View Point

“[…] Mr Devant Maharaj argues that critics of that vote treat a dictatorship as a victim. That is not the argument. The argument is that ordinary Cubans are the victims and that the measure punishing them is wrong in law and principle—and that a small state which depends on international …

“[…] Trinidad and Tobago’s vote on 28 October 2026 against the UN resolution on the Cuba embargo was not a betrayal of principle. It was the first time in more than 30 years that this country refused to lend its name to a resolution that treats a military dictatorship as …

I support democracy, human rights, political freedom and the right of the Cuban people to determine their own future. Those principles are important and should never be dismissed. However, I am deeply disappointed by Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to vote against the United Nations resolution calling for an end to …

This is the first of a series of commentaries on reparatory justice as conceived in Caricom’s revised Ten Point Plan for Reparations: A Manifesto for the Coming Enlightenment, which was launched in Barbados on 17 September 2026. This article draws attention to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in …

“[…] Mr Raffique Shah admired Paris students protesting fuel prices and the poor conditions of schools in their poorer districts… He granted French youth a structural explanation for their law-breaking, then refused to recognize the structural reason for that mother on a mattress on the floor locally. “[…] At home, …

Once again, the calypso fraternity and the nation of Trinidad and Tobago have been plunged into mourning with the passing of Anthony Emrold Phillip, affectionately known as Brother Valentino, The People’s Calypsonian. Born in Grenada on 7 July 1941 and brought to Trinidad as a child, Brother Valentino’s journey was …

The recent announcement by the government to divest state assets has stimulated some conversations on the role of the state in the economy. In my opinion these conversations have been fairly limited given the magnitude and range of the divestment, including the Hilton Trinidad, Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, …

I am not a politician. I’m certainly not a senator. I am just a citizen who pays attention. So, when the Prime Minister called independent senators “Satan’s helpers” for voting against the Special Operations Bill, I did not just feel peeved. I felt like something important was being hidden. Not …

Today, Trinidad and Tobago, and indeed the Caribbean, bids farewell to a true cultural giant. With the passing of Dr Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, affectionately known as the Birdie, we have lost far more than a legendary calypsonian. We have lost a storyteller, a social commentator, an entertainer, a …

There is an old adage that says: “a wise man learns from the mistakes of others, while a fool learns from their own mistakes.” This seems fairly commonsense. If one sees someone else undertake an action which results in negative consequences, it would be foolhardy to expect a different result …

“[…] It is nothing short of amazing how this current political directorate can go from conceptualization of 30 ‘police post’ to delivery, in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the issue of body cameras has been simmering on the back burners since Columbus’ arrival. “Each time the topic comes up, we …

Thirteen years have passed since health care workers, Lake Asphalt employees and other workers last received a salary adjustment. In 2026, they remain stuck on 2013 wages while the cost‑of‑living climbs higher every day. Postal workers have fared even worse, still bound to 2010 salaries—16 years without relief. The People’s …