By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
June 10, 2007
Trinbagonians have much for which they should be thankful although I am not too sure that we always realize it. Today, our wages are the highest in the Caribbean; our per capita income stands at about $11,000 US; and we enjoy many modern conveniences. Yet, like Oliver Twist, the cry goes out for more. Surprisingly, we never think much about who or what is responsible for our economic success which is why on June 19, 2007, we need to give thanks and praises to those brothers and sisters who fought so gallantly to make us who we are and those who were responsible for bringing us to where we are today.
Continue reading Counting Our Blessings
After overcoming the initial shock of television networks across the world featuring this country in an alleged plot to “blow up the JFK airport” in New York, I could not help but break into peals of laughter. The first giggle came when the US networks featured the sorry picture of the alleged mastermind, Russell De Freitas. This “Sad Sack”, as The New York Times dubbed him, looked incapable of blowing hot air with any force, far less deal the US a “blow more devastating than 9/11”, as a State Department spokeswoman insisted.
Jamaat al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr, speaking at a press conference, said his group had nothing to do with the so-called plot to bomb JFK International Airport in New York. Speaking with the Associated Press, Imam Bakr said he knows nothing about the alleged plot which has lead to the arrest of three Caribbean nationals, two from Guyana and one from Trinidad and Tobago.
If there is anything shocking about our outrage over the horrendous road accidents we have experienced within recent times, it is our expression of shock. Ruthlessness on the road is symptomatic of the lawlessness that pervades the society. Basic manners and common courtesy have degenerated to the point where they hardly exist even among our elders. Terms like “good day”, “hello”, “please” and “thank you”, to mention a few courtesies that were standard yesterday, are aberrations today. Does the Traffic Chief seriously think the average motorist of today takes him on when he appeals to all to drive carefully? He would be more successful addressing pigs in a pen.
MINUTES after leaving her south Trinidad home on Thursday to attend classes at a nearby secondary school, a 17-year-old girl was attacked and raped by two men.