“[…] 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 …
Read More »Dear Editor: Meritocracy myth—your surname and liming circle determines success in T&T
“[…] Social capital trumps educational capital every time. In Trinidad and Tobago’s business and politics, social capital—your surname, your old boys’ club, your Carnival band, your golf foursome—often outweighs your degree. “[…] Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t reward talent. It protects power. It preserves privilege. And it punishes those who try to …
Read More »Dear Editor: Caribbean FAs, like TTFA, can never get sustained success from Fifa grants
“[…] Dependency on global and regional football authorities, and government funds disempowers football leaders in these associations. Leaders often find themselves constrained by the conditions attached to grants or by the pressure to align with donor priorities rather than focusing on their country’s specific football needs. “[…] This dynamic can …
Read More »Dear Editor: Reparations yes, but they must come with responsibility and reform
“[…] To be sure, reparative justice advocacy must also include an honest self-assessment by Africa and the African diaspora about their role in perpetuating continued underdevelopment. “[…] That process would entail seriously confronting well-documented issues, such as corruption, nepotism, and political maladministration, that continue to subvert their attempts at achieving …
Read More »Dr Farrell: Dr Deyalsingh was wrong; let’s stop ramshackle cases for retaining Privy Council
“[…] The accusations of political or cultural bias against our judges are simply not warranted on the facts which I have also researched and documented—and to the extent that it may exist, is certainly no worse than any other jurisdiction, even the United Kingdom. “Let us stop falsely accusing our …
Read More »Dear Editor: T&T Coat of Arms should not be business of any one political party
“[…] It is my view therefore that a decision to alter the Coat of Arms should not have been made by the political directorate at its party convention taking into account the implications for such a change, which is not the responsibility of any political party, but a responsibility of …
Read More »Orson: How to break chains of mental slavery—including pressure of social media
“[…] The term ‘mental slavery’ suggests that even after physical chains have been broken, the psychological and cultural chains imposed by centuries of oppression can persist. “These chains are manifested in the form of internalized racism, self-doubt, and a sense of inferiority that can be deeply ingrained in the consciousness …
Read More »Gilkes: What Emancipation still has not brought us
Those of you who took god out your thoughts and were following my rants over the years know I have been saying the word “emancipation” actually means transfer ownership. And that puts into clearer perspective what dem snakes and soucouyants I was taught to celebrate as humanitarians and liberators were …
Read More »Dear Editor: Enlightened Trinity College students taught nation a valuable lesson
“[…] Some of our citizens, unfortunately, seem to hold the view that the natural hair type of students of African descent and their African ancestry/heritage and culture are not valid considerations in the crafting and implementation of school rules. “[…] It is refreshing that like in 1970, the heroes of …
Read More »Dear Editor: Trinity College’s unchristian, discriminatory policy proves 1970 “revolution” still unfinished
“[…] I have stated before that the ‘Revolution’ that took place in 1970, in T&T, is an unfinished revolution. If we do not continue to educate and sensitise our younger generation on their self-worth then, unfortunately, history is inclined to repeat itself. “[…] How in Heaven’s name could a senior cleric …
Read More »Noble: Indian Arrival Day provides opportunity to reflect on persistent struggle to control immigrants
I am sure you would remember this truism: “Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder!” I accepted this aphorism as a means of teaching that persons could have divergent views about the same incident. Professor Richard Drayton at King’s College, London, in 2011, wrote: “History is not merely reflection; …
Read More »Noble: The golden handcuffs—our love-hate relationship with Trinidad and Tobago
In 1958, the author, John Steinbeck, wrote an essay describing San Francisco as a city with “a golden handcuff with the key thrown away”. The article was a rhapsody about life in that city. On the other hand, we watch our nation slide into a putrid abyss—never leaving but badmouthing …
Read More »