As a music sociologist, Dr. Meagan Sylvester delves into Calypso, Soca, and Kaiso Jazz music, genres deeply rooted in Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and Carnival. Her research examines how these genres reflect societal issues like race, class, and identity, as they emerge through lyrics, rhythms, and performance in festivals worldwide, from Notting Hill to Caribana.

In her doctoral research, Dr. Sylvester analyzed Ragga Soca as a continuation of Calypso’s tradition of social commentary. Calypso has historically voiced public concerns, challenging the status quo. From Singing Sandra’s “Voices from the Ghetto” to Bunji Garlin’s “In the Ghetto,” these songs echo similar themes across generations, highlighting societal struggles that remain relevant. Sylvester underscores that Ragga Soca maintains this tradition, mirroring Calypso’s earlier role as a voice of resistance against societal injustices.

In addition to her research, Dr. Sylvester is committed to educating youth on the cultural importance of these art forms. As a former education officer for the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization (TUCO), she visited schools, collaborating with teachers to expose students to Calypso. However, she notes ongoing challenges, such as resistance from some school administrators who view Calypso negatively. Despite these barriers, she continues advocating for Calypso’s inclusion in school curricula, citing its potential as a literary device in subjects like history and social studies.

Dr. Sylvester emphasizes the power of music to reflect and influence society. By examining lyrics, she believes we can gain insights into pressing issues like violence and social inequality. Her hope is that these stories, embedded in Calypso and Soca, will inspire positive change and a deeper understanding of Caribbean identity.

15,000 people marched – 300 lay on the road in front of the Red House with a red ribbon symbolizing blood … 127,000 signed the petition.

Despite allocating 14% of the national budget to the Ministry of National Security, crime poses significant challenges, affecting sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and small businesses. In this Power Conversation on August 30, 2024, Indera Sagewan discusses the complex issues facing Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on crime and the economy. She suggests exploring international support to complement ongoing local efforts, recognizing the strain that crime places on business costs, operating hours, and industries like entertainment. Indera also highlights the importance of enhancing accountability and developing key performance indicators within the police force to improve resource management. On a regional scale, Indera suggests the potential for greater efficiency within CARICOM and advocates for thoughtful reforms. Shifting to the economy, she emphasizes the need for more job creation to open up opportunities for the younger generation. She also acknowledges the burden of inflation and rising living costs. While some leaders propose planting kitchen gardens to address food prices, Indera points out the associated challenges and costs and proposes that increasing support for farmers could be a more effective strategy. Her overall message emphasizes the importance of structural changes, both locally and regionally, to address these evolving challenges.

Women comprise 60 per cent of the student body at the University of the West Indies (UWI), but they recently appointed four men to executive management roles. This action was stated in a recent news release. Two things concern me: gender equality and the appointment of Robert Riley, who is under public scrutiny for his role at Massy.

The appointment of the four men raises serious concerns about gender balance and representation. Interestingly, two of these men are succeeding women. This marks a shift in leadership and appears to disregard the progress made toward gender equality. The appointed men are Mr. Robert Riley, Professor Derek Chadee, Campus Bursar  Mr. Kevin Kalloo and Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Board of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Canute Thompson. 

What message is UWI sending to its students, particularly the young women who aspire to leadership roles? Why has UWI, under the leadership of a female principal chosen to fill these key positions exclusively with men? One would have thought that she had broken the glass ceiling but she appears to be on a glass cliff.

To my mind, this decision reflects a male-dominated, autocratic approach that dismisses the contributions and potential of women. It perpetuates outdated stereotypes, suggesting that women should be limited to following instructions rather than stepping into leadership. Yet, beyond the walls of UWI St. Augustine, times have changed, and gender equality is no longer just an ideal but an expectation.

When Chancellor Dr. The Most Honourable Dodridge D. Miller appointed Mr. Robert Riley as Chair of the St. Augustine Campus Council for a five-year term, did he fully consider Riley’s track record? Beyond Riley’s role at Massy Holdings, he was also on the Petrotrin Board when the refinery was shut down in 2018. Six years later, this vital national asset remains closed with no clear plan for reopening or sale.

Additionally, Riley’s tenure at Massy Holdings has seen financial difficulties. Massy recently had to make a $175 million provision for bad debt linked to the NiQuan gas-to-liquids project—a venture that serves as yet another example of poor decision-making. These instances raise questions about whether Riley is the best candidate to lead the university council.

These decisions prompt a critical inquiry: is this the kind of leadership UWI wants for its students? Were there no other qualified candidates with a stronger track record and a commitment to inclusive leadership? The choice to exclude women from these senior roles is especially troubling given that women have outnumbered men among UWI graduates for over a decade. This lack of female representation at the executive level seems incompatible with UWI’s historical commitment to equal opportunity and progress.

As a UWI graduate and a former adjunct lecturer for 18 years, I find this development deeply disheartening. A university’s role extends beyond education; it should embody and reflect the values it seeks to instil in society. In an era when gender parity in leadership is widely recognized as essential, UWI’s actions send a conflicting and discouraging message. For UWI to remain relevant, it must align its leadership practices with the principles of equality and inclusion it claims to uphold. Only then can it truly serve as a leader in shaping the future.

It’s concerning that a public hospital would serve a meal as nutritionally poor as Crix crackers and sardines to patients, especially in a country that leads the Caribbean in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This choice shows a lack of care for patient health, and the fact that the CEO finds this acceptable raises questions about his suitability to lead an institution responsible for promoting wellness and recovery.

Traditionally, a balanced meal is made up of one-third carbohydrates, one-third protein, and one-third vegetables.  I learned this in primary school.

This hospital meal falls short of this basic standard, which is essential for proper healing and overall health. When hospitals—places meant for healing—serve meals with little nutritional value, they not only risk the health of patients but also set a poor example. Patients may leave the hospital thinking that such inadequate meals are acceptable, and some may even adopt these unhealthy habits in their own lives.

On top of this, we import 92% of our food, which shows our heavy reliance on foreign products. By serving imported sardines, the hospital is supporting this unfortunate trend, rather than choosing healthier, locally sourced options. We need leaders who set a strong example by prioritizing nutrition and promoting sustainable practices. Hospitals have an opportunity to lead the way and offer meals that support good health and reflect the values we need as a nation.  Come on, Minister of Health and CEO Davlin Thomas, we must do better, and having been awarded the largest budget allocation this year you have no excuse to move away from Crix and Sardine.