Category Archives: Religion

Christmas and Santa Clause: A Historical Review

By Adib Rashad
November 19, 2000

Trinidad and Tobago News Blog
www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog

American and European history informs us that the celebration of Christmas was once banned in Britain and the North American colonies. This occurred in the early 17th century. The so-called Puritans in England considered the entire Christmas celebration as repulsively non-Christian. The Puritan Party under Oliver Cromwell in 1642 rendered all Christmas celebrations, religious and secular an anathema, and forbidden by Parliament.
Continue reading Christmas and Santa Clause: A Historical Review

Role of History and Culture in The Liberation Struggle

By Dr. Kwame Nantambu
November 14, 2009

www.trinidadandtobagonews.com

Emancipation

History is one of the most powerful weapons in the armory of a people to define and empower and defend themselves.

If a people do not place themselves in their proper historical context, then, such a people would be defenseless, powerless and nothingless. As such, it is very vital for a people to write, interpret, and analyse their own history for, by and of themselves. Failure to do so would be fatal for their existence. And their demise would be assured. No people should allow another people to write, interpret and analyse their own history. Most of all, the oppressed or colonised must not allow their oppressor or coloniser to write, interpret and analyse their history. More specifically, we Afrikan people must not allow our European oppressor/coloniser to write, interpret and analyse our history.

Continue reading Role of History and Culture in The Liberation Struggle

Discourse and diatribe

By Raffique Shah
September 27, 2009
Trinidad and Tobago News Blog
www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog

Raffique ShahIt is depressing, to say the least, watching men and women who hold high offices, eschew discourse in favour of diatribe as they engage each other in matters of national interest. The latest salvo fired by Attorney General John Jeremie as he responded to statements by the Law Association, is a case in point. Clearly, the AG believes he and his colleagues in government are being targeted by political opponents, which is why he must descend into the gutter to snipe at the “enemy”.
Continue reading Discourse and diatribe

Govt to pay Maha Sabha $3M for radio licence delay

By Sacha Wilson
Published: 23 Sep 2009 – guardian.co.tt

Satnarayan MaharajThe State has to pay the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, which operates Central Broadcasting Services Ltd, close to $3 million in damages for its unequal treatment and delay in granting them a FM radio broadcasting licence.

Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh awarded compensatory and vindicatory damages yesterday by way of a video conference at the San Fernando High Court.
Continue reading Govt to pay Maha Sabha $3M for radio licence delay

Funeral Arrangements for Mrs Patricia Robinson

Trinidad and Tobago News Blog
www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog

Mrs Patricia RobinsonThe Funeral Service for Mrs Patricia Robinson, wife of The Honourable Arthur N.R. Robinson, former President of the Republic, will take place on Thursday September 17th at the Church of The Assumption, Long Circular Road, Maraval, at 2.30 pm.

The family has requested that no flowers be taken to the church, and has indicated that donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Kids In Need of Direction (KIND).
Continue reading Funeral Arrangements for Mrs Patricia Robinson

Father, forgive them not…

By Raffique Shah
Sunday, May 10th 2009

The Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago“There is one trait in the character of a leader that above all things, really counts-being straight. No amount of ability, knowledge or cunning can ever make up for not being straight. Once those under him find out that a commander is absolutely straight in all his dealings with them, and free himself from the slightest trait of self-interest they will love him trust him, work for him, follow him-and should the occasion arise, die for him”

—Basilisk Talks on Leadership, extracted from the “little red book” of Sandhurst, Serve to Lead.
Continue reading Father, forgive them not…

The Catholic Church and the Underdevelopment of Africa

By Michael De Gale
March 19, 2009

The Christian BibleIn light of the devastating effect that AIDS is having on the continent of Africa, it is unconscionable that Pope Benedict XVI should condemn the use of condoms as a way to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS. In a recent visit to the continent where 22 million people are living with the disease, Pope Benedict XVI stated that, “condoms are not the answer to the AIDS epidemic in Africa and can make the problem worse”. This begs the question, “How many more of Africa’s sons and daughters must suffer and die before this hood wearing demon places human life ahead of religious dogma?” Indeed, contraception is not the panacea that would put an end to this scourge, but it will do much to curb the alarming rate of infection.
Continue reading The Catholic Church and the Underdevelopment of Africa