Côté ci Côté là TnT

Ethnic pride in Trinidad and Tobago | A Blessing or a Curse?

2011-11-26T19:11:00.007-05:00

This is a Guest Post by my friend Dorrick Nurse aka Dancerboy from the Wack Radio Shoutbox. He is passionate about our homeland and very concerned about our current race relations. The article is presented here for your dissemination.

Here is the article:

There is a heightened awareness of ethnic pride in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. There has always been the Chinese Association; exclusive clubs like the Queen's park cricket club, hockey teams such as Casuals and Shamrock which were exclusively local whites. However, those ethnic groups were in the minority (and still are). Estimates put the current ethnic composition at, East Indians, 40.3%, Afro-Trinidadians, 40%, 18% mixed, 0.6 % white, and 1.2% Chinese and other, which will also include a diminishing Amerindian ethnicity. Whilst ethnic pride is admirable, it’s anathema (a person or thing accursed or consigned to damnation or destruction) to nation-building in a small country as T&T, with two major ethnic groups.

In the US, ethnic pride flourishes, e.g there is the Italian-America, Afro-American, German-American, Chinese-American, and several other ethnic hybrid. Ironically, one does not hear about “White-American”, or “Caucasian-American”, because they are seen and recognized, not only as the dominant, but the ruling elite. All other hybrid ethnicity's, though holding on tenaciously to their identity, are blended into one big “Melting Pot”. Unfortunately, in T&T there is no such “Melting Pot”, so the ethnic ingredients rather than being blended, are being coagulated separately. And this is a recipe for disaster.

Given the numerical equality of the two major ethnicity, and their distinctly different social, political, and economic approach to life, there will be an inevitable jostling for ethnic supremacy. This jostling for ethnic supremacy could lead to unsavory divisions. I hope, and pray that my prognosis is off base.

In Toto (in all), I hope the politicians (all politicians) would get together, and have a frank and honest discourse on this potentially explosive development. This is not a pinprick, it could lead to people being pilloried.

We need to heed the Jamaican’s Motto: "Out of Many, One People". That’s the only way forward to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

Santiwah:

Unless we realize that nation building does not and should not adhere to political beliefs (as in PNM are for people of African ancestry and PP is all about East Indians) then we will remain mired in the mud volcanoes of the 'Devil's Woodyard' still foolishly 'trying to spin top in mud'. These politicians talk about integration but continuously use race to divide for political gain. In TnT, instead of coming together, there appears to be a further division in the society based on race.

In DB's article the bracketed words in purple were added for clarity and simplicity by Santi.

Foolish Man and his Dream!

2011-11-17T21:52:00.005-05:00

Patrick Manning must believe that the people at the helm of the People's Partnership are as foolish as he was to call general elections before the required time as he did. He paid the ultimate price and lost control of not only governing the country but also the leadership of his party. Now he is brazenly 'begging' the People's Partnership to do the same... As a good Trini would say: "I nevah see more foolishness!"

Here is a clip from the Trinidad Express: SoE has failed, call general election, says Manning

The People's Partnership government must call a general election because the State of Emergency has failed, former prime minister Patrick Manning said yesterday.

Speaking at his third press conference called at his Coffee Street, San Fernando office, Manning, who has twice lost snap general elections that he called, said the State of Emergency was the government's ultimate weapon.

"If that has failed, what you are saying to the national community is that I have fired my best shot, it has not worked, I have no other shots to fire, and the time has come for the population to decide what it wants to do. That is the only way forward."

Good luck with that wish Mr. Ex Prime Minister. This is one wish Santa would not be granting for this Christmas!

Drink It Up (Break-In-Trance Riddim) - Umi Marcano

2011-11-15T22:43:00.002-05:00

I just can't believe those naysayers who are crying down Trinidad and Tobago's music. Damn 2012 is already on fire and this Umi Marcano's song on the Break-In-Trance Riddim will burn down fete after fete after fete!

This music solidifies the talent of Madmen and to be honest I will be drinking the Kool-Aid when it comes to supporting the work of Madmen the upgrade (of course). Now in order for song to be a hit you don't just need good music but a talented singer is also essential. One cannot say anything about the testosterone flowing in Umi's body. The young man is a stud in any producer's stable. He can blow and man did he sing on this one.

I endorse this track and expect good things regarding the tracks success. This one should cross borders and move across the Carnival scene into the clubs. It has the potential to be a hit in Europe first and then gradually seep into the hearts and minds of the Americans whom are now gravitation to Island Pop music. This one has that sweet techno beat to it and is fast paced in typical West Indian Style but not too fast for the North American circuit. I love this song!

OK, so you got the feeling that I really like this one... it is presented here for promotional purposes only. Enjoy!

Umi Marcano – Drink It Up (Break-In-Trance Riddim) (Island Pop) 2012 ((Brand New)) Album: Madmen The Upgrade Produced,Mixed & Mastered By: Madman Johann For Madmen.

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Drink It Up Umi Marcano Break-In-Trance Riddim

D'Curfew is Over | Let the Fetes Begin!

2011-11-08T00:55:00.005-05:00

Well, it had to come at some time and this is a really good time for the business and entertainment industries that have lost major income because of the Curfew restrictions.
The fete promoters should be ecstatic now that they will be able to promote their "nite-fetes" (Curfew fetes or lockup/locked in parties are over and done with for now). The party scene will be swinging again with all these new songs being released with no venue to flex and relax and lime - now they can.
The lime is on and it will be a mad rush to get the fetes going. Last night Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar lifted the curfew associated with the current State of Emergency. Take a deep breath Trinis but be aware that the State of Emergency is still in effect.

The curfew is over but that does not mean that the government and police will tolerate any lawlessness! New measures will be in place to ensure that during this festive period that the people can conduct their business without fear but that does not mean that the criminals will be resting. The government intends to “We will expand CCTV across cities, malls and vulnerable areas and increase the number of mobile patrols. “We will introduce a range of specifically targeted social and cultural initiatives to strengthen community life. “An employment creation intervention to generate 20,000 jobs in low income communities will begin shortly.”

Now the business of Carnival can start with renewed fervor, the Parang Association can now schedule their competition to the normal times and put an end to the "Daytime Parang" festivities. Hopefully the nation can take a deep breath and begin anew. It is hoped that the crime rate will be kept in check during this period. The government has stated that they reserve the right to implement limited curfew to areas that they consider to be a problem.

Let us hope that the government continues its push against the criminal elements in the society and ensure that there is peace in the land. People need to know that they can, once again, leave their homes and go out and 'take a lime' and return home safely. Let us hope that this is the start of good things for the country.

Photo from the Trinidad Guardian Newspaper. Link to the article here: The curfew is over...but state of emergency remains.

Trinidad and Tobago Achieves Developed Country Status!

2011-11-01T20:13:00.000-04:00

video platform video management video solutions video player

Now this is an interesting development... what do you think about this? Do you think that this is a good development or would it mean more hardships ahead? Give us your feedback using the comment feature on this post.

Traditional Indian make-up turned trendy | Trinidad Express Newspaper | Woman Magazine

2011-10-22T18:01:00.000-04:00

It's Divali time again in our beautiful country, the time that Hindus celebrate light over darkness.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Isn't it amazing how times have changed and what is now en vogue was a big joke a few decades ago? There was a time in Trinidad and Tobago that everything East Indian was a joke in many communities throughout the country.

From the sappat to the way they combed their hair and the foods they ate East Indians had a very difficult time coping with what was considered in style in the country.

One thing in particular that was a joke was the way East Indians dressed and in particular the colors they used. Red and yellow were considered 'Indian colors' and, as such, not in style... If you were caught wearing those colors it had better be in a Carnival band!

Now the trend around the World is make up East Indian style.... I think that all of this is so funny. In Trinidad, it was a joke when East Indians put on their pink faces and colorful eyeliners... they were literally laughed at but look what is happening today!

Today almost everything East Indian (in Trinidad) is en vogue. From the food to the politics today... very interesting indeed!

Fire and Brimstone in Parliament | PM Wades into PNM Corruption

2011-10-18T06:46:00.000-04:00

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar finally went on the attack against the now Opposition PNM. She pointed out the sins of the former government. The clip below is part of the Newsday article. The link to the article is provided below.

Condemning the Opposition for accusing her administration of non-performance, discrimination and corruption, Persad-Bissessar told PNM MPs, “You have no moral authority. You must first atone for your sins.”

Observing that Rowley was again not wearing the PNM’s trademark balisier tie at yesterday’s sitting, Persad-Bissessar claimed that he had “cut his balisier ties.”

Reminding PNM MPs that ten of them were in Manning’s last administration and were silent when Rowley raised concerns about corruption with respect to Udecott and other matters, Persad-Bissessar advised them to remember the words of former PNM government minister Ken Valley who died earlier this year.

“You can run but you cannot hide.”

via www.newsday.co.tt

Shurwayne Winchester's cover of Jiggle It

2011-10-16T18:55:00.002-04:00

Shurwayne Winchester is featured singing alongside Inches for this one.There are three versions of this sound and they all sound good and in my opinion. The original version stands out and no one will be able to say, "hey dis is old, it was done in 2010" - it still sounds good, in my humble opinion.

“I couldn’t believe that it was Shurwayne.” That was the surprise statement uttered by Inches when he told the story about linking up with Trinidadian Shurwayne Winchester who requested doing something with the song - the Jiggle remix featuring Shurwayne was done in BIM.

Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

This is the version featuring Shurwayne Winchester

Inches feat. Shurwayne Winchester - JIGGLE IT REMIX 2012 (song)

Chutney Soca Monarch finals moving to QPS | Trinidad Express Newspaper | News

2011-10-13T01:44:00.000-04:00

Chutney Soca Monarch finals moving to QPS | Trinidad Express Newspaper | News: "Chutney Soca "

'via Blog this'

Now this is very interesting indeed... Chutney Soca moving to "The Big Yard!" Well it was inevitable as the Chutney singers continue to improve and the regular Calypsonians and Soca stars begin to realize that the Chutney Music Market has a great upside to it.

Simply put, the East Indian community will continue to support this event. It has outgrown the base from which it started and is poised to make it's debut as a National event next Carnival.

The promoter of the show hopes to showcase the Chutney Soca boat to the East-West Corridor hoping that the supporters from Central and Southern Trinidad will continue to follow the beat of the Chutney stars into the Savannah in Port- of - Spain.

The Savannah or as we say back home "The Big Yard" is the place to be for Carnival - Welcome to the Chutney Stars!

It is now a criminal offense | Turtle hunting banned!

2011-10-02T00:38:00.003-04:00

This is extremely good news... Didn't you know that the present administration running the country has put an end to the hunting and killing of Turtles in our beloved Trinidad and Tobago? The new law also prohibits the taking and eating of the eggs that turtles come ashore to lay every year. The law itself prohibits the killing, harpooning and sale of turtle meat in Trinidad and Tobago. The law is all about the "Protection of Turtle and Turtle Eggs Regulations".

It is estimated that every year over 6,000 thousand turtles come to the shores of Trinidad to lay their eggs. The Leatherback turtle has now been listed as an endangered species. They religiously return to Trinidad to lay theirs eggs to ensure that the species survives in a very destructive world that does not have any respect for nature's plan. Fortunately the government of Trinidad and Tobago has done the right thing... This is the correct decision, a sane decision that respects the species and sets us aside from many nations of the World. We are a caring people and this new law will surely help.

The newly amended law that also protects the eggs (stated above) falls under Section 4 Chapter 67:51 of the new act approved by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. This is particularly good news for the giant leather back turtles that religiously return to Trinidad year after year to lay their eggs.

The Act sates the following:

“No person shall, at any time, kill, harpoon, catch or otherwise take possession of any turtle, or purchase, sell, offer or expose for sale or cause to be sold or offered for sale any turtle or turtle meat”. He further explained: “As you may be aware, Trinidad and Tobago holds the unique position of having nesting populations of five of the seven species of marine turtles occurring worldwide and has one of the largest nesting populations of Leatherback turtles in the world, second only to Africa.” Bharath said that all turtles were regarded as critically endangered worldwide according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) to which T&T was a party. “What this therefore means, members of the fishing community, is that no longer can turtles be considered a “by-catch”. It is our goal to foster the sustainable use and conservation of fisheries resources, and we urge you to join us.”
Information for this article was obtained from the Trinidad Guradian Newspaper - "Government ends all Turtle hunting"
Photo was obtained from: Google Images

“Unite to End Violence Against Women" | UN Panama Workshop

2011-09-28T06:57:00.002-04:00

Some alarming statistics were revealed in a United Nations report on violence against women in the Caribbean region. The release disclosed that domestic violence across the region was indeed very alarming. Some of the places included in the release depicted the same alarming trend in places once thought of as being free of these activities. Of course crime exists in every society but when it hits at home it becomes a problem that has to be addressed. The UN has decided to do something about it. The have created a campaign named "Unite to End Violence Against women" and have invited 27 artistes from the region that includes the Caribbean and Latin America to participate in a three day workshop in Panama.

The statistics revealed that in 2009 there were 434 reported rapes in Trinidad and Tobago... What? Yes, that is more than one rape per day. Clearly, domestic violence is a problem in the region. We are not alone in the region with violence directed against women. Barbados, The Bahamas, St. Kitts all these countries had alarming rates of violence against women. The article that I read in the Trinidad Guardian newspaper also indicated that "in Jamaica 49 per cent of girls surveyed between the ages of 15 and 17 reported some level of coercion.”

These acts of crime, acts of violence, this gruesome trend needs to be stopped. The artistes invited to the workshop, according to the UN release “will come together and generate compelling messages and other initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for an end to violence against women and girls.”

Representing Trinidad and Tobago are recording artistes David Michael Rudder and Destra Garcia. It is hoped that they will return with messages of hope, messages of peace and love that will have impact on the society at large. These artistes will, though their involvement in this workshop, share their knowledge with other artistes who may, in the end, bring hope and a renewal of love through their music as they pass forward this renewed awakening of love and respect for women and young girls in the societies of the Caribbean and Latin America.

We can only hope that this trend towards violence towards our women, young and old, and even our children does not continue and that as our societies develop we constantly look over our shoulders for instances of violence and report these matters to the relevant authorities to act, to defend, the human rights of these individuals to live with respect and to walk the streets without fear of harm. We can only hope for success!

TriniBago listed on "10 laws to avoid around the world"!

2011-09-27T00:03:00.002-04:00

I was reading an article entitled "10 laws to avoid around the world" from a website named "matador life". Of course I am posting here tonight because Trinidad and Tobago made the list. The following is the post about Trinidad and Tobago as it appeared on the web page... The heading reads, "Trinidad and Tobago: G.I. NO!"

"Whether you’re planning a WWII reenactment or just have terrible taste in fashion, be advised that it is illegal to wear camouflaged clothing in Trinidad & Tobago. The law exists to prevent people from imitating military and other officials. You can be detained and have your camouflage items seized by authorities–that is, if they can find you."

So what is it about this post that caught my eye? I am sure you saw the same thing I did and noticed the same thing that cause me to stir in my seat. It is the final five words of the post: "If they can find you."

Now you can understand why we need to get things right at home and more importantly ensure that the image and results of the security forces have impact not only on the criminals but the World stage. Our image is not good from those on the outside looking in...

No Parang for 2011!

2011-09-26T00:32:00.001-04:00

Well it looks like the current State of Emergency has snared another victim - Parang! Parang as in no parang festival for 2011. The National Parang Association recently cancelled the official launch date that was scheduled for September 17, 2011.

The follow up news in not good. Many Parang bands are reporting cancellation of party engagements, the bread and butter of these bands for the Christmas season. This has nothing to do with the competition but if these bands can't go out and earn income the same will apply for the competition venues. Most of the competitions take place around the country late into the night. This does not bode well with the current State of Emergency and curfew hours that apply from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am.

If the State of Emergency is not lifted then the the National Parang Association should become creative and hold the competition during the day on the weekends. Saturday and Sunday could work. People who love Parang would make the effort to attend. If this is done then they would be able to get the government prize monies that would be needed during this period. Some money is better than none at all!

Yes we love our Parang but we have to obey the laws of the land. It is unfortunate that so many people would be affected because of the SoE. It is an unfortunate situation but I have to say, "Country First!"

Pan-Jazz in the Savannah

2011-09-21T03:29:00.000-04:00

Pan Yards are abuzz with activity as they prepare to challenge each other for this year's inaugural First Citizens International Steelpan-Jazz Challenge. The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper ran an article indicating that top bands Witco Desperadoes, Sagicor Exodus (final year of Sagicor sponsorship), bpTT Renegades and RbC Redemption Sound Setters will challenge each other in a lineup of some of the best bands in the country for Pan Supremacy in the Pan-Jazz music category.

This is not Panorama but the competition has the same feel in the panyards. The size of the bands playing would not be the same as for the panorama competition with bands selecting between 8 and 12 musicians to use whatever selections of pan to get their unique sound. There will be a list of 20 songs to choose from with the preliminary round requisition of one song. Bands selected for the next round will then have to play two songs from the same list. This year marks the tenth year of the Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan and Jazz Festival and will be featured on the following dates: October 1st. and 28th. at the Queens Park Savannah.

The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper article can be read in its entirety at this link: Top bands, arrangers take Pan-Jazz challenge.

Just a Reminder | Trini 2D Bone!

2011-09-20T00:01:00.011-04:00

Sometimes we need to be reminded about the things that make us smile. Sometimes we need to go back to a time and place that makes us feel oh so good! I have been away from sweet Trinidad and Tobago for a very long time but still yearn for the place of my birth.

Sometimes all it takes is the music of a time that felt really good to show us that these troubled times that we are now experiencing will soon past. We need to go back to a time and place that still makes us smile. I love my country, I love my people and if only we can get past our selfishness, racial prejudices and choose instead to show some tolerance then we can return to that time that kept us smiling. If only we can achieve that I know then that we can bring the past into the future for a better Trinidad and Tobago. I love my country... Sweet 'TnT'!

The following YouTube video of Sir David Rudder and Carl Jacobs singing about our homeland is a reminder that we should sometimes ignore the newspapers and do something that brings back sweet good feelings of Sweet 'TnT'!

Trini Good Eh Boi! | Curfew Party "Tawk"!

2011-09-18T12:11:00.004-04:00

"Tinidadians good eh boi"; I say that with emphasis on the way a Trinidadian would interpret it and not its literal meaning of something good had taken place. It means that one should expect anything from a Trinidadian!

Now, having said that, I want to jump right into my segment of "Trini good eh boi" this morning. The recent State of Emergency and the curfew hours that have been put in place have been severely criticized in many circles. This is the opportune moment for persons opposed to the current government or those who like to engage in semantics to jump on the "let's pong dem" parade. We are talking about people living overseas (and at home too) who will criticize for criticizing sake. They will say, "we are not against the State of Emergency just the way it was implemented." They will take the opportunity to suggest that the current "hot spots" selected were not done based on science or facts relating to crime but was based on a race bias.

As I write this (Sunday morning eh) I can recall Damion Melville saying, "I love this place". In this respect I would venture to say I love this place because you have to expect anything and it will make you raise an eyebrow and wonder. Then you will say... "Only in Trinidad these things can happen."

This morning I was following a conversation on the Internet that was meant to poke a little fun at the PP Government.... However, the tone of the conversation changed when "Miss Bake and Shark" had her say. Take a look at the following conversation that took place in an 'open chat service' provided by Chatango this Sunday morning. OK, I changed the names of the persons chatting but let's call them, "Yuh Lie", "Trini Bush Rum" and "Best Sandwich on Maracas beach".

Yuh Lie: "I see Dana Seetahal says its LEGAL to have Lock down Curfew Parties, and the Police are "farse an outa place" to caution against it!! She din use those exact words but it amounts tu dat."

Trini Bush Rum: "Dat is ah smart oman Yuh Lie."

Best Sandwich on Maracas beach: "Last curfew women got drugged and raped in these parties and they could not even run. So a word to the wise is sufficient."

Best Sandwich on Maracas beach: "The public did not know because the victims were ashamed etc. but men perverts caused themselves to be locked in with lots of unsuspecting women just having fun."

Trini Bush Rum: "Why oman cant stay home in curfew time?dey aint have kids /dat why d system is so screwed up."

Yuh Lie: "They still had recourse to the law, as in any other situation, but like you say, caution is needed."

Best Sandwich on Maracas beach: "Perverts use all loopholes to prey on victims especially that they cannot escape. the door is locked."

Best Sandwich on Maracas beach: "Strictly it is not illegal but it is dangerous."

Yuh Lie: "As usual, you are right."

So instead of making Dana Seetahal the morning heroine and the PP government the black sheep this morning, we got a look at the same situation from another person's perspective. This is what we have in Trinidad today. A few looking for any reason to criticize (right or wrong) instead of supporting the initiative of the government to try and right years of mismanagement and wrong doing. It seems like everyone is against the country now from the UN and their recent report comparing Port-of-Spain to Bhagdad to Trinis at home and especially those living abroad who simply don't like the fact that the PP government is in office.

Yes this government may have faltered in the ways and means of implimenting certain aspects of the current State of Emergency. We also know that the secrurity services may over-react when dealing with persons who knowingly or unknowinly break the curfew regulations; however, I must emphasize that we must support the efforts of the government to set things right. The ship is sinking and the bailout, however it is implimented at this time, must but be supported... Are you on board or will you simply bail out on your government and country now?

"Curfew Parties" | Busted!

2011-09-16T09:02:00.001-04:00

The Police are getting into the action but not like the police officers at the Brooklyn Labor Day Parade who were caught of camera wining down to sweet Soca music. In Trinidad and Tobago the police service are now cracking down on the now famous "Curfew Parties". So don't expect any wining to the sounds of sweet Soca music from the Trinidad and Tobago Police or Military personell - it is now going to be a curfew party bust!

The police are aware of the fact that many night club owners have been 'profiting from the curfew' by promoting and staging "Curfew Parties". Things will change quickly and it is expected that the police will be on the lookout for these promotions. The night club owners or promoters of these parties will be fined a considerable sum for staging these events.

Here is the link to an article in today's Trinidad Express about the new role of the Police service as it relates to stopping theses parties: STOP THE DANCE

"Lock Up or Locked in" Fetes in Trinidad

2011-09-15T12:11:00.000-04:00

"Dey cyar stop the party!" Not even the State of Emergency could stop Trinidadians from partying! The latest and greatest innovation for the party scene is to get in before the curfew starts and stay in until it ends - that is the safe thing to do but we are not talking about staying at home.

One one think that the sensible person would head home and stay inside to respect the curfew and be safe. However, Trinis are innovative and their desire to party has created a new type of party scene. Now we have "Locked in parties"!

It is now a joke: Get in before the curfew starts and party until 5:00 am. You are locked in for the party and at the same time avoid getting locked up for breaking the curfew hours. This is very interesting because it says a lot about the people's general attitude... State of Emergency just can't stop the partying. We like to party too damn much; isn't time we get serious?

Well here is an excerpt from an article in today's Trinidad Express Newspapers, "Earlier, a 50-year-old Laventille man was sentenced to 30 days in prison after he pleaded guilty to breaching the curfew, while a homeless man was ordered to pay $1,000 forthwith or spend six weeks in prison." If you break the curfew it can cost you in time spent in jail and also in your bank account. Link to the Express article here: "Don't take the curfew lightly".

I just love my country and my people but they just love to party a little bit too much. The idea is not just to go and lime or to party and have fun but more so to have a story to tell about the day they partied heartily during the curfew hours!

Carnival Gone Crazy | Less is More!

2011-09-15T00:19:00.001-04:00

The word coming out of Trinidad is that three major Carnival 2012 presentations have already been sold out. Trinidad Carnival Diary (triniscene.com) has reported that the bands Tribe, Bliss and Yuma have reached the maximum sales output... So dey say!

Now I have taken a look at some of the costumes designed for next year (online photos) and I can tell you that it will be a sight for sore eyes. If only the models on the web pages were the ones on the streets on Carnival day then for persons like me... It would be a heavenly view. However, that is not the case and the masqueraders come in all sizes and shapes. However, it should be noted that Trinidad has some of the most beautiful Carnival masqueraders with the exception of Brazilian Carnival (allyuh could steups all allyuh want but that is the case).

However, have you noticed that the costumes are becoming smaller and smaller? Next year there is a clever ploy in that the top and bottom pieces are very tiny but there is a piece carried on the masquerader's back to give the illusion on 'big mas'. What is even more apparent is the price. Less is more and in this case it is more money. However, that does not seem to deter these revellers. They have already forked out the cash to the point where in September 2011 bands have already closed registration.

Carnival is big business but the only sad thing about it is that the engine that drives the mas is left with very little. The Calypsonians who started it all get a meagre share of the carnival bounty. The steel bands, Soca artists are the engines that create this madness but it is the mas creators whom are raking in the monies.

It has been rumoured that some of the actual costumes have been created overseas (China) cheaply and sold for the Trinidad Carnival at very steep prices. As I mentioned before less is more. They are spending less and profiting more but what about the engine that drives the mas?

What do you think should be done to help bring about some equity and ensure that the Calypsonians, Soca artists and steel bands, all share in the bounty of the Carnival season.

Crime does Pay | Is this the start of Amnesty in Trinbago?

2011-09-14T00:05:00.005-04:00

"Dial 625-4932 or 623-8440 to get out of your life of crime." Source Article: via Trinidad and Tobago News Blog. "Gangsters 'dial' out of crime."

Regular citizens get one number to dial for help and that is 999 but those who lead a life of crime, who indulge in criminal activities get two numbers to call.

Ring... Ring... Ring... Hello, my name is Death and I want to change my life. I understand that you want me to become a productive citizen and earn a decent living. It is unfortunate that I joined that gang and had to kill so many persons. Lord I lost count of the amount of robberies I committed and the persons I capped. However, I am very fortunate to have you as a forgiving father figure for the nation. As of this day I promise to change my life. I am signing up for the program and expect my monthly stipend of $1,500.00 to be deposited to my numbered bank account.

Hello, one has to be fool to think that real criminals will come to this program and disclose their deeds. But then again if I am in charge of that program I would really want to know who I am dealing with and what crimes he or she committed. I understand what they are trying to do but it is a difficult pill to swallow because the headache simply does not want to leave this aching head. Just the thought of excusing these people give me a headache!

Look, Mr. Philbert just enforce the law and become more vigilant. Crime should not be excused. There are too many innocent persons who have lost loved one through criminal activities. We need to get them and punish them. If you want to forgive them then go to Arima and finish the church and become the forgiving father figure you want to portray for the nation. In the interim, as Acting Commissioner of Police , the law abiding citizens of Trinidad and Tobago would prefer if you hunt them down and bring them to justice!

Limers Beware | National past time in jeopardy!

2011-09-13T01:41:00.003-04:00

The Art of the Lime: This is how 'Trinis' hang out... With friends doing nothing or just having a good time talking about anything or everything. It could be lots of fun but could also end up in brawls (especially when alcohol is involved). Most of the time the Lime is all about hanging out and having a good time.

Oh my... Looks like the national past time is in jeopardy with the police now turning their attention to 'Limers' who like to take the practice to the limit regarding the curfew hours. Looks like if the lime is really good it could get you in hot water with the law. The habit of liming late or too close to the curfew start time then trying to beat the clock to get home was address by Deputy Police Commissioner Mervyn Richardson. The following is a quote from an article published in today's Trinidad Guardian Newspaper.

“We have noticed since the curfew was put in place that every night people seem to be ‘liming to the max'. “People will tend to lime until five to 11 or quarter to 11 and in some instances these people either go to a police station and seek a one night pass and some are inebriated with good stuff,” Richardson said.

The message here is a simple one put the brake on the lime because "what sweet in goat mouth does sour in he bam bam!" It does not matter how sweet that lime is one should respect the SoE curfew hours other wise "crapo will smoke yuh pipe"!

Please say it isn't so! |"Most Dangerous in the World?"

2011-09-11T02:11:00.004-04:00

I have finished putting the final touches to a post about "Boy Boy and the Magic Drum" while listening to the bard tell the story in music - the song Magic Drum sung by Machel Montano. I was about to go to bed but decided to take a look at the Trinidad Express before taking a shower and going to bed... This was 1:53 am when I say the article, "POS the new Baghdad". I cringed and groaned after reading the first two paragraphs.

"Trinidad and Tobago now rivals Jamaica as the most violent country in the Caribbean, with the number of annual murders rising sharply from 98 to 550 over the last decade, with some areas in the Port of Spain police division being listed among the most dangerous in the world.

This is the finding of a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) draft report on Human Development and Citizen Security in the Caribbean, which noted, among other things, that the murder rate for Port of Spain was comparable to that of Baghdad.

The report also cites information stating that illegal guns are being rented for robbery and murder for as little as $100 an hour."

via http://www.trinidadexpress.com/

I don't know about most of you who like to say "Trinidad is nice, Trinidad is a paradise", well watch out because the UNDP plans to release this report later this year and it does not look good for people wishing to visit our homeland.

The article in the Trinidad Express has much of the findings that most people have been asking the government to detail recently since the State of Emergency was implemented. If this does not say something about the need for the SoE then what does? I am saddened but not surprised... It is apparent tat there is an undeclared State of War taking place between the gangs of the country with the government protective services attempting to protect the citizens of the land.

These hardened criminals are giving our nation a bad reputation and it will be magnified when the UN publishes that report later in the year. The government is trying to do something about the current situation but there are those who still believe that it is all about race.... Did someone say "God Save the Queen?"

Point Fortin Highway | Signed under the PNM Administration

2011-09-09T10:26:00.001-04:00

"The PM also claimed that the contract for the project was signed under the last PNM administration before the PP Government came into office.' Source article: Trinidad Guardian

There is so much fuss about the construction of this new highway. I have heard so many conversations on the radio where callers have chastised the present administration for proceeding with the construction of the highway. They insist that the monies should be used, instead, to give civil servants the pay raises they 'deserve'.

I have always said that Trinidadians are a difficult bunch to deal with and it is quite apparent that in this situation they want to 'have their cake and eat it at the same time'. I am not going to get myself caught up in the politics or 'politricking' of the day but come on people... Do you think the Prime Minister is telling a lie when she stated that the project was an initiative of the previous administration?

You are damned if you do and the same applies if you don't!

Curfew Hours Pushed Back in Trinidad and Tobago

2011-09-05T23:53:00.001-04:00

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago with a majority vote of 28 to 10 decided to extend the current State of Emergency until the first week of December. The original declaration that was instituted on August 21 will now be extended a further three months. However, The hours of the curfew will now be from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM.

There was traditional politics in the Parliament where we had all government ministers voting to extend the State of Emergency and all the opposition members present voting to prevent the continuation of the State of Emergency. Two opposition members were missing for the vote. Ex Prime Minister Patrick Manning who represents San Fernando East and Patricia McIntosh who represents Port-of-Spain North/St.Anns were absent.

There was drama and some 'picong' (teasing/stinging remarks made in a jesting manner) as government and opposition members went after each other to score points with the citizenry. In the end the government had it way and the emergency laws were extended a further three months.

"It is now or never", said the Prime Minister as she concluded the debate proceedings. She gave notice of a plan of action to deal with the criminal activities in the land. She advised the people that the government was not targeting PNM areas in the country. The Prime Minister assured the nation that “We will continue to target so-called business that supports criminal activity and that are aligned with it and which provide a cover for crime and criminal activities.” Well the nation wants to hear these words but at the same time they want to see the results. Most people think that the government is playing politics and are only targeting the 'small fish' while allowing the 'big fish' to continue pillaging the nation. The blogs and chat boxes continue to say that the current State of Emergency is a joke. The Prime Minister is not concerned about what people think but continues with the belief that the efforts of the government will bring some peace in the land.

The Prime Minister also revealed that along with the State of Emergency and the 'plan of action' efforts will be made to transition the society into one that is peaceful and productive. She spoke about the implementation of social programmes and other ministerial initiatives which the government hopes will give the nation's youth some hope.

The new hours of the State of Emergency will ease the burden placed on the nation giving people enough time to conduct and finish business before getting home in time to their families. Let us all hope the same is not true for the criminals whom are also monitoring the situation.

This part of the year is the lead up to Christmas... Parang festivities will surely be affected by this State of Emergency. I am sure we will be reading about this soon. In the interim let us keep hope alive and leave it all in the hands of those whom are responsible for National Security in Trinidad and Tobago.

New York Panorama Results 2011

2011-09-04T09:09:00.002-04:00

It is Panorama again but not in Trinidad but at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City. This can mean only one thing, Carnival is here again! Yes, it is Labor Day Carnival celebrations in the Big Apple and West Indians are dancing and feting bringing the sounds of the Caribbean to life in the Tri-State area. The West Indian Community with special reference to the Trinidadian sector of the communities know and love the Brooklyn 'steelbands' very well and will be out in force to support "we own tonight". Let's hope the judges don't leave people upset this evening.

It is 'Pan in Yuh Pwefen' tonight and we like it so! Surely it sounds like Trinidad Panorama but the interviews and the voices heard are not the same that we are accustomed to hearing back home. The voices have an American accent mixed in with various 'twangs from the Caribbean diaspora'. It is unique but unusual at the same time. This year, in Trinidad and Tobago, we lost the golden voice of Allyson Hennessy, a voice that Trinidadians identify with Carnival and Carnival broadcasts. Here in New York (this year for the first time) the TCN network in conjunction with the WIADCA presented the events free via the Internet. The voices doing the broadcasts were not familiar but the feel of the event was enough to keep us logged on to the Internet watching the event and at the same time, anticipating the results.

However, one must also keep in mind that the songs played at this competition have already been masterly arranged and heard at Trininidad's Panorama Competition. As a result, there was a very relaxed atmosphere surrounding the competition from where I sat as compared to watching and experiencing Panorama in Trinidad and Tobago (not the Big Yard and not the big name bands that we are accustomed to hearing). The songs were not new and as they say, "been there done that before"! Then again, this is their 'Big Stage|Big Yard' but it is not the Queen's Park Savannah and truly not the real Big Stage that Trinidadians know and love so much. None of that mattered because it was 'Pan' and we love our 'Pan' to the extent that at 2:31 am on Sunday morning I was up watching the final band, Harmony Music Makers, play their final notes to Destra's "Calling Meh". What can I say... I have a weakness for our National Instrument. The following are the results as announced early this morning (time to go and sleep).

2011 Brooklyn WIADCA Panorama Results are as follows:

POSITION 1 Winner
Band Name: ADLIB STEEL ORCHESTRA 458 points
Tune played: Do Something For Pan
Composed By: Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe
Sung By: Sache Alexander
Arranger: Andre White
Tuners: Fitz Worrell / Patrick Worrell / Desmond ‘Mappo’ Richardson

POSITION 2
Band Name: CASYM 456.5 points
Tune played: Doh Be On Dat
Composed By: Arddin Herbert & Ricardo Jones
Sung By: Roland Remy Yearwood
Arranger: Arddin Herbert

POSITION 3
Band Name: D’RADOES 451points
Tune played:Trini
Composed By: Rodney ‘Benjai’ Le Blanc
Sung By: Rodney ‘Benjai’ Le Blanc
Arranger: BJ Marcelle

POSITION 4
Band Name: PAN SONATAS 448 points
Tune played: It’s Showtime
Composed By: Edwin Pouchet/ Alvin Daniel
Sung By: Anslem Douglas
Arranger: Yohan Popwell
Tuner: Bertran ‘Birch’ Kellman

POSITION 5
Band Name: DESPERS USA
Tune played: Doh Be On Dat
Composed By: Arddin Herbert & Ricardo Jones
Sung By: Roland Remy Yearwood
Arranger: Arddin Herbert

POSITION 6
Band Name: CROSSFIRE STEEL ORCHESTRA
Tune played: Trini
Composed By: Rodney ‘Benjai’ Le Blanc
Sung By: Rodney ‘Benjai’ Le Blanc
Arranger: Leon ‘Foster’ Thomas
Tuner: Roland Harrigan

POSITION 7
Band Name:PANTONIC STEEL ORCHESTRA
Tune played: Calling Meh
Composed By: Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore / Mark LoQuan
Sung By: Destra Garcia
Arranger: Keith Roberts
Tuner: Roland Harrigan

POSITION 8
Band Name: SESAME FLYERS
Tune played: Advantage
Composed By: Kernel Roberts
Sung By:Machel Montano
Aranger: Freddy Harris III
Tuner: Anthony Neal

POSITION 9
Band Name: HARMONY MUSIC MAKERS
Tune played: Calling Meh
Composed By: Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore / Mark LoQuan
Sung By: Destra Garcia
Arranger: Eddie Quales

POSITION 10
Band Name: BOSTON METRO
Tune played: Soca Night
Composed By: Blackie
Sung By: Blackie
Arranger: Glen Gabriel
Tuners: Kim Wong & Kevin Griffith

POSITION 11
Band Name: METRO STEEL ORCHESTRA
Tune played: Calling Meh
Composed By: Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore / Mark LoQuan
Sung By: Destra Garcia
Arranger: Cieon Gomez

Band information presented here was obtained from the WIADCA site.

Curfew in Trinidad and Tobago

2011-08-27T19:55:00.000-04:00

It is clear that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago government instituted the State of Emergency to deal with the proliferation of criminal activities and the recent rise in homicides in the country. For too long this malaise that has crippled the society and kept families hidden behind gated homes with burglar proofing has gone on without real action. Well the situation has changed and people are upset. I have stated before that Trinidadians are a bunch of people that 'yuh just cyar please'.

This government will be damned for doing and already we have seen claims of racism with verbal mischief coming from the Port of Spain Mayor who stated that the laws were intended to deal with "black hen chickens". This is clearly a reference to people of African origin as compared to people of East Indian origin. Racism and race politics is still alive and kicking in Trinidad. The PP government is seen as an Indian government as compared to the PNM which is seen as the grassroots party and party of the people of African origin. Nothing much has changed.

In the PNM we have Dr. Amery Brown challenging the Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar "to explain how certain clauses of the state of emergency regulations relate to crime rather than the current industrial climate". The quote comes from an article published in the Guardian online media page and can be read in its entirety here: Amery Brown Challenge! In other words Dr.Brown is stating that the State of Emergency was really called to stop the labor movement from shutting down the country. However, in Newsday we have another scenario that is also interesting to note.

The following quoted passages are from the Trinidad Newsday and here we have a differing view regarding the need for the State of Emergency. Of course it is up to you to determine is this is all trickery to achieve the their goal (government's plan to rid the country of crime or protect themselves from protesting union members) or if the statements are factual. The quote come from the Newsday article entitled: US Raises Alarm.

"Highly-placed security sources told Newsday the Prime Minister was told large quantities of cocaine were entering this country from Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil and for transhipment to the US. Some of the drugs were also been trafficked locally among gangs.

The Prime Minister was also advised by US intelligence agencies that TT needed to deal swiftly with the illegal trafficking because the country was nearing a crisis as guns were being smuggled into communities to gangs fighting over drug turfs, resulting in persons being killed. There was also concern about the trafficking of drugs to the US. Newsday understands officials from the US Department of Homeland Security. On Wednesday, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan admitted that this country was able to avert a national crisis with the declaration of a state of emergency but he declined to give further details.

He said emergency measures came after the recent seizure of $22 million in cocaine but warned that the operation had deeper implications, and had averted further trafficking of an estimated $100 million in illegal narcotics."

via http://www.newsday.co.tt/

Whatever you or the rest of the country may think the rationale for the State of Emergency is or was at the time of implementation the fact remains that the people of Trinidad and Tobago have been on a self imposed State of Emergency for many years now. Crime is rampant and something needed to be done to put a stop to the wanton disregard for the rule of law in the country. This State of Emergency, in my view, was long overdue. I grew up in Trinidad when we left our homes open and went to the local grocery store or parlor and a neighbor "would throw an eye" on the house until you return. I did not grow up in the country that most people live in today. Almost every home looks like a prison with wrought iron burglar proofing on every window and door. This is a shame that hard working people have to spend so much money to build their homes then convert them to virtual prisons to protect their family while they sleep.

Those of you who want to bring race politics into the mix must really ask yourselves what you really want for the future of Trinidad and Tobago. Do you want peace or do you want much of the same to continue? Think about it...

Here is a new curfew song for your listening pleasure. If you don't like it let us know but if you do pass the link on to your friends.

Curfew- Mr King (Canon 45 riddim.)

How many more must die

2011-08-24T11:34:00.000-04:00

From Trinizagada

"Time to party, come leh we party"... It is time to organize the "Curfew Lime"! As we all know, Trinidadians will find a reason to party and this current State of Emergency brings about great expectations for a good curfew party. When one thinks about it a party is time to celebrate and have a good time but with so many deaths over the weekend, how in heavens name can we consider talking about a curfew party or simply to joke about it?

People are talking about getting their curfew pass simply to get to their friends home to lime (some say it costs US $10.00 and you can get one at the local police station); yes, it is about bragging rights and they will brave the 'cut-arse' at the hands of the security personnel patrolling the streets just to talk about it at the next 'lime' (hanging out with friends/socializing). "We eh 'fraid Kamla and that PP government... "So ah bull-pistle or two is nothing to worry about. "They doh like black hen chickens!" Just imagine a mayor making the statement that the PP government is against "black hen chickens". That is a disgrace! Oh, you don't know what it means? Well 'black hen chickens' is a reference to people of African ancestry! So now we have an "Indian Government" in office looking to stifle the goals and aspirations of people of African ancestry - what rubbish!

Most people want something to be done but now that the government has acted decisively it is not the "right thing" for 'John Public'. So my question is this, "how should we solve the problem?" How many more must die before we all say enough! Instead, we have to hear talk on the radio stations that the Commissioner of Police should be fired. Trinidadians are the most difficult people to please, bar none.

On some radio stations just about every Minister without Portfolio is on the air with their 'knowledgeable commentaries'. They all know how to solve the problems causing the sickness that has manifested itself with callous murders and depraved indifference to innocent persons shopping in corner shops (parlours) in broad daylight. They will tell you that they know the culprits bringing in the guns and drugs but "we cyar call names". What a bunch of rubbish. The truth is the bandits know 'who is who' and yes there are corrupted officials throughout the country, including the security services, but no one can or will provide that information. In a very convincing manner, they will tell you that any child knows who is the 'pusher-man' in the neighborhood; and who are the big boys bringing in the drugs, guns and ammunition. I tell you we have a bunch of hypocrites opening their mouths and braying from their backsides. If the government does good they (detractors) will find something wrong to attach to it and when something goes bad it is magnified.

I guess the deaths over the weekend (eleven in total) mean nothing because it does not hit home. So what do we do? We joke about it and organize a curfew party! When will we realize that this is about saving our country, it is about nation building and has nothing to do with your political affiliation. If we stop the crime the country wins and we all win. So how many more must die before you shed your political affiliation and become a patriot of Trinidad and Tobago? Watch the music video that comes to you compliments of Google YouTube... The lyrics are meaningful in this time of distress.

Limited State of Emergency in Trinidad

2011-08-22T14:03:00.004-04:00

Breaking News Out of Trinidad!

From: www.trinizagada.com

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the nation tonight and announced a limited state of emergency in the crime infested areas of the country. The State of Emergency goes into effect from 12:00 midnight tonight after the President signs the document making the declaration effective immediately.

This means that the military will now augment the police service and will patrol the crime hot spots with a mandate to seize and arrest persons caught breaking the law. This act by the government will be severely criticized even though it was expected for some time now. The limited State of Emergency will last for 15 days and could be extended after consultation with Cabinet regarding the effectiveness of the 'lockdown'. Accordingly, there will be in place a curfew from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am.

The country is heading in the wrong direction with a spate of killings that is mind boggling. We can only hope that the government and people of the country can put a stop to the mindless killings taking place every day. If they can't then only divine intervention could help Trinidad!

Pat Bishop | Deceased!

2011-08-20T21:09:00.003-04:00

Breaking News From Trinidad!

It has been reported on Wack Radio that musician and artist Pat Bishop died today. The station did not provide any details regarding the cause of death. The Steelband fraternity will surely miss Miss Bishop; she was the musical conductor of the Witco Desperados steel orchestra when it performed at the prestigious Carnegie Music Hall. Miss Bishop received the nation's highest award, 'The Trinity Cross" - she will be missed.

Woye Beti | David "Heshimu" Graham

2011-08-11T16:17:00.002-04:00

This is one of my very favorite songs ever! David "Heshimu" Graham of WACK Radio fame (Pan in Yuh Pwefen) really put the beat to the lyrics of Woye Beti. Today we reflect on a life that is mashing up the heavens - gone too soon but will live on in our hearts forever! Heshimu, we know that you are singing your songs of joy in Heaven! I am sure that you have the angels grooving to Woye Beti!

From Youtube: Woye Beti

"Top Rankine Trinidad Productions presented "A World Music Explosion!" on Saturday 23 January 2010 at 110 Jazz & Calypso Lounge in San Fernando, Trinidad. This is David "Heshimu" Graham performing his Chutney song entitled "Woye Beti."

Lady Adana | "Are you ready for the truth?"

2011-07-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Mash Up D'Place | Iwer George | 2011

2011-07-25T01:12:00.003-04:00

Haul Yuh Mudda Ass!

2011-07-19T18:51:00.003-04:00

Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained #84

Yuh is ah Trini | "Haul Yuh Mudda Ass!"

Look nah, get away from me! In other words and not to kindly said, "Haul yuh mudda ass"!

This is a case of pure anger and frustration coming from a very annoyed person who just cannot tolerate the behavior of another person. Plain and simply put if you don't get away from me, if you don't stop harassing me or if you don't adjust your idiotic behaviour I will 'hurt you'. So to avoid all of the above just 'haul yuh mudda ass' - get away from me!

There is one thing to keep in mind regarding the trinidiom above. The use of the word "mother" is very significant. "Say what yuh want about me but meh muddah... Now yuh looking for trouble." Indeed there were many brawls that took place 'back in the day' because of insults hurled that included the word 'mother'. Insulting a persons mother is the ultimate insult and one that could cause friends to become instant enemies.

Indeed the use of the word 'Mudda' (mother) not only shows that one person has total disrespect for the other but in this case they are so upset that they use a broad brush to paint their anger for the other person. By using the mother theme to tell someone "to hell with you" puts the anger and resentment in another category (a higher degree of annoyance).

However, one must take into consideration the time and place and the environment that one uses this trinididiom. The society today is not as tolerant as we used to be. 'Back in the day' one may have been able to get away with a fist fight but today too many youths are in possession of guns - so be aware. Just in case you don't like this post then... "Haul yuh mudda ass" from here... Just kidding!

Trinididioms come to you via www.trinizagada.com under the category, "Yuh is ah Trini"

Fantastic Friday 2011 | Groovy and Power Soca Finalists

2011-02-20T23:08:00.002-05:00

The Big One is coming soon and the artists are gearing up for one of the best shows ever! On Friday March 4th. 2011, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch finals will be contested. Shurwayne Winchester will defend the Groovy Title while Jason Williams/Ancil Isaac aka JW & Blaze will defend the Power Soca Title.

The Power Soca Monarch Competition is sponsored by Bmobile phone while the Groovy Soca Monarch is sponsored by 'Play Whe'. There are other 'minor' sponsors but the two mentioned above have their names attached to the title of the sponsored competition. This year the prize money for the winner/winners of each competition is $2 Million dollars compliments of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago!

Take note that this year the songs have been very good and not just a few but the majority. The buzz is that Machel Montano is back and all eyes will be on him when he competes for the Power Monarch title. The following is the list of finalists and it comes via the official Soca Monarch website.

Here is the link: via SOCA MONARCH

GROOVY CATEGORY

1. Denise Belfon aka Saucy Wow

2. Kes Dieffenthaller aka Kes

3. Kerwin Du Bois

4. Destra Garcia aka Destra

5. Roderick Gordon aka Chucky

6. Keon Heath & Roger Joseph aka Yankee Boy & Patch

7. Anthony Hendrickson aka All Rounder

8. Rodney Le Blanc aka Benjai

9. Jahmoun Mendoza

10. Patrice Roberts

11. Dexter Stewart aka Blaxx

12. Cassiano Sylvester aka Cassi

13. Megan Walrond

Defending Monarch: Shurwayne Winchester Shurwayne Winchester

POWER CATEGORY

1. Ian Alvarez aka Bunji Garlin
2. Andy Armstrong aka Blood
3. Nadia Batson / Patrice Roberts aka Nadia/Patrice
4. Ravi Bissambhar aka Ravi B
5. Wilt Cambridge aka Talpree
6. Gamal Doyle aka Skinny Fabulous
7. Destra Garcia aka Destra
8. Neil George aka Iwer (The Boss)
9. Fay-Ann Lyons aka Fay-Ann
10. Stevenson Marshall aka Shal Marshall
11. Machel Montano aka Machel Montano HD
12. Tian Winter aka Tian 13. Michelle Xavier

Defending Monarch: Jason Williams / Ancil Isaac JW & Blaze

2011 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO OFFICIAL CARNIVAL SOCA RELEASES

2011-01-05T01:27:00.004-05:00

The music attached to this player was compiled and presented by Julian from Islandmix. Julian always does a fantastic job and has the tracks on Islandmix long before the radio stations catch the wave. If you wish you can catch more of Julian's work at this link: Islandmix/Julian.

Playlist Name: 2011 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO OFFICIAL CARNIVAL SOCA RELEASES

Last Chance (New 2011 Groovy Soca) | Kevon Carter

2011-01-01T00:34:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone...This is the music of Kevon Carter a Trinidadian who is exploring the groovy side of Soca. This young man's voice is silky and smooth and will have the young ladies adoring him.

"The singer/songwriter and musician, was born and raised in the twin isle of Trinidad and Tobago, and has embarked on an independent music career in New York City - his current residence. Throughout his musical hustle over the past four years, Kevon has opened up for reggae acts such as Buju Banton, Super Cat, and Barrington Levi at Madison Square garden in 2008, and continues to showcase his versatility in his original compositions even more ever since." Source: Facebook

This is the type of music that the North American audience will gravitate towards. The Power Soca for the Carnival festivities is a must but to penetrate the North American market we need more Groovy Soca music like "Last Chance". Trinizagada starts the new year with the Groovy side of our Soca music. Enjoy Kevon's music and let everyone know that Kevon Carter is the real deal!

Black Eye Peas for Good Luck on "Ole Year's Night"

2010-12-31T17:09:00.001-05:00

Trini Saying: “Eat peas on New Year’s day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year.”

Every Trinidadian knows that on "Ole Year's Night" better known as "New Year's Eve" everywhere else must be ushered in with a plate of black eye peas peleau.

In order to ensure that good luck follows the individual for the rest of the year the first food has to be black eye peas and this is not a tradition for Trinidad and Tobago but one that has been around for a very long time around the World. However, in Trinidad and Tobago it is done in traditional peleau style. Having said that my personal delight for this pea is to enjoy it fried. Yes boil it until soft then fry it... "Dat is the dam ting self!".

The following was taken from an article in Newsday dated December 31, 2008:

"Tonight, thousands throughout the country will be getting ready to ring in the new year . In the traditional way. If you are planning on visiting friends and family, it is likely you will be offered black-eyed peas in some form, either just after midnight or on New Year’s Day.

Here is how to prepare it:

Trinidadian Black-Eyed Peas

1 1/2 cups black eyed peas

four cups parboiled rice

meat of choice

chopped chive

chopped pimentos

chopped onions

chopped spanish thyme

chopped celery

two tablespoons sugar

chopped parsley

chopped bhandhanya (chadon beni)

1 carrot, diced

1 cup diced pumpkin

three cloves of garlic

whole pepper

3 1/2 cups water

1 cup coconut milk

1 tsp salt (optional)

two tablespoons cooking margarine

pinch of black pepper

If using dried peas, soak the peas overnight in three cups of water. Drain. Bring three fresh cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add the peas. Cook until tender and drain and set aside. If using canned beans, drain, rinse with cold water, drain again, and set aside.

Heat the oil in a heavy, deep pot. Add the sugar and swirl in the pot; allow it to caramelize to a dark brown colour. Add scalded pig tail, ham bone or your choice of meat and stir well to coat. Lower the heat to medium and add seasonings. Cook for one to two minutes, stirring constantly.

Add rice and water and stir pot to integrate all contents until pot starts to boil again.

Maintain moderate to low heat so that the pot continues cooking. Add coconut milk and stir periodically to ensure even mix and cooking of rice.

Add 1/4 cups of hot water as necessary until rice is cooked and grainy (Basically as the rice slowly swells the water level will drop). On low heat allow pot to continue to simmer until moisture disappears.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,92650.html

"Dance and Dingolay" | Denise Belfon

2010-12-27T21:33:00.003-05:00

Hear dis nah... Dis chune will mash up de place! Smarty say so... Chut man dis Shango rythym is seriously infectious. I say kudos to Denise for a fantastic delivery. This copy on Youtube lacks the high end and may sound a little flat but after listening to the track on WACK Radio (www.wackradio901fm.com) I am sold and believe that this is the "mash up pick" for the upcoming Carnival (to date)!

Now if you believe that Trinis are the only ones with the wicked riddims (rhythms) then you are dead wrong. This beat comes from the Isle of Spice. It is called the Swahili Riddim and was produced by Andrew 'Hitz' Phillip. Andrew is a born and bred Grenadian producer/songwriter who had first major single sung by Blaxx of "Roy Cape Allstars" entitled Zombie. The hook that follows 'Hitz' is simply put: "My Life, Your Entertainment"

Information sourced from Youtube and REVERBNATION

Pan Fraternity Mad as hell it Culture Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters!

2010-12-16T00:54:00.002-05:00

Can you envisage Carnival without Panorama? Yuh mad or what? Well this is exactly what Pan Men are considering after reviewing stinging statements made by Culture Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters. Is it on or is it off and will the Minister apologize to the Pan fraternity? The Minister is talking tough and at the same time pointing fingers at Pan Trinbago as it relates to its management of the Panorama festival and cash flow issues.

The pan men are upset! The minister is upset and when the public becomes upset then the entire show will turn 'ole mas'. What will carnival be without Panorama? The greatest show on Earth for Pan takes place every year in Trinidad. The talent and creativity is beyond words. Hours spent at nights rehearsing and running drills to get the song right for competition for the right to be called the best in the land may not happen in 2011 if the pan men and Minister can't come to an agreement. The Minister has the funds to make the competition work. The Pan men want the funding but the Minister wants the Pan Trinbago to become autonomous. This is good but someone who can plan and forge ahead in a different direction needs to step up to the plate to make this happen. This statement by the Minister seems to have caught the Pan Fraternity off guard. They expected nothing but cooperation from someone who they believed understood the plight of the pan man and someone who comes from a group that creates the music for the pan. Is the Minister wrong to want Pan Trinbago to become less dependent on Government funding?

The answer is no, he is not wrong but to do it 'cold turkey' will not work even in poor financial times (even if the government is stressed for funds). Minister Gypsy is spending money to rebuild stands (temporary?) in the Savannah for the Parade of the bands and calypso finals but is brandishing his sword with the Pan Fraternity. This strategy, at this time, will back fire on the minister since the Pan Competition is the heart and soul of the Pan Fraternity. People come from all over the world to see and to be a part of this competition. Players come to Trinidad to participate, to learn and to take back to their countries the experiences of the Panorama festival. Panorama is not killing the pan movement... It is the mismanagement by the people in charge that has created the problem that the pan movement faces today. Accountability is essential and no one seems to be able to account for the monies that the government has poured into this organization year after year. "Whey de money gorne", has been and will continue to whispered but not spoken in public.

Change is good but not all change is good. There needs to be some form of compromise and proper organization that involves the Pan Fraternity, the Government (Culture Ministry) and the Private Sector. Carnival fuels the economy and the Pan Movement is part of this engine that drives the carnival festival. Pan men should benefit but not only from government funding. The competitions are always packed... What happens to the monies collected at these events? The Government allocates prize money and yet still we have money issues. The minister has reason to be concerned and so too should the management of Pan Trinbago.

Pan Trinbago needs a new business model to progress. How should this be done? Well all interests concerned should come together and brainstorm for the betterment of steel pan. Maybe the government should have a say in the daily operations of Pan Trinbago, maybe a private entity should be employed to come up with a sustainable business model for the steel pan. Pan Trinbago, thus far, has not been able to create this business model. Help is needed before the Minister cuts funding and carnival will not hear the beat of an iron or the tuning of a pan or notes of music when night falls. This may just end up in the hands of the Prime Minister!

Asa Wright Nature Center | Arima, Trinidad

2010-12-15T15:21:00.000-05:00

Trinidad boasts of an ecological diversity unmatched in the Caribbean and the east coast is a prime example. Featuring protected wetlands and miles of fine brown sand, this five and a half hour tour allows you to travel to the fascinating Asa Wright Nature Center. Here, you will experience rich bird life such as the Ruby-topaz humming-bird and the tufted coquette.

Highlights

Half day trip to the Asa Wright Nature Center

Ecological diversity

Rich animal life

Exotic flora and fauna

Hotel pickup and dropoff

Visit the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre, a 200-acre (800,000 sq.meter) bird sanctuary and conservation center located deep in the hills of the Northern Range. Following the 1.5 hours drive to the nature center, you will be met by your knowledgeable guide for an informative nature walk through the lush tropical forest with its exotic trees and colourful flowers.

While actual sightings are not guaranteed, you'll want to keep a watchful eye out for exotic birds such as toucans, manikins and hummingbirds as well as graceful butterflies that live in this unique environment. Following your 1.5 hour nature walk, allow us to return you to your Port of Spain hotel.

Source: http://www.viator.com/tours/Trinidad-and-Tobago/Asa-Wright-Nature-Center/d39-4130POS_AW

Soca Releases 2011!

2010-12-11T22:46:00.000-05:00

This playlist is from IslandMix and was done by Julian!
2011 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO OFFICIAL CARNIVAL SOCA MUSIC RELEASES

Playlist Name: 2011 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO OFFICIAL CARNIVAL SOCA RELEASES

Bamboo bursting ends in death | Trinidad Guardian

2010-11-07T08:59:00.001-05:00

Dead is Gary Guevarro, 23, of Papourie Road, Diamond Village, San Fernando. Guevarro, who was employed as a safety officer, was bursting bamboo around 7.30 pm on Wednesday, when it exploded and ignited his clothes. Link to article here: Trinidad Guardian

In all my years of bursting bamboo I cannot recall any fatality with this fun activity. Yes bursting bamboo can be so much fun. I am sure the men bursting bamboo that evening when this tragedy occurred were competing with others in nearby districts. The booms would come fast and furious and one way to enhance the boom was to add carbide to the bamboo (in the pitch oil). The bamboo when heated and ignited from the lower end blasts out at the other end.

Now with the right length and density of the bamboo and the ideal heat the boom can become bombastic and create a frenzy of excitement that fuels a rhythmic response from nearby blasters. A split bamboo would bring to an end the efforts of the competitor but this usually happens with defective or over heated bamboos. I do hope that these young men were not experimenting with the carbide because this could have cause the bamboo to 'burst open' instead of simply splitting and bringing an end to their blasting. In this case we don't know why or how the situation occurred. Those young men are in shock... it is a very sad day indeed.

The sport of bursting bamboo now has to contend with the laws of the land regarding the 'noise nuisance' created by the bursting of the bamboo. A death in the bamboo bursting fraternity could be a game changing event with those in authority stopping the event from taking place.

However kids will continue with this traditional event and it is hoped that this does not happen again. It is advisable that the bursting is done in the traditional manner. Please don't use carbide to enhance the sound. Also please don't put condense milk cans or bottles at the end of the bamboo to blast away or enhance the sound since these situations can lead to an exploding bamboo. In the face of a disastrous situation with fire on clothing it is important that help is administered quickly. Those who burst the bamboo should keep in mind that without water available roll on the ground to stop the fire from spreading on your clothing.

My deepest condolences are extended to the family and friend and village of Mr. Gary Guevarro who lost his life while bursting bamboo.

Kaiso, Kaiso | Oh Chune Boi!

2010-10-26T01:02:00.004-04:00

Every year hundreds of Calypso and Soca songs/music tracks are released for sale to the general public. Some of these songs are instant hits while others, for some reason have such an impact on us that we find ourselves singing the lyrics long after the season is gone.

The songs that remain with us are the ones that would last a lifetime. However have you ever given thought to the songs, singers and music released yearly to the extent that if you wanted to know the songs released for a certain period that it could be easily sourced and documented regarding the singer, composer, musicians and even where it was recorded? I have and came up dry and disappointed in my online search for such a database.

Recently, I noticed the following on the Wack radio (www.wackradio901fm.com)website: "The National Action Cultural Committee is pleased to announce the calypsos which were selected to be among the Top 20 Calypsos for 2010. These calypsos will be awarded at a gala ceremony which will be held on Saturday 8th January, 2011, at the Cascadia Hotel, St. Ann’s." This was followed by a listing of the songs and the singers. I thought to myself well if they listed 20 songs then form what database did they prune this list?

I went to the TUCO website (www.tucott.com) to see if they had a list of songs released for 2010 and as a matter of fact since this is the World governing body for calypso take a look at a listing of calypso releases as a historical guide to the art form. Nothing...just songs for sale! On the same web page there is an article entitle, "Our Calypso jewels not treasured"... oh yeah? Talk about promoting the craft and there is no listing of the songs sang by Lord Kitchener, or the Mighty Sparrow or Lord Shorty, or the Roaring Lion etc etc.

We really need a National archive for the art form and it is a shame that millions of dollars are spent yearly by TUCO (government funded) and to this date we don't have an archive of the singers, songwriters, musicians, recording studios and the works done for and by each category. This is a shame and a National embarrassment... Something needs to be done, this wrong needs to be corrected for the sake of the art form and the people who help create it year after year. It is bad enough that we fail to honour those who created the music, even after they die. At least we should chronologically record the historical data as a courtesy to their genius and for the future generations to come.

Seventeen Colours and a Sitar|Trinidad Guardian Newspapers

2010-09-30T01:25:00.000-04:00

In the midst of performances, planning and conceptualising its 2011 artistic ventures, rapso super group 3Canal made an appearance in the new Trinbago film, Seventeen Colours and a Sitar. The renowned trio of Wendell Manwarren, Roger Roberts, and Stanton Kewley expressed joy at being a part of this new film endeavour, which also features visual arts phenomenon Rex Dixon and Trinidad’s celebrated sitarist Mungal Patasar.

At the recent opening of Dixon’s art gallery exhibition the three “rapsonians” praised the work of their directors, co-stars and all involved for their unique film experience. Roberts, who admitted to not having much exposure to painting outside of using paint for J’ouvert festivities, was glad to have been given an opportunity to tap into another side of his creativity and to experiment with the paint.

via guardian.co.tt

New CoP takes charge!

2010-09-21T01:36:00.002-04:00

CANADIANS Dwayne Gibbs and Jack Ewatski will assume office today at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain.

Gibbs, a former chief superintendent of police in Alberta, Canada, was yesterday appointed as this country's newest Commissioner of Police, while Ewatski appointed a Deputy Commissioner by the Police Service Commission.

The appointments of both men took place yesterday at the Service Commission's Department at Cipriani Boulevard, Port of Spain.

Both Gibbs and Ewatski received their letters of appointment by chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Nizam Mohammed, days after they arrived in the country.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad Rum Festival|Machel brings curtain down with sweet Soca music

2010-09-19T01:53:00.003-04:00

Soca Superstar, Machel Montano HD brought the curtain down on the first-ever Trinidad Rum Festival last Sunday night, as he performed for an assembly of specially-invited guests at Angostura's official "RUM (Real Unidentified Mystery) Event. The Queen's Park Oval car park was transformed into an exotic showcase of the full range of products in the Angostura family, even as the audience, which was described as rather reserved or "stush" early on was transformed into a rather "swanky" one revelling in full "Carnival fete mode" by the night's end.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Rip Calypsonian Arrow!

2010-09-15T11:05:00.009-04:00

Breaking News! AM New York City

It has been reported in chat rooms that calypsonian Alphonsus Cassell better known as calypsonian Arrow has died. The Montserratan recently returned from the United States where he received treatment for the cancer that has plagued his health for the past two years. However, while in Montserrat it was reported that he fell ill with pneumonia and was taken to a hospital in neighboring Antigua where he died early this morning. Arrow of Hot Hot Hot fame was one of the most famous calypsonian because of this mega hit that is known world wide... He will be missed.

Here is the news out of Montserrat....
The Mighty Arrow – Alphonsus Celestine Edmund Cassell died early this morning in Montserrat. Arrow, who is renowned for his globally acclaimed soca hit Hot Hot Hot, reportedly died from cancer. He was 55-years-old. Information regarding the details of his dead have still not been attained.
Source: newsMontserrat.com

The Groove Master is now mixing it up and liming in heaven... His music will live on and we must always remember what the Groove Master wanted us to do... "Keep on grooving!"

Spiceislander.com:

"Arrow has over 33 music albums under his belt. Hot Hot Hot has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, and millions of copies recorded in twelve different languages, and different versions. Arrow made history when he became the first calypso soca artist to be awarded the prestigious MBE by the Queen for his service to music. His music will live on. Rest in peace Arrow we will all miss you."

via uwww.spiceislander.com

Cocoa on the rise?|Government promises to revitalize the cocoa industry!

2010-09-14T00:11:00.000-04:00

As the Government moves towards the revitalisation of the cocoa industry, farmers in north and east Trinidad believe if automated cocoa dryers and incentives for labour are not granted, the industry will soon die. The industry which contributed to T&T’s development for more than 200 years, began during the Spanish colonisation, but declined rapidly in the 1920’s because of falling prices.

Since the 1950s, repeated attempts have been unsuccessfully made to revitalise the local cocoa business. In the 1990s, farmers said they were promised leases and incentives to work their cocoa fields but none was provided. Although T&T’s cocoa has been ranked as the best in the world, local cocoa farmers continue to abandon their lands. Cocoa houses, once the hub of activity, now lie dormant.

via guardian.co.tt

The newly elected Peoples Partnership government has made many promises to the people of the twin island republic. However, I am pleased that there will be a drive to improve the agricultural environment in the country. We can grow a lot of the food that we need with good management and assistance to the farmers who dearly need financial assistance and access roads.

Many years ago our cocoa was regarded as the best in the world and was used to flavor bulk cocoa supplies from Africa in the chocolate houses of England and Europe. Today our cocoa industry is almost non existent. Most of the estates are abandoned or simply overgrown because the owners did not get the value for the product and effort to bring the produce to market. The government has promised change and with the assistance from foreign companies the cocoa industry might get the boot needed to rise and dominate again.

We need to diversify away from oil to help develop the nation. Cocoa is one product that will provide some revenue year after year. We must get involved in these endeavors again. There is a labor problem that needs to be addressed. Labor is needed to work the estates and to keep the areas clean so that the cocoa trees can flourish and produce. New plants are needed and the Ministry of Agriculture can assist in this area. If this is approached sensibly then in a few decades we can once again boast about having a cocoa industry that flavors the chocolates of the world once again! However, talking about it one thing... We need to act now!

Calypsonian Arrow has a brain tumor!

2010-09-11T09:56:00.001-04:00

Calypsonian Arrow has a brain tumor and the condition has worsened as reported in Caribbean New Now a web portal that provides Caribbean News.

Musicmanderek: "I am asking the shout-box family to say a pray for Calypsoian Arrow. He has a severe brain tumor... He is in hospital; let's pray for a successful surgery and his recovery."

This statement was made in the WACK Radio Shout Box this morning by a Musicmanderek who follows the Caribbean music scene with keen interest. Montserratian calypsonian Alphonsus Cassell who uses the sobriquet Arrow rose to prominence with his mega hit "Hot! Hot! Hot!"(arranged by Leston Paul) in the 80's.

There is no denying the significance of this man and the impact that Hot! Hot! Hot! had on the music scene for that period. Leston Paul commented that the arrangement was a blend of soca and rock and roll rhythms and that he " was delighted and honoured to learn that Arrow was among the stellar cast for the summit. “I am glad we both had the opportunity to see Barack Obama create history...I enjoyed his performance on television,” said Paul (Trinidad Guardian Newspapers).

We can and will say a prayer for this brave and famous Monserratian who had and still has the World dancing to the infectious rhythms of Hot! Hot! Hot!

Photo from Google Images : Link to images

PP Govt using PNM plans—Imbert|Trinidad Guardian Newspapers

2010-09-10T09:09:00.000-04:00

The vast majority of plans and projects in the People’s Partnership Government’s 2010/2011 budget are PNM projects, PNM MP Colm Imbert said yesterday. “For example the Motor Vehicle Licensing Authority which is being done with ‘Canadian help’ which the Finance Minister announced is the same project we signed an agreement with the Nova Scotia authorities to undertake since 2008—they even kept the same name for the authority which we approved in Cabinet,” Imbert said.

via guardian.co.tt

On the day the budget was presented Colm Imbert was very critical of the budget.Now he is saying that the budget contains PNM projects. Should I conclude that he would have been just as critical of these "so called PNM ideas" if they were part of a PNM budget? I don't think so...

He claimed that the Licencing authority project was proposed in 2008 but did not state why they did not act on it. This new government is in office for about five months and have gone ahead with the revamping of the licencing Authority. What does that say about the PNM and the present government? I rest my case.

Carnival 2011 Watch|Island People Band Launch

2010-09-09T07:21:00.002-04:00

Island People Mas is set to better its delivery of services to masqueraders come Carnival 2011 that will be “out of this world,” says its creative director Marlon Grant. A signature move towards this goal was the relocation of the band’s mas camp and showroom from Stone Street, Port-of-Spain, to O’Connor Street, Woodbrook.

The area had increased business activity, as well as better lighting and parking for the comfort of its clients. There’s also a youth section for next year’s Parade of Bands contest called Twilight Phenom, which forms part of the band’s 13-section portrayal titled Shades of the Universe for the national festival.

via guardian.co.tt

According to the Guardian article, "Every Friday from now until Carnival there would be after work limes at the band house". Now take note of this one because "after work limes" is just another excuse for Trini who simply like to party. In this case I gather that they would be using the lime to create income and drum up support for the band, the designs and generally will be focusing on sales for the design initiatives. Good luck guys!

Local fruits are hard to find Disappearing act|Newsd@y

2010-09-04T01:19:00.003-04:00

When one takes a stroll in the market in search of fruits, the ones that are prominent on the stalls are apples, grapes, pears and apricots.

Citizens have expressed great concern that they no longer see their favourite local fruits on the market including mangoes, pomeracs, ceries, star apples, sapodillas, pommecythere, limes, lemons, passion fruit and avocados.

Education and Research Officer of the National Food Crop Farmers Association, (NFCFA) Norris Deonarine, said the harsh dry season experienced earlier in the year really affected the production levels of the country’s local fruits.

He also believed, the country’s fruit industry started to really decline when Caroni 1975 Limited was shut down.

“There used to be a big production in citrus both in orange and grapefruit along Todds Road, since the closure, the orchards on that estate have not been maintained and the project has not been picked up and it is unfortunate. We used to export orange and grapefruit juice, this is why we have been calling for the revitalisation of the agriculture sector,” he said.

“Over the years, since the closure of Caroni 1975 Limited, we have seen a decline in the production of our local fruits, mainly our citrus, from grapefruit to oranges, we have not been able to produce the large quantity that we did before and it is really unfortunate.

“The governments in the past never really focused on improving the agriculture sector, they did things without looking at the long term effects on the economy, imagine we import almost everything we consume now and that shouldn’t be,” he said.

Recently, Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath announced the ministry was going to take crucial steps in reviving the country’s industry. At a meeting with farmers, Bharath lamented how TT now imports grapefruit, after exporting one million crates in 1975.

Deonarine said besides grapefruit, the country was a big exporter of pineapples. He said in the past, the country exported 20,000 pineapples to Barbados but that has also been on the decline.

via www.newsday.co.tt

Every time I read a story about the loss of crops due to the closure of Caroni Limited I get so upset. Most of the people who were not involved in Caroni limited supported the measures taken by the PNM to close down Caroni limited. Now we can really see the impact this company had on the country.

Most people only saw the sugar cane and failed to see the impact that Caroni had fruit, ground vegetables and root products. Caroni also had a great impact on animals for food production and was responsible for the buffalypso.

We now also have mosquito problems and flooding in areas that were once maintained by Caroni limited that were simply neglected by the government of the day when they closed the company. What a shame and this is the legacy of the PNM... I am so upset about this situation.

We can recover but it would cost a lot of money. It has already cost us dearly with the previous government doling out arable lands for housing (what a dumb idea) and certain parcels of lands going to people who will not use the land for food production.

We need to get back into the production of some sugar cane for the local market. This will benefit the country. We don't need to produce sugar for export but for local consumption. The rum industry will also benefit as well as the agricultural industry. Caroni limited can be a financially viable company if managed properly and will create much needed employment. Revive the company and make it a success story.

‘I wanted to help kill my wife’|Trinidad Express Newspapers

2010-09-03T00:04:00.000-04:00

"Abdool told the magistrate that his wife wanted to commit suicide and he decided to assist her in the act by sticking her in the throat with a knife. “Four years we have been together and last week she ran off with a man and we sat down to talk about it at home when she took a knife and said she was going to cut her throat. So I tell myself, ‘if she wants to do that, I will help her’,” Abdool said."

via www.newsday.co.tt

Choops... "But what de jail is dis?" Now I know having read the paragraph above you had to laugh as I did but when you read the entire article you had to conclude that this man is sick or simply stupid. Oh and by the way I did not make any of that up it is a true story that appeared in the Trinidad Express Newspapers.

To add to this crazy story it should be noted that this man cannot read and was not charged for murder but charged with 'malicious wounding'. The judge was baffled that the accused was not charged with attempted murder. He was sentenced to serve 730 days in prison.

'Hang them in The square'|Trinidad Express

2010-09-02T00:55:00.003-04:00

Criminals who are faced with the death penalty should be hanged in Woodford Square, says Minister of Justice Herbert Volney.

Volney was speaking to the Express yesterday, after arriving in Tobago for the People's Partnership's four-day workshop.

Volney said he is back to work and "ready to kick ball" after undergoing heart bypass surgery in June.

Questioned on the death penalty and whether he supported it, Volney said, "I am not opposed in principle to hanging persons, but it has to be in respect to brutal and heinous crimes."

He said sometimes there are crimes of passion and he does not believe a person should be hanged for this. Persons who kill a child, an elderly person, a police officer or prison officer, he said, should be hanged.

Works and Transport Minister Jack warner was the first Government Minister to start lobbying for the resumption of hangings. In fact, Warner has been able to get Attorney General Anand Ramlogan to set up a committee to look into the issue of resuming hangings.

However, not all party members are in favour. Most recently, Minister of trade and Industry Stephen Cadiz said he was not in favour of returning to the hangman. Before him, social activist Verna St Rose Greaves also said she would consider leaving the party if her Government resumed the practice.

Yesterday, Volney was very vocal about hangings, saying they should be a public affair.

"Persons should be hanged in Woodford Square, 6 or 7 a.m. in the morning. The people should see the hangings take place, they need to feel the fear of God and have fear for the law," he said.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Not so fast Mr. Volney...

In as much as we need to send a message to the criminal element in order to prevent some of these heinous crimes, I wish to remind all concerned that we live in a civilized society. To resume hangings is one thing but to voice the opinion that the hangings should take place so that the public could see a person's life come to an end is something that we read about taking place in other parts of the world.

Now hold on just one minute Mr. Volney.... The majority of the population is not at war with the government. It is a very small sector of the society and we cannot allow ourselves to become as uncivilized as these people. When that happens we are just as guilty!

Crowds welcome parade back to Savannah|Trinidad Express

2010-09-01T12:17:00.002-04:00

Every creed and race jostled for an equal place along the barricaded perimeter of the paved section of the Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain yesterday, in order to see the Independence Day parade.

The celebrations marked the parade's return to the Savannah and brought out long lines of people who gathered to watch the military parade and show of arms. They applauded and cheered as contingents from various arms of the protective services marched before President George Maxwell Richards, the Commander in Chief of the parade, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Opposition Leader Keith Rowley and other ministers and dignitaries.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Most of the trepidation that so many though will follow the installment of the People's Partnership has fizzled away with the actions of the new government.

So many people are now accepting that this change has been good to date.

The return of the of the celebrations to the Queens Park Savannah was a welcomed departure from the streets of Port-of-Spain and the crowds are proof of this acceptance.

"We are really glad they moved the parade back to the Savannah. We did not even bother to come last year because the route was short and it looked like a shorter show," patriotically dressed on-looker Stephan Gomez said.

The various services paraded in their splendour to the delight of the citizens who came out to honor those who serve our country. There is the view that this show of the military and accompanying services is but a sham and that it would be better to have cultural shows across the country. This is a good idea but everyone has come to accept the fact that the parade of the services is what is expected and acceptable at this time.

Just maybe, in time, we can change our views and instead of the parade delve into the culture and have shows that would be held across the country for the benefit of all... Just food for thought.

Happy Independence Trinidad and Tobago|National Awards

2010-08-31T08:11:00.001-04:00

Happy Independence Day Trinidad and Tobago!

A total of 40 recipients will tonight receive national awards for varying service to T&T. For the first time, the award ceremony will be held at Queen’s Hall, Port-of-Spain.

Four recipients—former government minister and Caricom Ambassador Kamalludin Mohammed, former attorney general Karl Hudson-Phillips QC, Pundit Krishna Maharaj former spiritual leader of the SDMS and former senate president Wahid Ali (posthumously) are to receive the Order of T&T.

Award recipients
Following is the list of the other recipients:

Chaconia Medal (Silver)

Prof Zulaika Ali: Medicine
Claudia Pegus: Fashion
Margaret Elcock: Religious education
Humming Bird Medal (Gold)
Andrew Ganteaume: Sport
Don Jacob : Sport
Dennis Pantin (Posthumous): National development
John Arnold: Culture
Bishop Clive Abdulah: Religion

Humming Bird Medal (Silver)

Dr Nasser Mustapha: Community service
St John’s Trace Ramleela Committee: Culture
Wayne Chance: Community service
Patricia Roberts (Posthumous): Community service
Harripersad Dass: Community service
Augustine Ribeiro: Sport
Ronald Greene: Sport/Powerlifting
Sheila Sawh-Gowkaran: Community service

Humming Bird Medal (Bronze)

T&T Women’s Cricket Team: Sport

Public Service Medal of Merit (Gold)

Premchand Sookoo: Public service
Dr Nicholas Bennie Tia-Okwee: Medicine
Joe Sirju:. Education
Dr Rampersad Parasram: Medicine
Esmond Farfan: Business

Public Service Medal of Merit (Silver)

Lyle Donawa: Public service
Beulah Duke: Public service
Lennox McKay: Public service
Carlo McHoney: Public service
Roopnarine Rambachan: Law
Vernon Ramesar Snr: Education

Public Service Merit (Bronze)

Zahir Akaloo: Public service
Cynthia Toney: Public service

via guardian.co.tt

Happy Independence day Trinidad and Tobago! I don't mean to sound like someone who simply wants to poke and cause a disturbance but it boggles my mind that year after year we celebrate independence and yet still don't truly comprehend its significance... We take so much for granted and still suffer from the same inadequaces that stifle social and economic growth... just think about it for a moment

The hanging debate|Trinidad Express Newspapers

2010-08-29T05:05:00.000-04:00

The recent spate of murders in Trinidad and Tobago has reignited the death penalty debate. Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner has called for hangings to resume. And several religious leaders, including Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) president Imam Hajji Abzal-Mohammed and Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha secretary-general Satnarayan Maharaj, are also in support of the death penalty, once our laws allow it. In Thursday, Express Online was in downtown Port of Spain.

via http://www.trinidadexpress.com

Everyone has their opinion regarding the return of the hangman to Trinidad and Tobago. In my humble opinion the return of the hangman will not stop people from committing murders period...

Just think about it for a moment and consider one innocent person being hanged because the system failed to get to the truth. That would be a disaster and something we could not fix ever (an innocent life would be gone forever).

Execution by the State would lessen the burden to keep people behind bars for life and the system will need to grow with dwindling resources to accommodate, guard and service these inmates. There are many reasons to return to the hangman for and against. However the debate as it is today seems to be mired along the lines that a return to hanging will somehow cause criminals to stop committing murders. If someone is going to kill then they will...

Not every person murdered is premeditated murder. What happens when someone defends their family or property and a life is lost. Or in a moment of passion this horrible crime is committed.... What should we do hang these people?

It appears that the drive is to hang and I believe that they will do it sooner than later... the verdict is out and this will remain a contentious issue. God help us all!

Franchise holder 'shocked'|Trinidad Express

2010-08-26T00:33:00.000-04:00

"I was quite shocked at the outcome. All indicators showed that we would have reached the top 15. All roads went to the top 15. So now we are planning a post-mortem to see what went wrong," Lee said in a telephone interview with the Express yesterday.
via www.trinidadexpress.com

Choops Man!
Hello, can someone please tell Local Miss Universe franchise holder Ian Lee that his thinking was the same for every other representative at the contest. Every country that sent a representative expected to win the crown or end up in the 'top 15'. Just move on my friend.

Beyonce Concert came off at a lost of $2M according to TSTT

2010-08-25T06:45:00.000-04:00

Choops Man!

Minister: TSTT made $2m loss|Trinidad Express

Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George said yesterday that according to a statement he received from the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), the company made a loss of about $2 million on the Beyonce concert in February.

George's plain talk appears to clarify a statement released on August 13 by TSTT chief financial officer Rakesh Goswami.

In a streaming video launched on TSTT's new on-line media centre, Goswami said the company got involved in the Beyonce concert as part of a "customer appreciation" initiative. He said the company hosted the concert on a "semi-commercial" basis at a "net cost" of just over $2.2 million.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Here we go again and now we have a government minister saying that a loss is just a loss and it does not matter that lost came about. Hello, it does matter! Give us the figures, the true figures. How much was spent on the show and what revenue was obtained from ticket sales. Take away revenue earned from the expenditure to host the show and we will see the net profit or loss for the venture.

The thing is they don't want to disclose the details because it would show how much waste took place and how favoritism ensured that special interests benefited from the concert promotion.

"He said there was net cost of $2 million to the organization. When you balance expenses versus revenue, you get the net cost of negative $2.2 million. So the net impact of the concert to the company was negative $2.2 million," said Camille Salandy TSTT's head of public relations and external affairs.

Now for those who don't know just keep in mind that the concert was packed, it was sold out so the speak. So if that is the case how could you sell out and yet lose all of that money? Only in Trinidad my friends and please take note that the consumer will eventually pay for this loss with your rates for telephone service. Now that is just not right - choops man!

Audit of Carnival groups|Newsd@y

2010-08-24T03:09:00.000-04:00

MINISTER of Arts and Multi Culturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters yesterday issued a no-nonsense warning to the Carnival fraternity as he called for audits of all State-funded Carnival groups, including the National Carnival Bandleaders Association (NCBA).

Peters , who is charged with cultural affairs, warned that if management of any Carnival body is found wanting, that body will face losing its Government subvention. “It is not going to be business as usual,” Peters warned.

“These people have to get their act in order. If it is that they have to be audited, then they will be audited. There are a lot of things that have to change and there will be a lot of things that will be changed,” he said.

His stark warning came in the wake of a Sunday Newsday report detailing questionable spending practices, mismanagement and issues of conflicts of interest at the NCBA, as detailed by the NCBA Secretary’s Report for October 2008 to September 2009.

The report outlined how the body paid $300,000 for a software system from a little known CL Financial Limited subsidiary and reported that it paid over $140,000 for the rent and refurbishment of an office which is virtually unused and not listed in the phonebook among other things.

via www.newsday.co.tt

This is what is needed to ensure that things don't go down the same path. We need to let these organizations know that someone is watching over them. They need to know that all activities will be monitored and that will redound to a better system for the entire carnival festival.

Let us hope that Minister Gypsy and his special advisor Sprangalang have their way and that they can change the current modus operandi. If they can achieve this goal then they would ensure that a remake of the model to benefit the system of Carnival and not just a few interested parties.

"Crazy Drops D'Percy D'Relief Show!"

2010-08-22T20:08:00.004-04:00

Say what you want do what you want but when it comes to taking something simple ad turning it around double entendre style well only a calypsonian can rise to the occasion. Tonight, at the WACK fund raiser for those affected by the flood waters calypsonian Crazy sang for the audience and it was a doozey.

"She drop the Percy on me" in song sounded like "she drop the pussy on me". Now the antics of Crazy on the stage were just as special as his lyrics. While he made the Percy by crossing his arms he was 'juking his waist' front and back and side to side leading many to believe that he was singing about the second phrase, "she drop the pussy on me!"

The shout box went crazy and could not get over the lyrics presented by calypsonian Crazy tonight. Crazy never smiled during the performance and left the crowd in stitches with his song "she drop the Percy on me".

Choops|Cops angry over CoP salary!

2010-08-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

Choops Man!

President of the Police Social and Welfare Association Sgt Anand Ramesar was yesterday informed by the majority of his membership that they are demoralised, dissatisfied, disgruntled, and feel betrayed that they continue to receive the same salaries since 2007.

He added the officers are also questioning the decision of Government to offer a salary and compensation package amounting to $2.5 million a year for new Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs.

via www.newsday.co.tt

Do you think that anyone will be upset with the local police officers whom are upset about the salary and perks that new police commissioner and his Canadian deputy commissioner will receive? I am not and I am very concerned that there appears to be one set of salaries for locals and another for foreigners employed in the same positions that were once and currently held by locals.

How is it that the foreign deputy commissioner could be receiving pay that is several times the amount received by locals in the same position? Some have argued that the foreigners from Canada must receive a pay structure that is similar to what is received from their country of origin... I disagree!

The pay for the Commissioner and deputy commissioners should be fixed. When the jobs were advertised the salary structure should have been advertised with the positions. Of course there should be perks and lodging accommodations could have been part of the package but the salary should be the same for the local and foreign employees holding the same positions. If they did not like the salaries then they should not apply for the positions.

How would you like to work in a company where a new employee comes in and earns $100,000 per month while you earn $24,000 for doing the same job? Would that encourage you to be all that you can be? Sorry that was an ad for the US army. The bottom line is would you be encouraged to perform at your best knowing that someone else who may not be up to task receives more pay than you do?

This will be a very contentious issue for months and probably years to come.

Alleged serial rapist held|Newsd@y

2010-08-20T02:47:00.000-04:00

A SERIAL rapist who had been on the run for the past three months was on Wednesday night held by police officers at a house in Valencia.

The man who had committed several rapes in the south western borough had managed to evade police officers after attacking some five women at several areas in Point Fortin between June 30- August,18.

The man’s latest victim was reported to be a 22-year-old woman who was attacked and raped at her business place on Wednesday evening. After receiving certain information, police officers of South Western District went to a house at Valencia, east Trinidad, where they held the suspect and seized a quantity of items, including cellphones, jewelry and cameras allegedly belonging to his victims.

via www.newsday.co.tt

It is unfortunate that this shame is brought to the community of Valencia. However it shows how brazen these evil doers are... He left Valerncia and operated in the deep southern regions of the country!

On facebook there is an ongoing discussion about these crimes and most people want his head. Well they want to chop of one head and it looks like if they are given the opportunity then "Willie will certainly die". In this case it would be "Willie dead" as Sparrow sang in his calypso but in this case chopped off and left to die!

Law enforcement is on the upsurge and with this new government showing some concern it is hoped that the police will be given the tools to get the job done. Rape is a heinous crime and one that should be punished to the full extent that the laws of the land permit.

NEW CoP VOWS TO REDUCE CRIME|Newsd@y

2010-08-19T04:00:00.001-04:00

Canadian Dwayne Gibbs will assume his official duty as Commissioner of Police on September 15 and has already given the assurance that the country can expect a reduction in crime.

Government sources also indicated yesterday that it is only a formality for Cabinet to approve the contract and remuneration package for Gibbs who has already accepted the challenge to lead the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

Cabinet is expected to approve Gibbs’ contract next Thursday when its weekly meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar who returns on Sunday after a ten-day visit to New York.

Gibbs, 58, yesterday stated his intention to solicit the advice of all stakeholders before he embarks on his quest to make Trinidad and Tobago (TT) a safe society and a place where criminals will be on the run.

He also made it clear that every anti-crime initiative will be implemented in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and the public.

He has set a goal of fostering a better relationship between the police and the public. Gibbs, a father of three, yesterday resigned his position as chief executive officer of the Mustard Seed Foundation in Canada in preparation for his new job.

“I will be in Trinidad on September 15 to begin my new journey,” said Gibbs in a telephone interview from Canada.

via www.newsday.co.tt

Canadian Dwayne Gibbs will assume his official duty as Commissioner of Police on September 15 and has already given the assurance that the country can expect a reduction in crime.

Those words will be on the minds and lips of Trinidadians for the next three years as Dwayne Gibbs (new Commissioner of Police) takes the helm of a beaten police service in Trinidad and Tobago. He will be under scrutiny from day one when he arrives "in Trinidad on September 15 to begin my new journey".

There is no doubt that it will take him some time to get a feel of the Trini mentality to take just about everything for granted. That is something that he needs to deal with as the Police service cannot take anything for granted when dealing with the criminal element that has plagued the society for years now. The situation is unacceptable and needs to be be addressed with strict rules and regulations. It is obvious that the Police service needs change and it is hoped that the new team put in place by this present government will bring about the change that every Trinidadian yearns for - we can only hope that the change will have a positive effect across the system of policing.

I have hope and will be watching to see how swiftly the changes in crime detection are implemented and how the changes positively impact the system. Good luck to Mr. Gibbs and the newly installed administrative team.

Eco Tourism|Trinidad and Tobago

2010-08-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

Tight security at Jamaat auction today|Trinidad Guardian Newspapers

2010-08-17T04:00:00.000-04:00

Security will be tight today at the Port-of-Spain City Corporation’s auditorium, Knox Street, for the auction of 11 properties belonging to the Jamaat al Muslimeen. It will begin at 10 am.

via guardian.co.tt

This is going to be a very interesting read in tomorrows newspapers. The question is, "who is going to purchase these properties and sleep well at night?" I don't know if private citizens have "the belly" to go and bid on these properties taking into consideration the reputation of the the Muslimeen.

People are just afraid and it is the thinking that you have to be a madman to bid on those eleven properties up for sale by the state. I can see business enterprises and foreign national interests bidding on these properties but not locals. Do you believe that the properties will be sold or remain at the disposal of the government. This just might be the best outcome. Let the state take possession and after about 100 years from now sell them to the public (sarcasm).

AG Targets Corruption|Newsd@y Trinidad

2010-08-14T08:58:00.002-04:00

ATTORNEY General Anand Ramlogan yesterday unveiled his “A-team”: a squad of auditors who will comb the books of billion-dollar State enterprises to unearth corruption in conjunction with the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau (ACIB).

“We intend to pursue vigorously any wrongdoing and deliver to the people of this country the justice that they seek for what took place under the previous administration,” Ramlogan said yesterday at a press briefing at his offices on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.

via newsday.co.tt

Here we go with the investigations... The search/probes begin. Now if you are against corruption or a member of the Peoples Partnership you would be saying, "It is about time". Then again if you are a follower of the PNM your cry may just be, "Witch Hunt".

Look don't be alarmed this is the way things are done and you don't have to agree or disagree with what will take place. In the end if someone our some persons are guilty of a corrupt act then they should be punished. If, on the other hand, bogus charges are brought against innocent people to gain political mileage or simply because of vindictiveness then we have to take issue with such a situation.

Let's just hope that justice is served and that this is not a case of pay back for past experiences.

La Toya exposed|Trinidad Guardian Newspapers

2010-08-13T01:23:00.003-04:00

Miss T&T La Toya Woods proudly shows off the body painting that has provoked much controversy. La Toya will compete in the Miss Universe Pageant on August 23 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source image and article via guardian.co.tt

To be honest I am pleasantly surprised now that I have seen the photo. When I initially heard that she had posed nude I sighed and remarked, "not another Trini in trouble again!" However, I have to say this was tastefully done. She is very sexy and the artwork really looks good with the backdrop and the beautiful brown color of her body. I like it.... it is good!

Miss La Toya Woods!

Rains trigger landslide outside Manning’s home|Trinidad Guardian

2010-08-11T05:35:00.006-04:00

Heavy rains have triggered a massive landslip outside the bedroom window of former prime minister Patrick Manning.Loose dirt and chunks of the broken wall were seen clogging the drains outside Manning’s home at Sumadh Gardens, Vistabella. Manning declined to comment about the problem. Sources in the area said, however, that the wall collapsed after heavy rains on Monday afternoon.

The following appeared as a comment to the article in the Trinidad Guardian Newspapers and was submitted by "The Prince":

"Poetic justice. Manning's megalomania and his penchant for squandering the people's patrimony on skyscrapers and monuments for laundering corruption instead of fixing and upgrading the country's collapsing infrastructure are largely to blame for much of the avoidable flooding, not that selfish citizens are not to share in the blame, nor that there will never be some flooding in extreme weather. Manning should suffer the fate that so many thousands of citizens have undergone so that he could be humanized and see what his years of neglect, negligence and upside-down priorities have subjected the people to."

Source for this story (and photo) came via guardian.co.tt

Choops Man!

I have to say Steups, Cheups and Choops to the Trinidad Guardian and to "The Prince". First off let's take a peek at the the Guardian article. That was not "a massive landslip" and the photo clearly shows that it was just an ordinary landslip. I have seen worse along the Blanchieusse road leaving Arima heading to the North coast. This was just a filler story that was posted because it happened close to the home of ex Prime Minister Patrick Manning. The only good thing about the story is that CEPEP workers came and got the cleanup job done quickly - way to go...

Now let's take a look at the commentary of "The Prince". Hey I supported the PP during the elections and do rib my PNM friends at time (we understand that we are just teasing... nothing comes of it) but to consider this petty landslip "poetic justice" is a bit too much. In hind sight we can say that the previous administration did not do enough in many areas that were necessary. The lack of dredging of the rivers and clearing of the streams and the construction projects that destroyed the natural filtration that could have helped ease the flooding can be noted as areas where they lacked initiative to get it right. But come on... this is nature and when the heavens opened and it poured tears of drowning sorrows no one saw this problem hitting us this hard. It is not only Trinidad experiencing this problem with flooding so take it easy on the ex Prime Minister... Please.

J@P INC GRAFFITI HIGHWAY RECORDS

2010-08-10T07:20:00.003-04:00

Leave a comment if you know where this mural was done.

Trinis storm Toronto for Caribana|Trinidad Guardian

2010-08-08T01:22:00.000-04:00

Trinidad and Tobago entertainers Dil-e-Nadan, Ravi Bissembhar, Karma, and JMC 3Veni and over one million visitors were in Canada for Toronto’s Caribbean Caribana festival last weekend. It has grown exponentially since its start in 1967 and is currently North America’s largest cultural festival. Over a million tourists are expected in Toronto.

Pan Alive, the steelpan competition, the Junior Carnival Parade and the King and Queen Competition are some of the events. More than 10,000 masqueraders participated. The all-time most winning band Saldenah Mas-K Club added yet another Band of the Year title to its collection, making the tally 16 for the record holder.

Results:

A Category Band of the Year:

1. Saldenah Mas K (446 points)

2. Carnival Nationz (426)

3. Toronto Revellers (422)

B&C Category Band of the Year:

1. (tie) Mas Players Int'l (378 points)

1. (tie) Tru Dynasty (378)

3. Fantazia International (371)

via guardian.co.tt

I have many friends and family who left NYC and drove to Toronto for the Caribana Carnival festival. Some went via JFK airport to get there early for the festivities. The common thread was that of disappointment. They claim that the festival was better organized and attended in past years.

Now this does not mean that they did not have a good time at the parties that had Trinidad and Tobago bands and artists performing prior to the big parade days. However, they noted that the festival felt like it was losing touch with the people just like the carnival celebrations back home. I read some of the comments left by bloggers who also expressed disappointment.

I have friends and family who live in the Toronto area and they all had good things to say about the festival. No one had a negative comment. However, many of the people visiting saw something or felt a level of disappointment that the ex-patriot nationals living in Canada did not see or don't want to admit is taking place.

The major problem appears to be that of a disorganized parade that, for some people, does not account for the finances provide for the celebrations. One blogger, houstontrini2 noted: "In most cases it is a bunch of "smartmen" who pocket the money and not pay the artistes, bandsmen and others for their efforts. What's worst, they do not have a proper board with rules and by-laws and most of all accountability for any "government (taxpayers') funds" entrusted to them to promote Caribbean people and our culture. Many of these "carnival organizations" have not balanced their books in many years and then they are upset when these governments refuse to give them any more money until they "close out" the previous fiscal years."

Well it appears that even though for some the festival was a resounding success for others there was disappointment and more of the same "Trini attitude" that does not bode well for the future of the festival.

Think "We" not "I" and this too shall pass!

2010-08-07T00:49:00.004-04:00

Stench of rotting animals|Trinidad Express Newspapers
Fourteen dogs belonging to a breeder drowned during Monday's floods that submerged much of Charles Street, Gasparillo.

The dogs were among thousands of animals that died when the river in the community overflowed.

There was a stench of death in the village of Macaulay yesterday, from the decomposing carcasses of farm animals and poultry.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Surujrattan Rambachan, who toured the area yesterday, said he contacted the drainage department to send excavators and backhoes into Macaulay because "a serious health hazard could occur".

He said one flood victim "lost 5,000 heads of chicken".

"Another who was just beginning to make a living with goats lost all, and a man lost 14 high-breed dogs."

At Garth Road, Princes Town, residents complained of an infestation of snakes and cockroaches.

At Scale Road, Williamsville, one of their the worst-affected areas, victims asked for help to rid the area of mosquitoes and cockroaches.

Akash Manickchand, councillor for the Ben Lomond/Hardbargain/Williamsville district, said officers from the Social Services and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) were assessing the area and garbage trucks would be passing as usual.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

This is the new challenge that the government and people have to face in the aftermath of the flooding that destroyed property and transportation infrastructure. The danger lies with the dead animals and disease that would follow if these carcasses are not disposed of properly and quickly.

The country was already reeling from the dengue problem and now with this disaster the problems could worsen and very quickly. The state will provide assistance and the government has already been proactive with its support. However, the citizens need to form teams and comb the villages for decaying carcases and bury them.

Parents need to ensure that their children don't go and play in muddy areas or investigate and unusual 'creature' that they see. There are snakes, scorpions and other dangers out there that could kill these inquisitive children.

We have received a 'wake-up call' from nature and we need to be better prepared for more of the same. Infrastructure nationwide needs to be improved and this will take time but all citizens can lend a hand and ensure that they don't do anything that could clog or lead to problems with the drains that take the waste water to the main drainage areas.

This too shall pass and we will rise and conquer these setbacks. Keep the faith and remember to always think "We" and not "I".

Choops|Where do we go from here?

2010-08-05T00:59:00.013-04:00

"Choops Man"|Culture Appreciation Dilemma!

Twice-crowned Calypso Monarch Singing Sandra gave one of her best performances to date recently at the Mas Camp Pub in Woodbrook. This was at the monthly concert organised by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO).

Sandra performed during the second half of the show in which she did a number of popular songs. She started off with the Ras Shorty I composition "Watch Out My Children". Members of the band performed solos during this number.

Sandra also had the entire audience singing along with her and it was one of her best performances of this timeless classic. She told the audience, "Shorty I asked me to keep this song in my repertoire so the message will live on and I felt honoured."

via www.trinidadexpress.com/"Money rains down on Sandra"

Please read the full story at the link above to get a better understanding of the story and the special performance that Singing Sandra delivered. Now we get to the reason for this post and the reference to the article link above. The Nigerian High Commissioner Musa John Jen and his guests were so impressed that they showered Sandra with money - literally, to show their appreciation for her performance.

OK, now comes the good and the bad and the question, "where do we go from here?" There were five comments to the article posted by the Express Newspapers - Let's take a look at two of the comments:

trinitodebone said yesterday at 4:04 PM

"It is time TUCO start creating DVDs for sale on these performances, or better yet put them on You-tube. Too much of the culture is not properly marketed, isn't TUCO supposed to be promoting the culture worldwide?"

Followed by:

David E said yesterday at 8:10 PM

"trinitodebone, I totally agree with you, but don't expect the Trnis at home to buy it! It must be marketed to the Trinis in foreign. Carnival DVDs too! Is mostly Trinis in foreign that pay for the culture. That is why you will NEVER find a carnival parade DVD in any store in Trinidad. Ah lie?"

Having read these two comments and properly digesting the contents how do you feel about the comments? Do you believe that we are only consumers of the culture only during 'festival time' and by that I mean during carnival and that we only consume the music but don't buy the music and videos?

Do you believe that there isn't a market for the music and video media in Trinidad and Tobago to make it viable at home?. On the other hand do you believe that trinitodebone is correct? To be honest with you (and I might be totally wrong) I tend to agree with trinitodebone.

I believe this to be true because I listen to WACK Radio (www.wackradio901fm.com) daily. This is the only total local radio station broadcasting in Trinidad and Tobago (with over 40 stations and counting) and they struggle for local support in the form of advertising dollars and listener-ship. Some people I have spoken to don't even know about WACK radio. Isn't that amazing? Well on the other hand WACK has listener-ship all over the World and the majority of people who really appreciate this station (and the culture) are Trinidadians living overseas. Something is really wrong with this picture.

So where do we go from here? How do we get the Trinidadians at home to think like the Trinidadians living overseas? Is it a case of feeling homesick that these overseas Trinis cling to WACK or is it a real appreciation for the culture? Well in my case it is a little of both. However, I believe that the failure of the culture to grow and take hold of the populace is a marketing problem. The local radio stations follow the money and the young people listening to the radio stations have an appetite for everything foreign. Notice that I said young people and it should be noted that the listener-ship of WACK radio is a mature audience compared to the successful and revenue generating stations in Trinidad and Tobago.

I still believe we have a marketing problem that needs to be addressed. The owners of the radio stations must meet with the producers of the local music and find a way to get the young people involved in local content. We don't want legislation to get a percentage of airtime for local culture because we could end up seeing "pay for play" taking hold of the industry. We have a long way to go and we are losing the battle. Time to fight back and spread the word that our local music is not just good but great!

Breaking News|Mr. Kenny Phillips elected Alerman to the San Fernando City Corporation

2010-08-04T19:30:00.008-04:00

Triniglish|Trinididioms Spoken and Explained #42

Yuh is ah Trini|Fuh Troot'|Alderman Kenny Phillips!

For this post we are going to do something that is current and is breaking news today (08.04.2010). This has to do with the San Fernando City Corporation and the selection of the Aldermen. However, we are going to deal with the selection of an Alderman - Mr. Kenny Phillips. We will, at the same time, explain another Triniglish phrase by using a favorite of most Trinis, "Fuh Troot,'" in the posting.

Jus' so, it came over the news, breaking news eh and on WACK Radio 901FM that Mr. Kenny Phillips was selected as an Alderman to the San Fernando City Corporation. So what do you think was my response when I heard the announcement; yes you guessed it.... Fuh Troot'?

Fuh Troot' is a typical Trini response but what does it mean? Well to be honest I used it as a question as in, "Is that really so?" However, when most Trinidadians use the term Fuh Troot' it usually comes at the end of a sentence as is the case in the following statement. Today Mr. Kenny Phillips, CEO of WACK Radio accepted the invitation to serve as an Alderman in the San Fernando City Corporation... Fuh Troot'. In such a case fuh troot' is designed as a statement of fact meaning, "Yes that is true".

Not so long ago we were going back and forth regarding the need (as I saw it) to remove the then ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) from office. Kenny, like a lot of supporters of the PNM, had a different view on the subject and would have preferred the status quo (to remain the same) - well that did not happen and we have a new government in office. I remember having fun teasing Mr. Desmond and Kenny on that Sunday show (day before the general election) little could I imagine that the change would see Mr. Phillips finally being recognized for his achievements by the very same cornerstone that he did not support. No one saw this coming and it is interesting that the PP government is showing that they care about the people more so than looking to make those who supported the PNM pay - this is a people centric party that will do right by and for the citizenry.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all elected representatives good luck and in the case of Mr. Kenny Phillips hearty congratulations and continued success while serving the people.

Choops|Political Football|Dat is Robbery with ah doh give ah damn attitude!

2010-08-04T00:02:00.013-04:00

"Choops Man!"

Forensic audit 'meh foot'... This thing smells! This is a case of "we bigger than you" and you don't deserve the benefits of your hard labor. In this case "de'big bois and dem" want it all for themselves. What has happened to the Soca Warriors is nothing short of a 'National Shame'... No, a National Scandal! Jack Warner and the TTFF should hang their heads in shame.

Choops man is not enough to describe the disappointment that I feel after reading the article "A political football" in the Trinidad Express Newspapers. Court ruling after court ruling has been on the side of the footballers yet still they cannot get their just reward. It even smells like collusion that FIFA could put in a clause that prevented teams from going to court to resolve their issues (after the Soca Warriors took the TTFF to court). I have backed Mr. Warner as a politician and for his no nonsense attitude in getting things done on the political arena. However where this case is concerned it surely feels like many people in high places have their hands in the cookie jar with the exception of the people who deserve to be eating the cookies.

We don't know how much money the TTFF received during that period and it appears that the figure keeps changing. This is a national disgrace and the TTFF should do the honorable thing and pay the players what they deserve. Choops galore is warranted here... Shame, shame, shame and shame again on the TTFF and their special advisor Mr. Jack Warner because "do so eh like so". Choops...

Choops|Things that make you... Choops!

2010-08-03T00:01:00.002-04:00

"Choops Man!"

Choops is just another way of saying Steups, and to be honest with you, we (Trinidadians) are professionals when it comes to 'the art of steupsing' (and complaining ah lot). However, we don't choops only when we are in our complaining moods (and heaven knows we do that a lot) but there are many situations where a choops can really relieve some stress. Here is the thing sometimes, well most times, we choops when we are annoyed by something or as a matter of fact just about anything.

Sometimes we take it a step further and choops (steups) out of contempt. Then there are times when we choops to tease and provoke just for the hell of it. The reason for choopsing is of little significance for this posting - the fact that you do it is what we are all about with this mini series.

This one is a no-brainer and having said that I am taking this opportunity to invite you to send in your pet peeves for posting on 'choops'. We are simply going to post some of the things that make people choops. Just remember that when I write choops instead of steups the meaning is the same... Just keep it short, OK!

Just last week we had the Minister of Works, Jack Warner, taking the leader of the COP to task for a statement that was printed in the press about the COP being able to 'stand alone'. I said, OMG here we go the infighting that was predicted and the eventual breaking up of the PP government has begun. "Gosh not even ah good two months and the 'kankalang' start already. Choops Man!"

That’s my plan says Imbert|Trinidad Guardian

2010-07-31T08:53:00.000-04:00

“Research also showed text messaging reduced a person’s attention span to the same level as if you had had two drinks,” Imbert added. “I’d thought it best to ban all cellphones. At some point Warner will have to acknowledge he didn’t just dream this plan up and where he got it.”

via guardian.co.tt

Well Mr. Imbert here is the difference the Peoples Partnership will not hesitate to implement the law. If it is true that you announced this plan since 2007 and your government never implemented the law just think about the lives lost because of your governments in action.

Obviously the PNM will say that they were doing the research before attempting to implement the proposed law - all well and good. However, this is the same reasoning that was given for not having local government elections... Just look at what the PP government has done. There will be a fine of $5,000.00 and if you can't or don't want to pay then there can also be a penalty of two months in jail with hard labor (and a meeting with some very unsavory characters)

Action and inaction... Jack Warner is called action Jack and for good reason. Mr. Imbert your government is out of office and for good reason.

$2m flag still haunts Sports Company

2010-07-31T01:54:00.002-04:00

The scandal and embarrassment of the $2 million legacy flag at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the operations of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago continue.

Sports Minister Anil Roberts, in a highly charged and fiery contribution to Parliament yesterday, said the details of a financial systems audit of the Sports Company revealed a string of irregularities including the leasing of expensive SUVs for the Executive Chairman and Executive Director, the creation of a ghost roof at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the hiring of interns who never applied for work, the duplication of duties and responsbilities at extreme cost to the taxpayer and a host of other "madness" culminating in "abuse of office and downright unfair and corrupt practices" and flagrant breaches of procurement practices. It has led Ministry of Finance Auditors to recommend that the matter be investigated for possible breaches of the law.

On the $2 million flag, Roberts said:

1) the winning bid was one million dollars more than the losing one

2) the confirmation letter (of the award) to the "fortunate" company was given five days before the contract was awarded. ("I am sure Prophetess Pena would be proud of that company. They are so good, they write an acceptance five days before they win..Amazing!," Roberts quipped).

"To add salt to the wound," he said, "the projects administrator of the Sport Company stated that the person who signed the letter of award had no authority to bind the company.

"Mr Speaker, you think the story end there? Of course not," he said. Roberts said the winning bid of $2 million was based on two hundred cubic metres of concrete to be utilised in the foundation. "You know how many cubic metres of concrete they actually utilised, Mr Speaker? Thirty cubic metres- 15 per cent of the estimated amount," he said. He said the company estimated the butt???? size to be 20 by 20 but the butt size turned out to be 10 by 10. The estimate also included driving six piles to a depth of 40 feet each. "Mr Speaker guess what? No piles. Small butt, no piles," he said, to the roar of laughter. He added with some mischief, "So no Preparation H".

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Please read the rest of the article at the link above. The corruption that existed in the former PNM administration runs deep and yet still there are people out there defending them. What needs to be done is to stop all the "ole talk" and take these people to court to account for their mismanagement of the nations resources. If found guilty efforts should be made to retrieve monies that were diverted into private accounts or if that cannot be done some of these people should be jailed.

That in my view is the only way to stop the defense of these people who can't accept the facts as presented. They behave as if all of these articles in the newspapers are nothing but political 'ole talk' and scandalous in nature. Jail some of these people and then they may begin to sing a different 'chune".

Construction bills over budget|Newsd@y Trinidad and Tobago

2010-07-29T08:58:00.002-04:00

MILLIONS worth of bills submitted to the Government from companies in the construction sector were not “within the budgetary framework” of the last PNM Government, Finance Minister Winston Dookeran said yesterday.

“We are making every effort to meet those challenges without disturbing the fiscal balance,” Dookeran told a luncheon audience hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain. “I understand the problem we have been faced with is that there are many bills which were not within the budgetary framework.”

For years, contractors have complained that the State’s payments have dried up, even as projects regarded as excessive by some, such as the near $1 billion Brian Lara Stadium project in Tarouba, progressed, seeing millions worth of advances paid out.

Dookeran said the Government remains intent of having a new procurement bill made law.

via www.newsday.co.tt

Over budget seems to be the order of the day with the projects that were previously started by the PNM Government now have financial issues that could be a burden on the treasury.

These practices must not be allowed to continue in the future. There needs to be oversight of these projects to ensure that the contracts are respected by the contractors. It is apparent that almost all of the contracts are coming in over budget. The present government has to continue to finance these projects since they all have signed contracts. The problem is that these contracts were signed with the majority of the benefits on the side of the contractor.

Mr. Dookeran said that they are making every effort "to meet those challenges without disturbing the fiscal balance". That is indeed the challenge however the bigger challenge will be to satisfy the people who will want the government to deliver on their promises sooner rather that later.

Absent PNM MPs affected Diego results|Trinidad Express Newspapers

2010-07-28T10:51:00.000-04:00

Diego Martin was the only region which saw a reversal from what transpired in the General Election two months ago.

While the People's National Movement (PNM) held on to corporations which corresponded to constituencies it won in the General Election—ie Point Fortin, Port of Spain and San Juan/Laventille corporation, the PNM lost Diego Martin by seven/three to the People's Partnership where it currently has three sitting MPs.

Significantly two of the three MPs, Diego Martin North East MP and former Works Minister Colm Imbert who was also an aspirant to the PNM political leadership and Amery Browne were absent from the local government election campaign.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

This is very interesting to learn that Colm Imbert and Dr. Amery Browne did not assist with the local government election battle in their districts. Does this say something about the unity in the party? This, obviously, is something that needs to be addressed internally by the party. I am certain that Dr. Rowley is not pleased and will have something to say to these gentlemen.

In a time that that has seen this once glorious party recede as the force of the Peoples Partnership expands a key element for the withering of the PP force would have been unity in the ranks of the PNM. Apparently it was not a case of all hands on deck and there appears to be a faction within the party who just might not be in favor of Dr. Rowley as leader of the PNM. Having said that there is no excuse for not lending their support for the candidates who contested the local elections especially in their districts.

The loss of Diego Martin falls squarely on the shoulders of these representatives who abandoned the SS PNM. What a disappointment for this once glorious party. In time to come Dr. Rowley will have to deal with these members who claim to be PNM 2DBone. Until then the party will continue to flounder on the political seas of despair.

Peoples Partnership mash-up the PNM at the polls once again!|Local Government Elections

2010-07-27T00:00:00.001-04:00

Peoples Partnership 11, PNM 3
"Well ah go park meh PP any place, any place..." The Peoples Partnership swept the local elections in Trinidad by taking 11 of the 14 regions contested. It appears that the PNM held on to Port of Spain, Point Fortin and San Juan/Laventille.

This was a continuation of the General Elections that saw the PP winning 29 seats and the PNM taking 12 seats and in the process wrested governance from the PNM. Now they will take control of Local government and will not have any excuses while getting the job done at the local level.

There were 2 cities, 3 Borough councils and 9 regional corporations up for grabs on Monday. The results are in and even Dr. Rowley conceded defeat early at 9:00 pm at Baliser House. Now that the Baliser has wilted and was not able to rally the troops it is time to move on. Lick your wounds and come again because this is now behind us. The election is over and it is time for the Peoples Partnership to stop the 'gallerying' and govern with conviction. Just do it... Get the job done!

Promise of safe elections or a fear of trouble to come?

2010-07-26T05:07:00.004-04:00

Police promise safe elections|Trinidad Guardian Newspaper
Police officers will be out in full force from as early as 4 am today to ensure there are no disruptions during the local government elections. Deputy Police Commissioner Stephen Williams gave the assurance yesterday, saying the police were fully prepared for any eventuality. “We have prepared for the worst...We didn’t prepare for anything less than the worst, because if something happens we would be in a position to deal with it,” he said. “We definitely don’t want to be caught off guard.”

via guardian.co.tt

It is a good sign that the protective services are putting the pieces in place to ensure that there are no 'disruptions' in the voting process in today's local government elections in Trinidad. However, this make me wonder if this is simply the process due or does it have to do with the threats made on the life of the Prime Minister due to the impending auction of the Muslimeen properties tomorrow.

This auction can create problems that the country does not need at this time. We have had free and fair elections that have resulted in a change of government by peaceful means. In 1990 the Muslimeen attempted to take control of the government by force and held the country captive and the government under siege for six days. As a result of court cases and the ruling of High Court Justice Rajendra Narine the State was awarded damages in the amount of $32 million to the State. The auction of the properties is to recover the monies awarded since the Jamaat does not have the money to pay the State.

Most people don't believe that the Jamaat al Muslimeen will sit idly and allow this sale to take place or allow the winning bidders to take possession of the auctioned properties. Many have said that whoever bids and wins those properties are chancing faith. The government has already stated that if the properties are not sold that they will take control of the said properties and put them to use. There will be great unease in the country as this process takes place. We can only hope for an outcome that benefits all.

"We have Jack on our side man, We cyar go wrong"|Chaguanas Speaks, Trinidad Express

2010-07-26T04:44:00.005-04:00

Today the people of Trinidad in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will go to the polls once again but this time to vote for the representatives for local government. The people of Tobago vote in the Tobago House of Assembly elections. The local government elections in Trinidad have been long overdue and with 14 municipalities up for grabs (2 cities, 3 boroughs and 9 regional corporations) both parties are hoping to make a statement at the polls today. The Peoples Partnership is hoping to reverse the current status that has the Peoples National Movement in control of 9 of these entities. The PNM on the other hand is hoping that the re-branding of the party now under the stewardship of Dr. Keith Rowley will be enough to hold on to the present situation and even to wrest a few others currently held by the UNC.

Just last Friday the PP that is now in control of the government held a motorcade that passed through Chaguanas, Morvant and Laventille with the final destination at Picadily on the Greens, Picadilly Street in Port-of-Spain. The Trinidad Express Newspapers conducted a survey of the people in the area and it appears that the majority of people in the area are in favor of the Peoples Partnership taking control of the Local Government entities.

The notoriety of Mr. Jack Warner and the feeling that he can get anything done led one man to remark, "We have Jack on our side man, we cyar go wrong". It appears that Mr. Warner is the man who people believe can solve all the problems in their districts. He has answers and is always able to bring about some form of relief for the people and the issues they face. The faces or this Peoples Partnership is that of Kamala Persad Bissessar and Jack Warner. They appear to be the 'magic' formula that is driving this ship. On the other hand we have the leader of the COP Mr. Winston Dookeran quietly playing his role but not in the media light as are the stars of the party.

Today our people go to the Poll and it will be a nervous day for the rival PNM that is wary that another loss at the poll does not bode well for the will of the party. People have a tendency to side with winners and it is the Peoples Partnership that appears to be in favor of the public support. These are difficult times for the PNM and another loss at the polls today will not be a good sign to encourage people to become a part of the party once again.

The Peoples Partnership will have to implode to ensure that the PNM returns to office. If the Partnership continues to bring relief and moves the country forward then for many years to come it will be "guava season for the PNM".

Please go out and vote; it is you right. It is your civic duty to act, to make the changes that will affect the things that matter to you. We no longer want to hear, "we like it so". Vote and effectively bring about the change that you want.

Information sourced from the Trinidad Express Newspapers. The article that appeared in today's Express can be read at this link: via www.trinidadexpress.com

PNM Arima councillor joins COP|Trinidad Guardian Newspapers

2010-07-25T08:14:00.002-04:00

Yet another People’s National Movement councillor has crossed the floor to the People’s Partnership. The revelation came on Friday at the Congress of the People (COP) meeting on Friday in Arima. Outgoing councillor for Calvary on the Arima Borough Council (ABC), Pheria Fournillier mounted the COP platform criticising the PNM on lack of performance and disregard for the burgesses. Having served her constituency from 2003 to 2010, Fournillier told party leader Winston Dookeran, deputy political leader Prakash Ramdadhar and seven of the party’s councillors contesting tomorrow’s election in the ABC that she jumped ship when she saw how Arima was stifled for progress and development over the past seven years.

via guardian.co.tt

It took one month of PP governance for Councilor Pheria of the Arima Borough Council to see the light or was it the quick response of Mr. Jack Warner to get the Mt. Pleasant Bridge built after 29 years of waiting? There is room for all citizens to change and come to the team that wants to create progress for the people in the district but please don't expect a prize of political placement of alderman or anything relating to political power.

The truth is that after serving the PNM for all these years and seeing nothing done even with their voice inside the PNM that controlled and still controls the Local Government body in Arima they remained loyal to the PNM. Now that things have changed they want to become part of the winning team. Well they can continue to work on behalf of the residents but it will take some time before the PP can trust these defectors.

No one knows what is in their hearts but if service is the goal then let their deed follow them and let them work on behalf of the people and prove their worth. We wish them all well and hopefully the character of the Arima council will change tomorrow after the votes have been cast.

Go out and vote and create the change that you want! Your time has come again and it is very important that you speak up for the changes that you want and deserve!

Enough 'ole talk', arrest someone for the Heights of Guanapo Church Fiasco

2010-07-24T02:17:00.000-04:00

If you commit the crime you will do the time. Enough with the posturing and arrest someone for the fiasco that is the Heights of Guanapo Church.

It is apparent that with the filtering of the information handed to the press that the picture point to the fact that Town and Country did not give approval for the construction of the church but the construction went ahead all the same.

Stephen Mendes of Design Collaborative Associates Ltd has distanced himself from the project by submitting a letter to the office of the Attorney General. The letter, dated May 13, 2010, stated that Mendes was neither the applicant nor the agent in respect of any application to the Town and Country Planning Development on the church project.

"I therefore request that you direct all enquiries and communication in future to either the applicant or the owner," Mendes wrote. This quote is from the Trinidad Express article headlined "Call for Pena Probe".

The land was never officially and legally transferred to Mrs. Pena, the spiritual adviser of then Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. We also know that the Chinese who came to the country under government contract were in the process of constructing the Church. It is apparent that Mr. Calder Hart using the powers of UDeCOTT was using the finances of the state to construct the church. What a mess.

The then Prime Minister, Patrick Manning came out and stated the PM in the document could mean Project Manager and not Prime Minister to state that changes to the plans for the construction of the church did not come from the office of the Prime Minister. Look, it is about time they drag Mrs. Pena and the Chinese to a court and get them to state the facts. We need to know who was paying the Chinese to work at the site. If it was Mrs. Pena then we need to know where the financing for the project came from. Obviously she did not collect $30 million from her flock. If there was a loan involved then we need to know which bank granted the loan and what company or person secured the loan.

We have had enough of the 'ole talk' with bits and pieces of information coming to the press to sensationalize the story. Get to the bottom of it and it state funds were used then arrest and jail the person or persons involved in this crime.

Special voting begins|Newsd@y

2010-07-23T02:00:00.000-04:00

VOTING for special electors in the July 26 Local Government Elections was described as “slow” by presiding officers at two special electors polling stations on Tuesday. Voting for special electors began at 9 am and is expected to continue until Sunday.

via www.newsday.co.tt

It has begun and will culminate on Monday July 26, 2010 when local government elections will conclude with new representatives to serve the needs of the people.

This is a very interesting election since we now have a new political leader of the PNM who should "make a difference" for the political giant that took a beating at the polls during the last general elections. The PNM currently control 9 of the 14 local government agencies and it would be interesting to see if the nation is on the side of the PP or are back in step with the new leadership of the PNM.

Trinidad and Tobago has always been PNM country and if the trend does not hold and the PP government should prevail as it did for the general elections then only rampant corruption will remove the current government when the next general election comes around. It is very important that the PNM strike back by retaining the 9 corporations that they control and even win one of the five that is controlled by the UNC.

I can't wait for the results on Monday. Thus far the turn out for the special voters has been reported to be slow. On Monday, however, the story should be different and by evening we will learn the outcome. Is the PNM back or would it be more bad news with a sound trashing coming from the PP government. "Ah cyar wait for de results!"

PNM purges ‘traitors’ from the party|Newsday

2010-07-22T09:30:00.001-04:00

The People’s National Movement is on a campaign to purge itself of what deputy political leader, Orville London, called traitors of the party.

PNM political leader, Dr Keith Rowley, was more pointed in his attack, naming former PNM La Horquetta/Talparo MP, Roger Joseph who recently declared his allegiance to the People’s Partnership.

Both men were present at the presentation of candidates for the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation at a public meeting held Tuesday night at the Exodus pan yard, Tunapuna.

The entire article can be read via this link at www.newsday.co.tt

This is nothing new... People change sides and change their minds on a daily basis, it is just human nature. If we should think that someone should remain faithful to a cause, a marriage or a political party simply 'because' then we are doomed to failure because people need to adapt to the world they live in to get the best out of it... To be the best they can be. What should take place is that we should wish them well on their future endeavors instead of calling them traitors.

I know that a case can be put forward to defend the 'purging of dissidents' or those who no longer wish to support the same cause but why look at it in such a manner? When these people leave it opens the door for someone else who could very well be a better fit for the political party. As a matter of fact the moving of people between the lines bodes well for our democracy. However we need to act responsibly when dealing with this movement. Here we have one party waiting with open arms while the other is happy to get rid of the same people.

What is wrong with this picture? What would have been the statements if we saw the movement going the other way? Maybe this may be the same scenario years from now when the people get fed up with the current administration for some project that smells of corrupt activity.

In time to come we may move beyond these simple dealings and project a higher ideal that would make people stop and remark that it was a mature stance taken by "my political party" and in principle I will continue to support them even though we had problems that led us to this position in the first place.

OUTRAGE|Trinidad Express

2010-07-21T11:56:00.000-04:00

The headline is in uppercase and bold font to emphasize the ridiculous state that the previous administration put our country in today - OUTRAGE!

The Rahael Construction Group "amassed over $1 billion" in cost overruns on various projects awarded to it by the State, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said yesterday as he zeroed in on companies associated with the family of PNM campaign manager John Rahael as stated in the Triidad Express article. Is this outrageous? Yes it is but in Trinidad and Tobago most Trinidadians would simply say, "No big deal, all ah dem is thief". Did you get that? They simply don't care and will put on their blinders and vote for the same corrupt bunch of people all over again.

The verdict is out on this present administration and we cannot use the same brush to paint the same picture. They are say the right things but we need to see action. This action should be in the jailing of some of these people who allowed this waste to take place and according to Trini talk, "bet yuh bottom dollar somebody have monies stashed away in some foreign bank".

Recently I asked a friend why does he still support the PNM after all the reports coming out in the newspapers are pointing to serious corrupt practices in the previous administration. He is PNM to de bone and remarked (you guessed it), "all ah dem does thief". This man owns a well know business in the country and should know better - 'what ah shame'!

In my estimation there will be an OUTRAGE if this government does not jail some of these people for these corrupt practices. There will be OUTRAGE (on my part) if the PNM should win control of local government and if the PP does not do something about all of this corruption then next election will be hell for them. It will not matter how much good they do, how many roads they fixed, improve traffic, decentralize Port-of-Spain, produce more and cheaper foods, improve the lives of the people or even ensure that Local Government functions properly. None of those things will matter. They will say look, we have been accused of so many things yet still no one was jailed - It was all a lie simply to get into office.

So it is very important that we jail some of those corrupt people and, by the way, ensure that the Project Manager (PM) faces the music for the Heights of Guanapo scandalous affair (thought I forgot eh). It has only been two months my friends, hang on it will only get better. Improvements will surely come but so too will the truth that so many of you seem to be in denial about... Channa time (as in popcorn night but Trini style)!
Information sourced from "Outrage" in the Trinidad Express and can be read in its entirety here: OUTRAGE!

Former PNM Members Jump Ship

2010-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Former People's National Movement (PNM) appointed San Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly, who showed up on a People's Partnership platform last Friday to give an endorsement, said that he was excited by the new politics of the administration.

"I believe it is a new dawn and the administration will listen to the voice of the people and its local government representatives," he said.

Atherly said that he was inspired by government's response to suggestions for improving San Fernando.

"Joining Chancery Lane with the San Fernando Hospital and merging it into one will enhance the facility and provide better service to the people of southern districts," he said.

Atherly said the failure to implement improvement plans for the southern city has been frustrating under the former administration during his term as Mayor.

Atherly was Mayor for six years until 2006. He was replaced by Mayor Ken Ferguson.

The entire story can be read at this link via www.trinidadexpress.com

This is a difficult one to come to terms with as far as the honesty of the persons 'jumping ship' from the PNM to the platform of the PP government. This has been the case over the years but in the public eyes because of the upcoming local government elections.

Recently Mr. Jack Warner condemned the procurement of the catamaran vessel HSV Su for use as a water-ferry because the vessel never went into service. Martin Joseph, ex PNM MP was implicated in the procurement of the vessel but is now on board the PP platform. Does this mean that Mr. Joseph is now a 'hands off' regarding possible prosecution for wasting the taxpayers money?

Next we have Ian Atherly; former rejected Mayor of San Fernando who was asked not participated further by former PM Patrick Manning. He too has now 'jumped ship' and joined the PP platform. Should we take these people seriously? Do they really have the interests of the people at heart or are they simply looking to "reboot" and present themselves as viable entities in the political public domain? Should we trust these people?

It is always difficult to judge people on the surface without knowing the facts and how they truly feel about serving the interests of the people. The supporters of the PNM will not treat them well and we have already seen the PP embracing them with wide open arms. I don't know and will reserve judgment. After all they are citizens of the country and have a right to change their beliefs and political party. In the end the people will have the final say.

Isn't Trinidad politics 'nice' - I will say it again my channa (not popcorn) is ready for the electoral results... See you on results day!

COP candidate cleans up Arima borough|Newsday

2010-07-19T02:01:00.004-04:00

CONGRESS of the People candidate for Arima Central, Clinton Jennings, last week embarked on a massive clean-up drive in the Arima Borough.

Along with his supporters, Jennings and his team drove through the streets of the borough and removed garbage left after the Clean and Beautify campaign last month.

Jennings told Newsday, piles of garbage were still on the streets waiting to be removed.

He and his team went to Hagley Street, Arima, and Lawrence Park, also in the borough, and removed truckloads of garbage.

via www.newsday.co.tt

Photo also from Newsday.

Bravo for the efforts of Mr. Clinton Jennings for cleaning up the mess that was left on the streets for more than a month now. The Clean and Beautify campaign was meant to accomplish a stated goal. However, since the people played their part in the exercise I now have to wonder why the Borough Corporation did not play their part and remove the debris left behind?

The Borough is PNM controlled and the cleanup campaign was an effort of the newly installed PP government. This is shame and clearly shows that there is a need for change in the personnel at the management level of the Borough Corporation. Commonsense should have prevailed and the person responsible for removal of the waste should have ensured that the garbage was removed from the streets in a timely manner.

I remember when I was a young man and the County Council instructed that people should clean up and put the refuse on the street for removal this was promptly done. A lot has changed but for the upcoming local government a lot more needs to be changed. The electorate in the affected areas will have their say at the polls.

The Birdie could not Ramajay|Slinger Francisco

2010-07-18T00:32:00.010-04:00

My friend Gail remarked that Sparrow gave her the 'freshcole' tonight; well she was not the only person who cried after seeing the mighty one fall from grace at NAPA in Port-of-Spain last night.

Indeed it was a very strange night, and one that caused me to pause for a moment and take stock of my life. I witnessed something that simply broke my heart. I am a person who can reach the sappy realm very easily and tonight started out with fun and plenty ole talk and jubilation then extreme sadness swept over us like a raging tsunami crushing everything in its path.

There were many performances but Calypso Rose at age 70 performed like a tigress on the stage at NAPA in Trinidad. She was simply marvelous but then came the shock of the night that left everyone who witnessed it puzzled and dismayed. The greatest ever was announced and the expectation was high. I was pumped for the performance of the birdie. The King of Kings, the mighty one, Slinger Francisco was about to take the stage but then something strange happened.

Initially I thought it was part of the performance and the chair that the Mighty one was sitting on was part of a performance to come. This was not the case because the shell of the man sitting on the chair was not the debonair one, the man who could mash up de place... No, that was not Slinger Francisco! Something was wrong, maybe he was not feeling well, and why was he there in that state? It was sad indeed as the once master of the art form struggled to sing and could not do it the way he used to do it, with flair. The light and fire was gone from his eyes and his voice trembled as he struggled to keep pace with the music.

This was so sad and painful to watch. I believe that everyone watching the show noticed a determination, a great desire on his part to get the job done. The Mighty Sparrow had every intention of completing his stint on stage. At times it looked like he was meditating or taking a quick nap but he quickly got back in time with the music when he had his part to play.

This should not have taken place tonight. The mighty one should have been introduced to the crowd and with a supporting cast sang a few verses - nothing more. The fact that he needed to sit to perform should have been an indication to the promoters that this should have been handled differently.

We have to thank the Mighty Sparrow for the music he gave us, respect him for whom he is, give him his due and let him enjoy the show as a very, very special guest. It is obvious that he cannot perform again and we wish him well. May the Lion of the Calypso World live long, live strong and prosper with good health. Thank you for the music and wonderful memories... I am so confused after seeing this performance tonight...Enough.

Photo Source: http://www.wackradio901fm.com/

Updated 07/19/2010
The Trinidad Express in a report on the performance of the Mighty Sparrow at NAPA stated that "Sparrow, 75, who lives in New York, is suffering from diabetes, which continues to take a toll on his body".

Sparrow's wife, Margaret, also stated and it was reported in the same article that "it was not that the master calypsonian could not walk, but that walking has been causing him severe pain over the last month". This was referenced because Sparrow was brought on stage in a wheel chair and transferred to a chair from which he performed. She also stated that the Birdie, who now lives in New York, is undergoing tests to determine the cause of the back pain.

The article from the Express Newspaper can be read in its entirety at this link: "Tears flow at NAPA as stricken Sparrow sings."

Trinidad and Tobago Fast Patrol Boats

2010-07-17T08:30:00.004-04:00

via youtube.com

In today's edition of the Trinidad Express in an article titled "Dragnet" there was mention of the OPV' when Minister John Sandy (National Security Minister) unveiled the crime plan as demanded by the electorate. The folloowing is an excerpt from the article:

"Included in the overall crime plan is provision for increased coastal patrols by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Minister said. He said in this regard Cabinet was considering all the possibilities pertinent to the acquisition of the three offshore vessels (OPVs) sourced by the previous administration. (See Page 8)

He said three criteria were being used in the decision-making process—the security requirements and its worth to Trinidad and Tobago in the marshaling of the country's territorial waters; the financial aspect as it relates not only to the cost of the system, inclusive of four helicopters, but also to the maintenance factor; and the legal considerations".

He gave the assurance that Government would make the best decision in the interest of the country.

via www.trinidadexpress.com

Ministry targets 21,000 homes|Trinidad Guardian

2010-07-16T03:06:00.000-04:00

Mosquito infestation|Dengue Fever

The Ministry of Health’s Insect Vector Control Division will spray 21,083 homes nationwide over the next eight days. According to a statement from the ministry, the spraying will begin today and will continue until July 23. .The ministry said particular emphasis would be also be placed on the treatment and spraying in communities where there had been clusters of dengue cases and high infestation of the aedes aegypti mosquito.

via http://guardian.co.tt

I am absolutely certain that if Local Government was functioning properly we would have been in a better position today regarding the mosquito infestation and the fear of dengue fever spreading.

I remember as a youth growing up in the Arima area that we had regular visits from personnel from the county council who would come in the properties in the villages and inspect for areas that mosquitoes could lay their eggs. They would spray the areas regularly and this was done manually. The agents came with tanks on their backs with a pump spray to effectively deliver the agent to destroy the mosquito larvae and eggs.

The erosion of the effectiveness of the county councils contributed to the decrease of services and the eradication of this job position. Then came the foggers but it appears that the effectiveness of this method is not as good as agents going from yard to yard inspecting and spraying to eradicate this problem. Those who had latrines were given an oil to pour into the pits. Now we have flushing toilets but the mosquito issue is now a contentious issue with people dying from the infections.

I do hope that with local elections coming soon that we can see change that would hand over power and services with the financing to ensure that local government becomes effective once again.

Every vote counts go out and vote and vote to ensure that your village gets effective representation. I would like to see the PP take control of the corporations but local representation is very important. Ensure that your representative had the fires needed to represent your interests and not that of any political party. Make your vote count!

Four drop out of race|Trinidad Express

2010-07-15T01:23:00.000-04:00

I don't get it... Hold on now I must change my position because I do get it. These four rejected candidates filed to contest the election as independent candidates because they had a responsibility to serve the people right? Didn't they say that?

Now we learn that after a meeting with Mr. Warner that they have come to the realization that a third candidate will split the vote... remember UNC and COP when they contested as separate entities? Obviously there is more in the mortar than just the pestle. These people decided after one meeting that the interest of the party is more important than the interests of the people!

This should be remembered by the constituents when these people present themselves to serve in the future and black list them... No backbone at all!

News Watch|Trinidad and Tobago

2010-07-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

No more $$ for off shore vessels|Trinidad Express

Hey what is $5 Billion? No big deal... well for the PP government it is now a big headache and one that was termed a black hole by the Prime Minister. We are caught in a contract that we have to live up to' but at the same time and it was correctly articulated by the Prime Minister that we may have to get some form of compensation:

"I don't think we can get out of it—it is they might have to pay us some money. The suppliers may have to pay us some money and that is what we are looking at—if we had a contract and you agreed to deliver by X date and X date has come and you say Y, P and Q and you reach B and C and we still can't get it then some kind of liquidated damages will have to be paid for that breach of contract in terms of delivery. There's a decision we have to take as to whether we take our liquidated damages and run or give them some more time."

Bakr properties for auction block|Newsday

According to a report in Newsday the Attorney General Anand Ramlogan intends to recover the $32 million awarded as damages to the State from the Jamaat al Muslimeen for the failed 1990 coup.

I am sure we will be hearing from Mr. Abu Bakr soon. The award to the State was made last September by High Court Justice Rajendra Narine. This was done after the Privy Council (final court of appeal in England) blocked attempts by Mr. Baky to avoid paying the money.

This move by the Attorney General will not sit well with Mr. Bakr. Keep an eye on this matter as it is fraught with conflict. Mr. Bakr will open some deep wounds that will have the name of the former Prime Minister (Mr. Patrick Manning) and members of the former UNC Government in events that will lead to what I will now call "kankalang news to come".

Beckles calls for high voter turnout|Guardian

65 percent turnou or bust. PNM senator Pennelope Beckles is seeing the glory days of the PNM coming back with the upcoming local government elections as the measuring stick. She expects that the PNM will retain control of the Arima Borough, Port-of-Spain and Sangre Grande. Of course the PNM expect to retain control of the 9 Corporations they control presently.

The PNM is behaving like all is well in PNM land even though we are reading about questionable contracts and mismanagement of the country's finances when they were in office. The race has started and the ole talk is already making headlines.

After this election we will have an idea about the future of the PNM and the current leadership that was recently installed. I am curious but we will see what the people are thinking. Things change overnight in Trini land and that is what Mrs. Beckles may be hoping for at this time. She expects the voters to put on their blinders and forget the mismanagement and put them back in office to butt heads with the PP government and stall local government. It is important that we put people in place to work with the current government to move local government forward - to make it work on behalf of the people once again. Do you, as a voter, believe that the PNM will be able to make it work?

National debate on local govt July 22|Trinidad Guardian

2010-07-14T04:22:00.000-04:00

The People’s Partnership and the People’s National Movement have agreed to participate in a national debate on the role of local government.

A release from the T&T Debates Commission said the the agreement was made yesterday between the groups and the commission. The Debates Commission is a project of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce and is an independent, impartial and a non-profit entity.

The debate will take place on July 22 at 8.30 pm and would be broadcast live on national television and radio. As a result of a coin toss, the People’s Partnership would lead off answering the first question, the release said. Two representatives of each group will debate the subject: “Is the public correct in its view that local government serves no purpose except to consolidate or undermine the interest of the political parties?

via guardian.co.tt

Now we have government in action. When the ruling party and the opposition works together to achieve a common goal then that is one government (ruling party and opposition) working together to improve the conditions in the country.

If at the end of the day there is consensus and the common plan to move Local Government forward then the goal was set and achieved. This PP government is doing the right thing and one should take note that this was not the case with the former administration of the Patrick Manning administration. There was talk and more talk and delays in the process that resulted in the postponement of local elections for years.

Now we are having local elections and coming on the heels of the elections discussions to ascertain the role and functions for the local government bodies as the country moves into a brave new future.

I applaud the actions of the PP government and wish all the candidates' success in the upcoming general elections. I am a supporter of the PP government but the voice of the people will determine the outcome of the elections not the ranting of anyone in the blogosphere.

Decentralize Services

2010-07-13T01:14:00.000-04:00

“Why is it everything is in Port-of-Spain and that is why I want to also make sure we have less people coming into Port-of-Spain, we have staggered hours of work, we have a priority bus lane on the highway where buses can now come on the highway at specific times and people can leave their cars at home and believe if a bus leaves 7am, it’s 7am.”

via www.newsday.co.tt

Yes Mr. Warner I agree with that statement... Why does everything have to be in Port of Spain? We need to decentralize the City and move as much as we can to other locations to decrease the traffic coming into the city.

The idea to move the operations of the PTSC to Caroni is a good one since it is a central location and the amount of room available for expansion is available. The facility in Port of Spain can then be better utilized with the bulk of the fleet located in the Caroni area. This is just a start and with the bus fleet centrally located access routes will not be congested in the city as the buses leave for various locations.

The next move is to ensure that the service is on time, on schedule and that people can rely on the bus service. The plan to have a priority bus lane on several highways will ensure that a large amount of people will move from point A to point B in the fastest possible time. Change is coming and with Mr. Warner in charge we can rest assured that it will be good.

Health Minister exhibits "Wajang Style" behavior

2010-07-12T01:34:00.000-04:00

"We heard you, now shut up!"

Those were the words uttered by Minister of Health, Therese Baptiste-Corneilis while attending a meeting at Chaguanus. She interupted the speaker, "incumbent councilor Felisha Isahack to impose her power on the public" as reported in the Trinidad Express newspaper.

This is not a good sign and she needs to apologize for her behavior. We cannot accept this behavior from anyone especially from a party that wants to promote itself as a party for, of and by the people. This is totally unacceptable.

The acting Prime Minister needs to advise the Minister of Health to apologize to the electorate. This behavior would have been vehemently condemned if it was done by a member of the People's National Movement.

No Madam Minister we will not stand for this type of wajang behavior!

Source: Trinidad Express Newspaper

$1 billion 'Scandal'|Trinidad Guardian

2010-07-11T09:56:00.002-04:00

The Broadgate Place project is a 26-storey building opposite City Gate Transport Hub in Port-of-Spain, specifically located at Nos 3 and 5 Henry Street, 6, 8 and 10 Broadway and 56, 58 and 60 South Quay, Port-of-Spain. It is designed to comprise a 26-storey office tower consisting of two floors of retail stores including a food court, two floors of parking and 22 floors of office space, with the fifth to 26th floor being leased to the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT).

The project is being executed by the Broadgate Place Property Company Ltd (BPPCL), a subsidiary of the Transcorp Development Company Ltd (TDCL). The Design/Build Contractors are the Bouygues Batiment Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (BBTTCC) and Project Managers', Turner Alpha Ltd. The project was expected to start in early 2010 and shall be completed over a period of 36 months, with a projected handover date in December 2012 for occupation of the same.

via guardian.co.tt

Absolutely scandalous! That is all that can be said about this Broadgate issue. So what is new? Absolutely nothing and once again we see the ineptitude and scandalous behavior of the previous administration (PNM) coming to light.

Why would any government invest over 1 billion dollars in a project and now own the rights to the money invested? Apparently there is nothing in place to protect the investment of the people's money invested thus far in the construction of this project. Does any of this make sense? Absolutely not and the previous administration should be made to account for this development and the spending of the government's purse.

Article after article appear in the daily newspapers showing problem after problem with the dealings of the previous administration. We have Mr. Warner speaking about sweet deals where millions are paid monthly to friends of an expelled political party for property rentals. We have UDecOTT in debt to the tune of billions of dollars and also government agencies owing UDeCOTT tons of money for projects done (all under the former administration). I do hope that these revelations do not go unpunished. Thousands of Trinbagoinians have already been punished because of lack of services with billions being spent on other projects including CHOGM.

Now they have retooled and are back for the local elections? I am upset and vex as any Trini would say. This is my wish - "Not ah damn seat for dem".

Licensing condition in Arima angers Works Minister|Trinidad Guardian

2010-07-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

The acting PM said the majority of complaints received by customers related to the lack of customer service and the long period of time it took get a licence. He said he was concerned for the customers and employees who sit and work in poorly-ventilated offices and waiting rooms. Before Warner left, he addressed the employees and customers saying: “I want to apologise to you all for the state of this office.” Warner promised to improve and reform the Licensing Division to ensure effective customer service.

via guardian.co.tt

I know that Arima licensing office well. As a matter of fact I worked at the Ministry of Works in Arima when the office was constructed. It was and is a very simple construction that was welcomed - no longer did we have to head to Port of Spain to renew our driving permit.

Well that was more than twenty years ago. Well I guess the times have changed and the facility can no longer serve the needs of the community. We have to understand how things work in Trinidad first of all. It is a case of "if it isn't broke then leave it alone". Modernization came to Port of Spain and its environs but the basic needs of the people were neglected. No one complained to the authorities... Why? It is simple to understand... "We like it so".

It does not matter what political party you support because when it comes to service everyone has to undergo the same process - well unless you know someone who knows someone. Mr. Warner has been very proactive and with the drive he has surely we will see positive change. It is a shame that he came into office when the finances of the country are not in the best health. In any case we will see positive change and that my friends is what the Peoples Partnership is all about.

One must consider the changes coming in such a short period and measure it with all that did not happen during the tenure of the PNM. The focus of the PNM was elsewhere but the focus of this present administration must remain on the people. Make the lives of the people comfortable and provide services that can be easily accessed. No frustration and hours of waiting online. In such a scenario we need to continue to help by ensuring that Local Government supports the actions of Central Government. Yes just remember local government elections takes place this month. It is your civic duty to vote. Do the right thing.

Change is on the way Arima, change that will help relieve frustration and ensure that the process is accelerated. Support you government in its efforts to get things right. At the same time remember that the government has not been in office for just about two months. Be patient, positive change is about to replace long lines and the frustration people experienced while attempting to obtain basic services.