In this revealing episode, we delve into the life and career of Gary Cardinaz, a seasoned photojournalist and former DJ with deep roots in music and photography.
Gary shares his journey from the 1970s, his passion for documenting cultural moments, and his commitment to preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural heritage through his extensive photo collection. He discusses the challenges of organizing and managing such a vast repository, as well as the importance of proper management, passion, and providing platforms for young artists.
Join us as Gary offers insights and solutions to bolster the cultural industry, emphasizing the need for better archiving, youth opportunities, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
Join us in this insightful episode where multi-dimensional artist Sonya Dumas, who thrives in the realms of dance and film, shares her journey and passion for exploring Caribbean cultural identity. From her beginnings in dance inspired by calypso music to her establishment of a children’s museum focused on Caribbean culture, Sonya delves into the unique nuances of Caribbean dance, cultural expression, and the sense of community. She also addresses the challenges facing the cultural and creative industries and provides practical advice for budding Caribbean creatives. This episode offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture through Sonya’s experiences and expertise.
Our country continues to fail in terms of accountability, and citizens are continuously discouraged from expressing their views on any matter. Those who comment are often accused of being politically motivated.
In any democratic society, media freedom and public discourse are essential pillars of accountability. The recent statement by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, in which he dismissed criticisms from Mr. Paul as “talking foolishness” and implied that a $2.5 million payment could have influenced Paul’s stance, raises serious concerns about the government’s relationship with the media and critics. Mr. Anthony Paul has over 40 years of experience as an energy, policy, and strategy advisor and has worked with the government under every Political party.
Dismissing criticism outright, rather than engaging with the substance of concerns, sets a troubling precedent. Public figures must expect scrutiny and welcome debate to signify a healthy democracy. When political leaders resort to attacking critics personally instead of addressing their claims, it can create a culture of fear and discourage individuals from speaking out against government actions, while simultaneously increasing distrust of the government. Without regular, quality investigative journalism, the role of the media as a watchdog for the people is significantly undermined. This, in turn, weakens transparency, which is important because the government must at all times remember that they are employed by the citizenry, and must answer to them for all actions taken on behalf of the country, just as in any employer-employee relationship.
The Prime Minister’s remark also suggests that financial incentives may influence public opinion. Here is a quote: “Let me tell you something, if we had paid Mr. Paul the $2.5 million he had requested for a little job that we had asked him to do way up in the early part of the last administration which I led, he might not have been on television now talking foolishness and trying to cast aspersions on the people who are doing decent, effective work on behalf of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. And I take a serious umbrage at people like that, with their personal grouse, going on television and misrepresenting the facts of the governance of this country because you wouldn’t know when he’s talking there, that he was in fact very early in our tenure in the last government, one of the geologists who could have done something for this country but his price was too high…”
This raises ethical concerns about the relationship between financial dealings and political discourse. Should contractors or professionals fear that their work—or lack of government funding—could dictate whether they have a right to criticize public officials?
Further, the reference to a “little job” costing $2.5 million raises questions about transparency in government contracts. How was this amount determined? Why was the payment not made? Was the decision based on merit, financial constraints, or political considerations? The public deserves clear answers to ensure that procurement processes are fair and that public funds are managed responsibly.
Politically, the Prime Minister’s statement may have mixed effects. His supporters may view it as a strong defense against baseless criticism, while his detractors may see it as an inappropriate response that exposes deeper governance issues. Regardless of perspective, such statements contribute to a growing perception that political discourse in Trinidad and Tobago is becoming more combative rather than constructive.
A government committed to transparency should address criticisms with facts, not insults. If leaders want to foster a culture of respect and accountability, they must rise above personal attacks and instead welcome scrutiny as an essential part of governance. The Prime Minister’s words have sparked a conversation, and how he chooses to respond going forward will determine whether this moment is one of division or an opportunity for greater openness.
Discovering the Voice Within: The Journey of Glenda Collens
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating life and career of Glenda Collens, a multifaceted singer, mother, and full-time vocal coach. Glenda shares her passion for helping people find their voice, irrespective of their singing proficiency. She recounts her transition from a performer to a renowned vocal coach, her experiences with legendary figures like Derek Walcott, and her role in international casting for productions such as ‘The Lion King.’ Glenda also offers invaluable advice for aspiring singers and reflects on the importance of collaboration in the world of music. Join us for an inspiring conversation about embracing one’s innate talents and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
In this episode, we dive deep into Trinidad & Tobago’s music industry with Nigel Campbell, a music businessman, promoter, writer, and podcaster. Nigel discusses his efforts to expand the appeal of island music through various media and live performances.
He highlights the challenges and opportunities in commodifying local creativity and the need for artists to treat their craft as a business. Nigel also shares insights on the importance of data, recording, and live performances for sustaining the music industry. Additionally, we explore the origins and significance of the Jazz Artists on the Greens festival and the evolution of Caribbean jazz.
For those seeking to break into the industry, Nigel offers invaluable advice on mastering your craft and building essential connections. Don’t miss this enriching conversation about the past, present, and future of Caribbean music.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf28VwN9Boo&ab_channel=DenniseDemming
In this episode of Tuesday Talk, host David Abdulah engages in a detailed conversation with Anthony Paul, a seasoned consultant in the energy sector. The discussion centers on the commercial agreement between Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited and Petrojam, a state-owned company in Jamaica. Paul provides insights into the collaboration, highlighting the inefficiencies of Petrojam’s refinery, the trading dynamics, and the potential risks and benefits for both Trinidad and Jamaica. The conversation also delves into broader issues within Trinidad’s energy sector, including transparency, procurement practices, and the implications of past decisions on the country’s current energy landscape. This episode aims to shed light on the complexities and challenges of the Caribbean energy market, emphasizing the need for accountability and proper governance.
Most people in Trinidad and Tobago have six different numbers that identify them—their Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) number, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) number, birth certificate number, national ID card number, driver’s permit number, and passport number. While this may seem normal, it is an outdated and inefficient way of managing citizen records.
I posed two questions to my friends in the digital space: Is this system desirable, and how difficult would it be to collapse these numbers into one? The unanimous response was that multiple ID numbers create unnecessary bureaucracy and inefficiency. According to a 2014 World Bank Report, 120 out of 193 countries had already implemented a single unique identifier for each citizen from birth.
If Trinidad and Tobago had such a system, governance, and service delivery would vastly improve. Consider the challenges posed during the COVID-19 pandemic—without a unified citizen database, the government struggled to distribute aid efficiently. A single ID would allow accurate tracking of those in need, ensuring food cards and social benefits go directly to the right people without duplication or fraud.
Even Minister Camille Robinson-Regis admitted that local government bodies and community-based NGOs had to be used to locate those in need. This highlights the lack of a proper data system. A unique identifier would provide transparency, minimizing the ability for people to claim benefits multiple times while ensuring no one is left behind.
Other nations have transitioned to a single ID system over time with minimal disruption. In 2009, India launched the world’s largest biometric ID system, the Aadhaar program, which now covers over a billion citizens. The real challenge for Trinidad and Tobago is not technology—it’s the bureaucratic hurdles and lack of political will.
A unified ID system would require cleaning and consolidating data across government agencies and redesigning outdated processes. But with 1.3 million citizens, this is far less complex than managing McDonald’s 1.7 million employees across 100+ countries.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced many businesses and government agencies to adopt remote work and online services. This should have been a wake-up call to modernize our systems instead of returning to outdated, paper-based methods. The momentum for digital transformation must continue.
Perhaps it’s time to engage local tech experts to design a National ID system through an innovation challenge. With the right leadership and vision, Trinidad and Tobago can take a bold step into the digital future. The only question left is: Will we citizens choose the right leadership team?
Denise Demming interviews Michael Boothman, who recounts his journey as a musician, artist, and producer. Boothman details his early start with piano lessons at five, his self-teaching of guitar and other instruments, and the influence of his artistic family. He discusses creating various bands and music over the years. Boothman reflects on his music’s impact, the challenges of gaining recognition, and his career highlights, including a major contract with RCA and working with iconic musicians like Quincy Jones. He emphasizes the need for Caribbean music to gain a broader appreciation and advises young musicians to “just do it”. Boothman also discusses the challenges of marketing music today and the potential for a dedicated Caribbean music platform.
Dennise Demming 