“[…] T&T’s education system thus faces two challenges—decades old, but now more pressing in the context of 21st century market requirements and the ongoing advancement of artificial intelligence. “For the top 3%, a system that emphasises rote learning and memorisation is both demotivating and increasingly irrelevant in the real world. …
Read More »Dear Editor: Know the ground you’re standing on—talking points on proposed home invasion bill
“[…] While the proponents of this proposed bill argue that these laws will promote self-defense and personal responsibility, critics have raised concerns about increased violence and potential for abuse. “It is against this backdrop, that I humbly seek permission to utilise your column to express my contributions as a citizen…” …
Read More »St Louis: Union leaders inside UNC-led gov’t must speak up—workers are watching
Elements of the trade union movement now sits inside the coalition that governs Trinidad and Tobago. That should have brought working-class concerns closer to the centre of national decision-making. Instead, we’re seeing silence, especially on the issues that matter most to working people. There may be voices in the room, …
Read More »Daly Bread: Making sport with our money—state enterprise system remains “fertile ground for mismanagement”
In these weekly columns I have pursued certain matters that the leaders whom we elect by means of general elections are simply not willing to confront. Unhelpfully, many other significant leaderships in the nation are generally content only to mouth platitudes about ‘partnering’ and ‘welcoming’ as they sway with the …
Read More »Dear Editor: None but ourselves can free our minds…
“[…] The psychological impact of long-term oppression can be devastating, leading to a cycle of poverty, social alienation, and continued subjugation. Mental slavery is not just an individual issue but a societal one, as communities and even entire nations can be affected by the lingering effects of colonialism, racism, and …
Read More »Dear Editor: Gov’t must be wary of religious extremists to avoid repeat of 1990
“[…] The 1990 coup demonstrated that unchecked religious freedom and extreme religious ideologies can pose a direct threat to democracy and civil liberties. This horrendous event is a sobering example of how extreme religious beliefs, if unchecked, can manifest as domestic terrorism. “Freedom of religion does not include the liberty …
Read More »Kamla: “The rule of law remains our strongest shield”—lessons from July 27
“[…] Let us be clear: the perpetrators of July 1990 were not patriots. The true patriots defended the Constitution and safeguarded our Republic, some at the cost of their lives, others bearing wounds and trauma to this day. “[…] Today, three months after returning to office, I reaffirm my Government’s …
Read More »Daly Bread: Crunch time! Can UNC Gov’t transform T&T from “get-away” place for criminals?
In the recent past, governments both of the United National Congress (UNC) and of the Peoples National Movement (PNM) have had the then president of the Republic proclaim states of emergency said to be directed at the level of violent criminal activity. The dates of the proclamations were respectively 21 …
Read More »Coup Time: Town on Fire
“[…] So, we inside the parliament again. The Prime Minister was in front ah the room way the podium was on a chair. He looking a little frail and he saying, ‘My nation stay calm. This would soon be over.’ “At he side was two men in black and behind …
Read More »Noble: Is Gov’t handling of SoE trivialising T&T’s crime reality?
Over the last ten days, I missed BC Pires. He would understand how to explain what has been going on in my beloved country. Vidia Naipaul is also not here, so he cannot update his famed The Mimic Men. Here is one of his quotes from that novel: “[…] We, …
Read More »Dear Editor: Three things that Cepep—and other T&T institutions—need for true reform
“[…] Almost daily, the discourse has been filled with opinions on Cepep and Cepep workers: UNC/PNM supporters, radio commentators and newspaper columnists present opinions and arguments on one side or the other. “These are all useful for taking the public temperature. But, after nearly 20 years of Cepep, absent from …
Read More »Dear Editor: Meritocracy myth—your surname and liming circle determines success in T&T
“[…] Social capital trumps educational capital every time. In Trinidad and Tobago’s business and politics, social capital—your surname, your old boys’ club, your Carnival band, your golf foursome—often outweighs your degree. “[…] Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t reward talent. It protects power. It preserves privilege. And it punishes those who try to …
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