In a recent media interview, the interviewee was asked this very direct question: ‘Have you ever accepted a bribe for a firearm?’ Gary Griffith, former commissioner of police, former government minister, former senator, former captain in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force who is now husband, father and private citizen, …
Read More »Dear Editor: ‘Biden’s no better than Trump’; Cuban group wants help to spread the message
“[…] It seemed that (…) the Trump Administration had taken aggression against Cuba as far as it could go. But displaying stunning cynicism, not only did his successor fail to put an end to the criminal policy but he even, in practical terms, reinforced it. “[…] Washington continues to take …
Read More »Noble: As the rich stock up on guns and chariots, who’s looking out for our ‘Avahs’?
Emerging from the cocoon of self-isolation into the streets of West Trinidad has been a thing of wonder. Last week a Lamborghini, a million-dollar vehicle, was sighted in the WestMall carpark. Luxury vehicles of every brand, all less than two years old and costing more than three-quarter million dollars, have …
Read More »Jearlean claims Attong’s disgust at controversial ‘Trinity Triangle’ ads makes her ‘eminently unqualified’ for PolSC post
United National Congress Senator Jearlean John has suggested that new Police Service Commission (PolSC) member Maxine Attong is ‘eminently unqualified’ for the role owing to her criticism of the UNC’s controversial ‘Trinity Triangle’ advertisements in the build-up to the 2020 General Elections. The first video advertisement depicted a young woman …
Read More »A ‘first gen’ story: ‘We sold fruits and veggies at the Arima market, so my sis and I could go to school’
My mother got an A in picking cotton and a B in digging yam instead of the Common Entrance Exam. Her grandmother (and primary caregiver) must have thought that that was the better use of her time. Can’t blame her though; she herself couldn’t write and had a thumbprint on …
Read More »Dear Editor: NAR couldn’t keep pre-election promises in 1986, will the PDP be any different?
“[…] I recalled the vociferous demands and protest by the then PSA leadership [in 1986] for an increase in salaries from the Government, while the opposition National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) promised that they would implement the requested increase. “[…] Without an ounce of shame, I note the exact same …
Read More »The Art of Rebellion: ‘A parody of the plight of single mothers’—the story of Baby Doll mas
“[…] Activist Amanda McIntyre believes that the original portrayals of the Baby Doll were a parody of the plight of single mothers and, generally, women—a stark demonstration of how they frequently bear the blame and responsibility ‘for something that is normal and natural: sex and sexuality’. “[…] McIntyre situated her …
Read More »Noble: The guys with the umbrellas; are T&T banks doing their part for the economy?
In 1930, The International Digest offered this quote: ‘A banker, it has been said jestingly, is a man who lends you an umbrella when the weather is good and takes it back when it rains. ‘It would be more correct to say that the banker, at the beginning of a …
Read More »The Art of Rebellion: How Baby Doll was Carnival’s first masquerader for feminist social justice
“[…] Delicate pink or white lace accentuates the dress. Gossamer veils cascade from oversized hats or bonnets tied beneath the chin by a silky ribbon. Supple white gloves, a veil or mask, sheer stockings, and, on the feet, tightly laced Mary Janes—if you own a pair. A doll with rosebud …
Read More »Dear Editor: President Weekes would breach T&T Constitution if she revealed PolSC talks
“[…] In Section 35(c) of our Constitution, it is stated that the President may be removed from office if ‘… he behaves in a manner that endangers the security of the State…’ “It is pellucidly clear that the President is prohibited from sharing sensitive confidential information, with the national community, …
Read More »MSJ: With Covid, murders, and colonial governance, T&T needs Divali more than ever
“[…] As a country, we have the challenges of the never-ending Covid pandemic which is taking a terrible toll in lives lost and plunging families into mourning, an economy that is spluttering along unable to sustain jobs and businesses, huge inequalities of wealth and income… “And a governance system that …
Read More »‘A stellar performer and consummate professional’; Veteran journalist Errol Pilgrim passes away
The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago is saddened to learn of the passing of veteran media personality Errol Pilgrim. Pilgrim passed away this morning at the Eric Williams Medical Complex in Mt Hope after undergoing surgery. Described as a consummate professional by those who worked with him, Pilgrim was …
Read More »