Venezuela, Trinidad strained relations continue:

It may not be too obvious to a lot of people about a lukewarm relationship that has developed between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, the two countries separated by only ten miles of water between them.
The issues that are causing the strained relations between the neighbouring states are two-pronged.
First is the refusal of Port of [...]

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Crime, food prices under the microscope:

As another year comes to a close and a new one throws open its door, many of us might be reflecting on whether 2007 was a good year. We may also be pondering on the possibilities that might be awaiting us in the new year.
As we pause and look back over the last 12 months, [...]

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Exploration interest in Caribbean:

The recent surge in the global price of oil has been putting heavy pressure on the net oil importing countries in the Caribbean.
Given the price movement of oil, vulnerable and the tourism-dependent countries such as those in the Caribbean are bracing themselves when it breaks the US$100 mark.
In Jamaica, the increase in the price of [...]

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Spare a thought for Grandmothers:

Yesterday was World Aids Day. Since 1988, it has been observed every year on December first.
According to the World Health Organization, the symbolic day provides governments, national AIDS programmes, faith and community organizations and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.
Like millions of people worldwide affected directly [...]

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Back to the land:

One of the things I look forward to on most weekends is heading to the
market to fill up two strong bags with a variety of fruits and vegetables
grown at home in Trinidad and from other Caribbean islands.
I enjoy the smell of the market – freshly cut watermelons, sweet, fat
golden bananas and plantain bursting at the [...]

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Chavez’s unlikely ally:

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez may have found an unlikely ally right next door to him in the person of Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister Patrick Manning who last week slammed Washington for ignoring him, ignoring Trinidad and Tobago and ignoring the entire Caribbean.
The Bolivarian Revolution-hugging Chavez, the world’s most brutal critic of George W. and [...]

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The ‘terrorist’ look:

One of my uncles who lives in Boston prepares himself every time he reaches the US Immigration to be pulled over by security for questioning. Wearing heavy gold chains around his neck and wrists and carrying a briefcase, he felt he was identified for questioning because he fitted a certain profile, maybe of a drug [...]

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Chaotic state of world affairs

Over six years ago the world ushered in the 21st century. It was a new century embraced with a mixture of hope, fear and uncertainty.
Some held out an utopian hope that the 21st century could mean the start of a transformation of mankind into a kinder, gentler creature concerned about the famine ravaging some countries [...]

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A nation on the edge:

Race relations might be at its lowest in Trinidad and Tobago these days and we’re not even in an election mode.
Listening to commentators and callers on the plethora of radio stations in the country, there’s constant talk about “we” and “them” – by members of the two dominant ethnic groups in describing each other.
With no [...]

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Waiting for miracles:

Benny Hinn has come and gone and the blood, gut and gory continue unrelenting, refusing to bow even as this so-called powerful man of God prayed upon Trinidad and Tobago for a full three days.
On the eve of his arrival, the country was sent into another shock-wave (yes, we still have the ability to be [...]

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