Stories about Weblog from August, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago at 60: Celebration and contemplation
"On an anniversary of independence, we mark transition from being a colony. [...] We breathe into a vision for who we want to be and what we still must achieve."
Award-winning journalist Abo-elgheit continues inspiring with his accounts of his cancer fight
'How do you give us such beauty from the heart of the harshest cases of personal pain, while giving yourself life?'
A water diplomacy expert discusses the prospects of water conflict and cooperation in Central Asia
There are sufficient water resources in the region, but the regional cooperation is challenged by poor governance frameworks and weak institutional capacity.
‘Good morning, Jamaica!’ The voice of a beloved broadcaster falls silent
"Many Jamaicans [...] were deeply saddened [...] following news of the passing of the much loved and admired radio and media personality, Francois St. Juste [who] brightened every space he occupied."
Why the UN added Brazil to the Hunger Map once again
COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, climate change and public policies: despite being one of the world's largest food producers, Brazil has now returned to the United Nations' Hunger Map.
Rising violence against women and girls sparks outrage in Kyrgyz society
Despite the adopted legislation on sexual violence (including violence against children), bride abduction, and domestic violence, the system for its implementation is deeply flawed — almost obsolete.
Towards digital authoritarianism in Nepal: Surveillance, data collection, and online repression
Nepal government’s COVID-19 response opened the door to various threats to human and digital rights. Nepal must decide on its own path if it envisions a democratic digital ecosystem.
Reviewing three Nollywood movies that broke the mold
A review of Nigeria’s top movies: “Wedding Party,” “King of Boys,” and “Chief Daddy.” Nollywood films are now recognized around the world, paving the way for the new Nigerian cinema.
China’s COVID tests carry on despite heatwaves, droughts, power cuts and wildfires
China has been hit with the most severe heatwave and drought in its history. However, the natural disasters have not deterred the country from conducting widespread COVID-19 tests.
Families speak out after Myanmar executes four anti-coup activists
"My son was not a thief or a thug. I am proud of him for giving his life for the country. I’m really proud of my son."
Peruvian trans activist and Harvard student dies in police custody in Indonesia
"I just want to remind you that violating the law doesn't mean that that person deserves to die in detention: extorted, isolated from loved ones, getting transphobic treatments..."
‘He was the best of us': Trinidad & Tobago mourns the loss of veteran radio personality David Elcock
Elcock, the self-proclaimed “morning man with the morning plan, the rooster with the booster," dominated drive time with his unique mix of inspiration, information and musical vibrations.
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Great Race’ is one of the oldest powerboat events in the world
On August 2, 1969, the first ever Great Race was held. A field of 62 boats sped off from the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club to conquer what was then a 72-mile course.
Unable to emigrate and not welcome at home: The Azerbaijani political refugees in limbo
For many Azerbaijanis fleeing the country, among them regular migrants as well as political activists, Germany has become a popular destination. But it has not been a smooth ride.
YouTube is temporarily blocked during former PM's political rally in Pakistan
After blocking Khan's speeches from satellite TV, the government seems to be trying to stop his campaigning from being heard online as well.
A mother confesses to killing her child in Trinidad & Tobago, prompting discussion on violence, depression, poverty and mental health
"There is a lot of speculation [with] blame on state agencies [but] no one, unless familiar with the situation should be making any judgement."
How to solve nonprofit organisations’ ‘work-for-free’ dilemma?
"As college costs rise, students have more need than ever for money-earning jobs to help finance their education. Yet, nonprofits in the US allow these debt-ridden students to work for free."
A crowdsourced map in Turkey targeting stray dogs leads to public outcry
Havrita was launched in May 2022, but a spike in the number of poisoned stray dogs has brought the website under scrutiny in recent days.
Esperanto: Can the language of idealism face reality?
"By justifying the neutral stance it holds, the Esperantist community fails to criticize any unequal status within the world in which we live"
Are Carnival revellers in Trinidad & Tobago getting their money's worth?
Some say, "They cannot be serious." Others maintain, "You can't put a price on memories."
Chinese police detains a woman wearing Japanese Kimono, sparking outrage on social media
A police officer from Suzhou city in Jiangsu province, China, arrested a woman for wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono while taking photos on Huaihai street, a Japanese cuisine district.