Letters to the Editor

“[…] The US operates with a policy of imperial hegemony—that it and it alone must be in charge. This is expressly articulated in the 200+ year old Monroe Doctrine which essentially says that it can intervene anywhere and in any country in this hemisphere if it is in the ‘US …

“[…] Independence Day is not merely a ritual—it is a vital reaffirmation of national unity, resilience, and cultural pride… Cancelling the Independence Day celebration risks eroding this collective consciousness and diminishing the symbols that bind the nation. “The government’s recent decision to cancel the 2025 parade, citing security risks for …

“[…] Individuals in authority cannot stand before the population and openly claim criminals have weapons of war, the relevant agencies have the information, a SOE was required to disable the threat; and then say the weapon was never found, with no follow up to the population. “How can we the …

“[…] Seek feedback about the performance of your councillors, ask the right questions and most of all ensure that people feel safe to share their views. Do not only focus on councillors and the Corporation’s Facebook pages as community engagement. Getting feedback allows for lateral and divergent views to enhance …

“[…] During public consultations, Minister Wayne Sturge went so far as to suggest that citizens might be justified in shooting police officers entering their homes, since it’s hard to determine if they are actual police or bandits… “[…] Imagine being a police officer, doing your job, and wondering if someone …

“[…] International experience, particularly in the United States, shows that Stand Your Ground laws have not made communities safer. Instead, they have led to an increase in gun-related deaths, encouraged vigilante justice, and worsened social divisions. “[…] Moreover, these laws will not benefit all citizens equally. The high cost of …

“[…] T&T’s education system thus faces two challenges—decades old, but now more pressing in the context of 21st century market requirements and the ongoing advancement of artificial intelligence. “For the top 3%, a system that emphasises rote learning and memorisation is both demotivating and increasingly irrelevant in the real world. …

“[…] While the proponents of this proposed bill argue that these laws will promote self-defense and personal responsibility, critics have raised concerns about increased violence and potential for abuse. “It is against this backdrop, that I humbly seek permission to utilise your column to express my contributions as a citizen…” …

“[…] The psychological impact of long-term oppression can be devastating, leading to a cycle of poverty, social alienation, and continued subjugation. Mental slavery is not just an individual issue but a societal one, as communities and even entire nations can be affected by the lingering effects of colonialism, racism, and …

“[…] The 1990 coup demonstrated that unchecked religious freedom and extreme religious ideologies can pose a direct threat to democracy and civil liberties. This horrendous event is a sobering example of how extreme religious beliefs, if unchecked, can manifest as domestic terrorism. “Freedom of religion does not include the liberty …

“[…] Let us be clear: the perpetrators of July 1990 were not patriots. The true patriots defended the Constitution and safeguarded our Republic, some at the cost of their lives, others bearing wounds and trauma to this day. “[…] Today, three months after returning to office, I reaffirm my Government’s …

“[…] Almost daily, the discourse has been filled with opinions on Cepep and Cepep workers: UNC/PNM supporters, radio commentators and newspaper columnists present opinions and arguments on one side or the other. “These are all useful for taking the public temperature. But, after nearly 20 years of Cepep, absent from …