“Trinidad and Tobago must now plan for its post peak Covid-19 future within the confines of the ‘new normal’, at least until such time that a vaccine is developed and tested—which could take between 12-18 months. “[…] An important first step in developing the Recovery Road Map must be to …
Read More »Demming: T&T must emerge from pandemic as healthier, more tech savvy nation
April 7th marked the 55th month of Trinidad and Tobago being under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Keith Christopher Rowley and no one could have predicted the current scenario. Not in our wildest dreams did we contemplate that we’d be engaged in a daily tally of deaths versus confirmed …
Read More »Noble: The way out of our mess; what Espinet firing says of our political leadership
Shoshana Zuboff (2019) points to ‘the oldest political questions: Home or exile? Lord or subject? Master or slave? … eternal themes of knowledge, authority and power’. This week, with the firing of Wil Espinet, we are confronted with the same issues. Saddened by the crime situation and having had to …
Read More »Chambers of Commerce criticise ‘invasive’ Unexplained Wealth Bill, urge Govt to hold consultations
“The very invasive legislation seeks to investigate property owners, business persons and others with accumulated wealth as to the means in which they are acquired… “The Joint Chambers do acknowledge the present administration’s drive for transparency within the private economic forces that service our nation. We would also hope our …
Read More »Demming: Rend your hearts and not thy garments! Legal Affairs should loosen dress code
Recently I witnessed an act of discrimination at the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Two people were not allowed to enter the building because of their dress. One was wearing mid-calf jeans and the other had jeans with horizontal tears. In my own case I was only allowed in because I …
Read More »Why for the upper class, silence is golden; Perry rebuts Aboud on cure for public ills
After digesting Gregory Aboud’s insightful commentary in the Trinidad Express, it behooves me to offer a retort. His “Silence of The Elites” piece is chicanery masked as concern for country and changing the status quo. Aboud may genuinely believe that he is offering a compelling and emphatic critique of his …
Read More »Vidale: Closing Petrotrin’s refinery does not address issue of state-instigated corruption
It has now been more than a week since it was announced publicly that Petrotrin’s refinery would be closed down. We have been bombarded by information which can be classified as facts, alternative facts and outright fake news. Interpretation of this information has been shrouded in hues of red and …
Read More »Smith discussed suppression of ‘sexual harassment’ in controversial settlement; Dumas slams AG’s defence of NDO
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith could face scrutiny over his role in what was effectively a sexual harassment case at his ministry. Documents, audio recordings and witness accounts provided to Wired868 point to a clear pattern of inappropriate behaviour by the Diego Martin Central MP. Smith, ably …
Read More »Dear Editor: SPORTT employees are working under inhumane conditions
“This Company has been spinning top in mud since the investigation into the eight people—who were sent on administrative leave—began… “Since [those suspensions] it is as if the heads currently running the Company do not give a damn about the staff!” The following letter, which was copied to Sport Minister …
Read More »Congratulate Rowley?! It’s his fault! Fixin’ T&T slams PM on Marlene fiasco and gov’t weaknesses
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is still being commended by some for taking decisive action in firing Ms Marlene McDonald for a second time. If Dr Rowley had any appreciation for the philosophy that “politicians serve their party best when they put their country first”, Ms McDonald would not have …
Read More »The other side of powerful: Tenderpreneurs, community leaders and the link to violent crime
Last week’s column raised the issue whether each of the two main political parties are captive to the power wielded by wealthy businessmen. I did so in the light of Mario Sabga-Aboud’s boast about the power that his community had. I also made sure to include in my inquiry the …
Read More »Barrow wheeled over to Social Development; PS transferred after Tobago spending spree
Natasha Barrow, formerly the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs’ Permanent Secretary and Sport Minister Darryl Smith’s personal travel agent, is on the move in the first notable fall-out at the MoSYA after last month’s infamous Tobago splurge at the Magdalena. Barrow authorised a TT$92,000 bill for 12 ministry officials—including Sport …
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