moonilal just now.
You ever push two friends to fight when you were small?
That is what we do. We really don’t care who wins or loses or the ramifications thereof, what’s important is the spectacle of the fight!
So raising an issue with the actions of the PM constitutes hate?
“un-aligned” is a term people (here) use because they think it makes them look attractive 🙂
I remember the period around 2009 into 2010 and the general public sentiment that lead this country to echange it’s most successful PM for its most dishonest and corrupted. We Trinis love to be attracted to bad house while living in good house. I’m not saying it’s wrong to make fun of politicians since many times they deserve it but what I’m saying is that I have yet to see any discussion on social media about the major subjects discussed and all I’ve seen is a flood of sh!t about who propositioning Feine. It’s really sickening the stupidity of this country now.
Especially when nobody eh tackling Faine!
🙂
Two flippin hours where everything was discussed
From the Economy to Crime and Criminality to issues of recent public importance ie Ghost Oil etc. Hell the man even talk about Weed and LGBT issues. And we here discussing a ten second sound bite about “taking ah seasonal drink”.
Sometimes I does think UNC paying everyone except me for control/directing of public sentiment.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s the tap water.
Obviously *not* a tackle, whatever it was…whether it is befitting a PM…do we want to go there? Really, after KPB, we now want to censor the things that should come out of a PM’s mouth? (politically motivated naysayers must really love this) Anyway, I got on my soapbox on the original thread…in case anyone cares to go read.
Steupsssssszzz
Man say “well is Christmas time we should have some drinks then”. He could just as easily have been speaking to both Juhel and Faine. How is that gross?? If Lasana say he want to take the discussion to a social level I expecting him to bring beers?
I looked at it a few times. It certainly didn’t seem like a “don’t blush baby” moment. Maybe the fact that he was smiling when he said it could have given some people the impression he was hitting on her. But dam if that way of joking is in his personality he would have a lot of work to do to satisfy the haters yes. If was Juhel Brown asking the question and Rowley said something like ” well if yuh talking SOCIAL yuh shoulda bring some beers!”. Would people think he was hitting on Juhel? Would Juhel have felt uncomfortable?? And it’s not even a one on one interview? I honestly think he was trying to be funny. Probably don’t realise that with all the buzz about the “silence breakers” and the whole sexual harassment scandals you have to mind extra Ps and Qs now.
Rose-Marie Ingrid Lemessy-Forde, sorry but not giving him a pass. We -and hin-have been down this road before so he fully well is aware of what he is doing and the consequences-to change the public dialogue.
But say what. Seems a murder rate of plus 466, increase in unemployment, rising cost of living are not affecting him so he has every reason to be jolly in this festive season.
As for the rest of the citizens who are affected by these issues, and consider the response insensitive at the least, well what do they know. They MUST be UNC.
Nerisha I hear you. But I’m not analyzing de man political performance eh. I was commenting specifically on the 1 minute exchange with Faine.
Ihu. But even your comments about the silence breakers points to just how socially and politically ignorant he is-deliberately or otherwise.
As for all who pointed out that in the long interview, the media and public focused on a part of the interview, what do they expect? The solution is very simple. If you want the public and media to focus on the pertinent parts of the interview, all he had to do was keep the conversation there. Not hard all all. Or is it?
Yeah but Nerisha try this. Pretend the PM was responding to something Juhel Brown said about taking the discussion to a social level. And the PM told him well is Christmas where de drinks???. It’s the same thing. I think people reading more into his statement than it needs to be. His response wasn’t out of context. He could easliy have directed that to the other reporter and people wouldn’t bat an eyelid. It wasn’t like Chris Gayle interview
Ihu
But Rose-Marie Ingrid Lemessy-Forde, if i make a comment to a male coworker and I make the same comment to a female coworker there could be different ramifications. The PM is not 11 years old.
I agree with Nerisha Mohammed, if we want the focus to remain on the substantive issues then keep the discussion there.
Could you have seen Mr Manning saying something like that to a female reporter during an interview?
Nigel Noel, I do understand the point Rose-Marie Ingrid Lemessy-Forde was trying to make-taking the comment in its own.
But there are too many other factors to ignore, which is why I put it into the context of it happening before.
Seems like respect for women and boundaries are not things we demand. One cannot assume another party would find such comments amusing or appropriate.
But it clearly achieved what he probably wanted, that is, to take attention away from the other matters of national impoetance, like crime and the economy for which I hear lots of talk, but little action.
Nerisha Mohammed i disagree with you there, I dont think it was a premeditated act of the PM to change the focus of the discussion. I think he felt he was being cute or funny.
By now, he should recognise that persona does not work for him!
Lol true Nerisha cute for a 69 year old doesn’t really work?
This is why TT can’t move forward. We spend days talking about a totally inappropriate comment by the PM (that was not a tackle), but won’t get out of our comfort zone behind the computer to undertake a sustained and strategic plan against crime, corruption in all its forms or sexual harassment at angostura and other companies. But the cry is always for the PNM or the PM to get t right. All the time! #fixitrowley
The PM answer virtually every question without script for nearly 2 hours and all people could get out of the interview is that comment…just shows that “comess” is all people about…not interested in nation building…just nonsense
So very true. Would love to see just any other politician take up the challenge of a two-hour grilling and come out as FANTASTIC as our Prime Minister did last night.
Would love to hear what Faine Richards felt in her gut to the comments.
And what the male reporter felt believed, saw to be happening.
All very entertaining
The clip is cringe inducing, but the comments following it indicates the intent of the person who edited it.
I admit i was being provocative by the use of the word tackling……..but I posted my question before actually seeing the video and it was based on comments i heard on different radio talk shows this morning
I cannot help but agree with you there Nigel, he botched it again. I just can’t say with any certainty that he was tackling that woman.
Vernal Damion Cadogan, i know that my objections have nothing to do with the PM’s or the reporter’s relative hue and I do not subscribe to what the opposition tried to do during the election campaign.
However having attained the office of PM, i would have expected the PM to modify his actions and not continue to put himself in these situations.
he looked as if he was salivating…smh
WTF! You sick or what? Lasana, whappen to some of your members?
I’ve been on the road a lot last 48 hours and haven’t seen social media much.
Reynold F. Ollivierre I’m struggling to think of any context where that behavior is acceptable.
What the hell is up with that?!
I’m no Rowley fan, but this trend is a continuation of the Parliamentary smear campaign presided over bu then Prime Minister Bissessar when her MPs lined up and besmirched not just Rowley, but his father as well accusing both of rape even though the alleged victims have categorically denied this.
What some of Rowley’s detractors attempt to do is utilize the stereotype of the brutish black man praying upon the virtue of women (usually of a lighter complection or other ethnicity).
It is disgusting and it does not go unrecognized.
Thank you. Thought was I was the only one seeing this for what it is! Pathetic
When you see it and you get that sick feeling in your gut never doubt it. We perpetuate some of the same stereotypes here that we ALL condemn white people for perpetuating abroad.
More and more we find people forming opinions before considering and often even in spite of the facts. In this case context is key, the interviewer began to ask about “the social climate” and Rowley clumsily attempted to be funny by implying since it’s social perhaps they should have a drink. Now it is important to note that there were three people seated, Rowley the female reporter and a male reporter. I can see how Rowley’s demeanor can lead to speculation that he was being flirtatious, but that might not necessarily be so.
If I were to give him some advice regarding this I would suggest he cast aside all notions of levity when being interviewed by female journalists, it only gives ammunition to those who would promote a particularly distasteful stereotype regarding folks who look like him.
Agree 100%. Do you believe there would be the same ‘storm in a teacup’ if this was said by Justin Trudeau? Let’s not kid ourselves, our people are looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack, and when there is none, they use a grain of straw for effect!
I look like Mr Rowley (not sure which aspect of his appearance you were specifically referring to) but I think the comment was inappropriate and not what I expect from my PM…………but it seems that my view is in the minority!
Don’t get me wrong, Rowley fogged that up royally, but I cannot say with any certainty that he was being flirtatious.
As Vernal stated it was clumsy, but people just sat there whole night waiting for something.. ahha..
This reminds me of a lot of reactions to Rowley wining on a young Indian woman one Carnival Tuesday some years back. You would have thought that he had clubbed her over the head and dragged her back to his cave for impregnation!
No, Joel Riley, if you think that Dr. Rowley is gross for whatever reason, that does not make this interaction gross, just because you feel gross watching it.
“Gross” can mean either “Vulgar” or “GREAT” – I think it was the latter – NOTHING vulgar there at all, at all – unless as Spoiler sang decades ago: “Ah say to kill dem dead, is de vice in dey own head.”
it was gross
Men really in trouble.. Just this morning I made a post about men and sexual allegations.. From the time a woman makes a claim, it could be how baseless, it destroys your reputation unless everything on film..
Apparently, even when it IS on film. People are inserting their preconceived opinions about Rowley into this video – this is a prime example of confirmation bias insertion…
So we pick sense from nonsense..
No, we insert nonsense into sense! Haha
How is men in trouble? This clearly posted by a man and for propaganda…
Any real issue can be manipulated… and manipulators come in all shapes, sizes, genders and political affiliations
I just wasted 15 secs of my life (that I will never get back) hoping to see we PM bussin a tackle on Faine..
Oh well
Exactly! ?
How is joking about a drink around Christmas (or Carnival) in Trinidad and Tobago the same as ‘bussin ah tackle’?
cheups
we too bright!
More like dotish
I saw it as him just trying to be jolly .
Chupesss
Oh please
I say the next interview should be in a straitjacket, humming inspirational songs.. then again, some folks like negativity.. 🙂
David Steffan Huggins You’re so right – and I’ll complete your sentence for you …. ignoramuses?
Joel, people will find something in everything he says or does… He continues to make himself available for these..
…necessary…? No a joke is never necessary! But I’d rather have a leader who jokes about alcohol than one who embarrasses the country with drunken behaviour… but let me hush my mouth, the media took plenty HDC houses to ensure that news never reached the papers…
So ppl can conveniently identify ‘inappropriateness’?
Yep – in Trinidad, we coneniently lose our sense of humour, our long established penchant for ‘mamaguy’ and ‘kicksin’ – when our Prime Minister speaks. Wish EVERY Trinidad male was de Prime Minister – then our women won’t be ‘sooted’ at in public any more and no more strangers calling me ‘Tanty’ or ‘Mammy’ and worse yet, when I’m with my daughters telling me ‘Mammy, yuh shoulda have TEN more like dem!” Are these really our men commenting on Dr. Rowley??? LOL
I am shocked that there are people who think it was an appropriate comment to be made by the Prime Minister during an interview!
Hmmm. The things Trinis are shocked at & speaking out against ….. ?
Perhaps it’s a good sign – our ‘upright’ men won’t be ‘wining on any bumsee’ from now ’til Carnival ent?
What comment? Steups . There are so many issues but you ask the man about the golf course statement?? What’s her story ??
Natalia Dopwell Not when it’s Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley. Trinis lose ALL sense of humour (a word that has it’s root in ‘humility’) when discussing our Prime Minister! Bunch of sickoes.
Natalia Dopwell, do you think the comment by Dr Rowley was necessary? Also is this the actions you would expect of your Primr Minister?
That’s why I love Dr. Rowley. This man only has to smile and people think he making a ‘pass’ – he ‘flirting’. WOW – I now have to be careful – wonder how many ‘passes’ I’ve missed – and just took them for what it was – making conversation! ALLYUH GOOD OUI!
Maybe some holding out that he WILL make a pass
His attorney told me that quite back in 2008 — the amount of … Who throw themselves at him.
And my comment has zero to do with faine richards
Please tell me exactly what was tactless about what he said… He made a joke about social drinking… not about sex or the reporter’s body – didn’t ask her to go with him for a drink – he suggested they (there are three persons on camera) share a drink since they are talking about ‘social issues’
It’s a JOKE – are jokes not allowed…?
nah Dr. Rowley must learn tact
Good heavens. What racist comments on the original thread. TT is in a damn sorry state!!
Uuuuh… that’s not ‘making a pass’… not flirting… good Lord… the man can’t make a joke at all…?
I could see this remark being made to a man and nobody would bat an eye…
Fadder!
Could someone show the clip?
Smh
http://www.looptt.com/content/silence-breakers-named-time-magazines-person-year
