Not Condemning: What was point of President Weekes’ “Laventille Nights” visit?

Curiosity got the better of me last Friday—on 8 June 2018—and I chose the much publicised “Laventille Nights” with our first female President, President Paula-Mae Weekes, over my usual Friday evening lime with friends.

I wasn’t sure if it was at Beetham or Sea Lots but the flashing blue lights, as we drove near the area, signalled the Police’s presence in Sea Lots. We worked our way through the narrow streets to the Sea Lots Basketball Court and I counted eight marked police vehicles, several heavily armed police officers and seven dark tinted SUV-type vehicles.

It was just after 8:00pm and the interview had already begun, so we quickly settled into the garden chairs. There was a continuous murmur as the interview continued. The 50 or so children in the audience looked to be aged between five and 11 with a few babies on the shoulders of young women.

In the bleachers surrounding the basketball court sat a handful of young men—conspicuous among them with very visible, heavy gold chains was Cedric “Burkie” Burke, whose appearance at another function with the former president had been front page news.

I commend President Weekes for accepting the request to speak in Sea Lots, however I am unclear about the intended outcome of “Laventille Nights”.

Who does it target? Why 8:00pm on Friday? What difference is it expected to make?

Based on the publicity, I expected a more adult audience and an even more robust conversation.

Curiosity got me there and it was interesting to note the absence of parents coupled with the presence of children who should have been in bed. What would motivate parents to herd their children into a gathering at a basketball court at that time and disappear?

The star moment came when the father of Andrea Johnson expressed his total delight and pride at the accomplishments of his daughter. The necessary thanks were then expressed and the President’s entourage departed.

As the President’s entourage disappeared, the entertainer Voice was introduced and the children became fully awake. When I left, it was to the trailing sound of the famous line in his hit song, “This Is The Year For Love” and I wondered: What has changed? What difference will our first female President make? What is the leverage needed to move our society?

The following evening, I drove past the entrance to Sea Lots and this time, only darkness engulfed the area. There was not a flashing blue light or a uniformed police officer, only a shadowy figure in the distance.

Life continues and I fully expect that the next time Sea Lots residents receive a visit from heavily armed police officers, it will be to quell some disquiet or extract a wanted citizen.

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Dennise Demming

Dennise Demming grew up in East Dry River, Port of Spain and has more than 30 years experience as a communication strategist, political commentator and event planner. She has 15 years experience lecturing business communications at UWI and is the co-licensee for TEDxPortofSpain. Dennise is a member of the HOPE political party.