View Point

“[…] The media release by the heads of judiciaries—that seemed to focus on the leak of the emails and breach of confidentiality, risked thereby missing the critical issue—which is that leaks of that nature occur when there is real organizational stress and upset and institutional integrity is at stake. “[…] …

“[…] Neither African nor Indian communities benefit from this… In cases where division arises unintentionally, accountability must fall on leaders, organizers, media voices and political parties to clarify intent, calm tensions and redirect focus to the real issues. “But if division is deliberately stoked, then consequences must follow. Heads should …

My bossy back demands an extreme degree of planning if I am to venture out. Sitting or standing for an hour or so is about as much as it can take without making the following days painfully unpleasant. But when Jackie Hinkson sent me an invitation to the QRC Art …

A few years ago, Michal Teja captured hearts and titles with his hit song, DNA. At the time, I was living abroad and remember being moved by the line: “freedom in we DNA”. I was moved by that line as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts brewed, and what could be …

Three thousand dollars a month. That’s the minimum National Insurance pension a citizen receives after a lifetime of work. It’s also, for many, the difference between paying for food or medication in a given month—not both. A few weeks ago, more than 22,000 people shared, commented on, or followed my …

A popular quote attributed to Benjamin Franklyn aptly summarises the situation that Trinidad and Tobago finds itself in: “He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.” These cautionary words warn that relying on debt often leads to stress, and the heavy burden of repayment for the person borrowing. The same …

On 30 August 1962, speaking at a youth rally, Dr Eric Williams stated the now famous words: “You carry the future of Trinidad and Tobago in your school bags.” Dr Williams’ address linked our nation’s success directly to education and the development of our youth. And we have much to …

“[…] We are dealing with a very insecure administration here. Lloyd Best would always point out that these administrations come into office pre-collapsed. “[…] Faced with the just demands for food, clothes and shelter, for bread, peace and justice, the ruling class and its representatives in government have opted for …

In 1937 Trinidad and Tobago, life was not easy. Worker abuse, underpayment of workers, and overt racism were not uncommon. The economy was in decline, affected by the great depression globally. Living standards of the working class fell considerably. Conditions were ripe for social unrest—and importantly, for change. There had …

“[…] The old Caribbean fowl thief occupied a strange cultural category. He (mainly men were the culprits) was a criminal, a nuisance, folk trickster, survivalist, but rarely an existential threat. He stole chickens, your pet birds, mangoes, goat, maybe coconuts. “[…] What many people mourn today is the transition from …

I write on behalf of the thousands of working men and women of Trinidad and Tobago who spent their entire productive lives contributing to the National Insurance Scheme, only to retire on a minimum pension of TT$3,000 per month. Three thousand dollars. That is what a lifetime of work is …

Monday morning, 5:45am, Curepe junction. Three maxis pass me—full. Fourth stops. Driver leans out: “Only Sa Wa.” I begged to get to Port of Spain. Got to work 20 minutes late again. Conductor short-changed me. I didn’t even bother to argue anymore. I understand why UNC supporters say rail costs …