Monthly Archives: October 2012

Caribbean, General T&T, Opposition Party, People's Partnership, PNM, Politics, USA

Celebrating Fifty Years of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence

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By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
Published: October 23, 2012

Dr. Selwyn R. CudjoeFirst of all I would like to thank Professor Linda Heywood for inviting me to participate in this wonderful program. I am particularly delighted to be on the same panel with Professor Orlando Patterson, Professor Emmauel Akyeampong, and to have the opportunity to view the screening of “Akwantu: The Journey” since strictly speaking the journey for independence in the Caribbean began when these gallant brothers, incidentally led by Captain Cudjoe, began to fight for our liberation from bondage. Ever since then, the citizens of the British Caribbean have struggled to control their internal and external affairs, culminating in national independence for most of these territories in the 1960s. In Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, we gained our national independence in August, 1962.
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Food, General T&T, International, People's Partnership, Politics

Food for Thought

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By Raffique Shah
October 20, 2012

Raffique ShahMOST times I stay silent when I listen to people in authority or those who think they know it all say the wildest things. But there are times when I feel compelled to intervene, mostly when I think too much is at stake. This is one such intervention. For many years, but more so since the global food crisis of 2007-08, politicians and governments would vow to put this country’s food production on a growth path that would take us to full food security.
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General T&T, Media, Schools

In support of History and Dr Samaroo

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By Bukka Rennie
October 07, 2012 – guardian.co.tt

Bukka RennieWhy History? In recent times history as an academic subject has been given a bad name by students at elementary, secondary and tertiary levels. Students tell you that it is boring and from their perspective it seems utterly purposeless and have little bearing on their careers. What I have discovered is that the problem lies in how history is presented to students.
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Africa, Books, Caribbean, Culture, General T&T, Race and Identity, Racism Watch

Columbus & the Falsification of History: Updated

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By Dr. Kwame Nantambu
October 15, 2012

Dr. Kwame NantambuAt the outset, it must be stated quite clearly that we Afrikan people, are the original, majority people with original ideas. Europeans are only an inherited, transmitting, global minority people. Europeans did not invent, create or discover culture or civilization; they just inherited them and in some cases, stole them. Afrikans never lived in caves and in the icebox during the Ice Age for 20,000 years.
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Crime in T&T, General T&T, Opposition Party, Parliament, People's Partnership, PNM, Politics, UNC

Ten years and a ‘po’

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By Raffique Shah
October 13, 2012

Raffique ShahRECENTLY, as I mused on the state of “permanent politicking” that citizens of this country have been victims of for decades, I thought, why not elect a government for ten or 20 years? Before readers condemn me to the gallows for instant execution, or cart me off to the lunatic asylum to spend what is left of my miserable life, hear me out. Over the past 21 years, we have had—what?—seven general elections. We have changed governments four times and faces in government at least ten times.
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General T&T, International, Labour, USA

Joe Young: last man standing

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By Raffique Shah
October 07, 2012

Raffique ShahLAST Tuesday, one of this country’s great labour leaders and patriots, Joe Young, made his exit from life. Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note, as this gentle giant was hurried to some morgue, unmarked and indistinguishable from others. Not that he would have wanted otherwise. It was his final interaction with the ordinary man with whom he lived and mingled freely, for whom he fought many a battle. At age 80, Joe must have endured more than he could in this cussed country that he so loved. He was ready to join his ancestors, to re-link with old comrades.
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Business, Crime in T&T, Finance, General T&T, Labour, Law, Media, Parliament, People's Partnership, Politics, Security

$58B Budget, TT’s Largest Ever

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Finance and Economy Minister Larry Howai
Finance and Economy Minister Larry Howai

By Clint Chan Tack
October 02, 2012 – newsday.co.tt

Finance Minister Larry Howai on the front page of NewsdayPEOPLE who drive vehicles fueled by premium gasolene will pay higher prices at the pump from today. A wide range of hefty tax increases was imposed on the local gaming industry as of yesterday and land and building taxes will return.

However orphans, retirees, special reserve police officers and persons involved in home construction are just some groups in society who will benefit from the country’s largest ever budget which Finance and Economy Minister Larry Howai presented in the House of Representatives yesterday.
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