I have sat in wedding ceremonies with my eyes filled with tears and my heart feeling heavy especially when the priest says: “Till death do us part”.  

Marriage is a wonderful hope expressing a profound commitment, a declaration of enduring love and loyalty. Yet one must pause and ponder: is this sentiment truly realistic?

The journey toward a successful marriage requires mutual understanding, patience, tolerance, and acceptance. Couples must acknowledge that they cannot satisfy each other’s every need. Instead, they must strive for a balance, recognizing each other’s uniqueness and limitations.  The cornerstone of a lasting union requires an understanding of each other’s complexities and even resolving conflicts equitably. If we are to succeed at marriage, or indeed life in general, these mental survival tools must be taught to our children from toddlerhood to teens, and even beyond.

Setting clear and agreed-upon rules becomes extremely important. These guidelines provide a framework for communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution. With shared expectations and boundaries, couples can navigate challenges more effectively, fostering a harmonious partnership.

Yet, despite the best intentions, marriages can still encounter difficulties. Years of struggle and silent pain need not be the norm. Open communication, empathy, and a willingness to seek help when needed can prevent unnecessary suffering. Whether through couples therapy, marriage counselling, or personal reflection, addressing issues early can prevent them from festering and causing irreparable damage.  Often, couples need to ask the question: is the  argument more important than the relationship? 

Marriage is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It requires commitment, effort, and a readiness to adapt and grow together. Marriages will withstand the test of time if these principles are embraced, and there is a commitment to enrich each other’s lives. As we navigate the complexities of marriage, let us remember that small changes can yield big rewards, and with dedication and understanding, “till death do us part” can indeed be a realistic promise.

Massy announced the early retirement of Gervase Warner in a well-designed newspaper advertisement and showed the transition to a new CEO.  It attempted to portray the transition as part of a positive corporate strategy aimed at maintaining normalcy.  From a corporate communication viewpoint, well done!  From a common-sense point of view, the early retirement of Gervase Warner raises questions about the situation within Massy and the implications for its future. 

Less than 8 weeks ago, Massy’s former executive Vice President of business integrity and group general counsel used the Annual General Meeting to voice concerns about the company’s executive leadership programme. The subsequent launch of an investigation into her claims, followed swiftly by her resignation makes it even more concerning.

This sequence of corporate goings-on brings to question the role of the Chairman of the Board.  Should the Chairman be providing a more transparent approach to what is happening behind the scenes?  Perhaps overseeing the investigation into the allegations and ensuring accountability within the company’s executive ranks?  Should he be reforming the systems, processes, and procedures to protect the company from a future recurrence of this predicament? Or should the Chairman follow Gervase Warner and move away from a situation that occurred under his leadership?

Massy has an opportunity to use this moment for transformation and restructuring. By acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by the former executive, the company can demonstrate a commitment to accountability and ethical leadership. This could involve reassessing its corporate culture, improving governance practices, and reevaluating its executive leadership development programs.

As major shareholders, we the taxpayers deserve to be informed about company developments. Massy should prioritize transparency and communication with shareholders, providing regular updates on the status of this investigation and any actions taken in response to its findings. Open dialogue with shareholders can help rebuild trust and confidence in the company’s leadership.

The early departure of Gervase Warner and the events surrounding it highlights the need for scrutiny of corporate governance practices within Massy.     The company must seize this opportunity to address underlying issues and chart a course toward greater transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. 

Does the current Chairman have the credibility and trust to lead this transformation?

In 2015, Adrian Winter showed up in our country as Advisor to the Honourable Minister of Tourism.  The public then saw him move to Coordinator of the Traffic Enforcement Centre of the Ministry of Works and Transport and then a sudden ascension to the post of CEO of the National Self Help Commission.  Today he holds the esteemed position of CEO at Trinidad and Tobago Television Limited (TTT).

Winter’s transition to the leadership of TTT raises questions about the alignment of his background with the demands of leading a television station. The move follows the tenure of David Roberts, who served as CEO for approximately two and a half years before transitioning to another public service role within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Notably, previous CEOs of TTT, such as Ken Ali, Wendell Constantin, and Lisa Wickham, boasted backgrounds rich in both media experience and leadership.

Trinidad and Tobago Television Limited encompasses a broadcast media facility that includes its flagship free-to-air television station and three FM radio stations. Given the historical trend of TTT CEOs with a background in media and leadership, Winter’s appointment prompts scrutiny regarding the strategic rationale behind appointing a former political advisor to such a pivotal role.

The looming question revolves around Winter’s readiness for the responsibilities and challenges associated with leading a television station. Will he bring a nuanced understanding of the media landscape, or will he be perceived as a mere “yes man” in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections? As the CEO, Winter’s role extends beyond traditional media management to influencing the station’s strategic direction, programming decisions, and overall impact on the public. Observers are keen to understand how his background and experience will shape TTT’s trajectory and contributions to the media landscape in Trinidad and Tobago.

Good luck Mr. Winter!  If you wish to prevent this appointment from becoming the winter of your professional career perhaps you could articulate a vision for TTT and go after the low hanging fruit.  For example, upgrading the correct use of grammar and pronunciation.  Just a few days ago Neil Guisseppi (former head of News at TTT) posted on fb … “A note to the announcers at the pan semi-finals. The word is ORchestra not orCHESTra”.