Stories about Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago placed under a ‘weather emergency’ alert
The wet season, which typically runs from June to December, has been a particularly active one this year; citizens are being encouraged to stay indoors under “very threatening circumstances.”
Disgraced former FIFA vice president Jack Warner loses US extradition appeal, but Trinbagonians remain sceptical
"The Privy Council has unanimously determined that no procedural or substantive unfairness has taken place preventing Mr. Warner's extradition to the USA."
Thora Dumbell, a cornerstone of dance education in Trinidad & Tobago, passes on
Dumbell was a polestar, a place to call home for thousands of graduates from The Thora Dumbell School of Dance — her “girls,” as she called them.
Misdirected outrage over U.S. actress Lala Anthony wearing a Carnival costume for Halloween was pretty scary
"[Conflating] Carnival with this image culturally, essentially waters down all the other things that make up our Carnival that we do truly consider traditional and cultural."
‘A girl with a Hindu heart’
"I have what I have, which is as much as so many daughters and sons and children of Lakshmi have in the diaspora [when] they lack community ... I have my heart."
In Trinidad & Tobago, Divali remains a festival beloved by people of all faiths
After a tweet recounts an intolerant comment about Divali, social media users overwhelmingly speak out for respect and tolerance: "Do onto others are you would like them do onto you."
In the face of stubborn adherence to outdated dress codes, one Trinidadian citizen gets creative
Allison Skinner-Bacchus, who had travelled quite a distance to cash a cheque and was denied entry because of her sleeveless attire, created a unique style to get her business done.
‘Explainer,’ Trinidad & Tobago's ‘calypso messenger,’ passes on
The prolific calypsonian, who passed away on October 7, was “affectionately dubbed 'the messenger', because he composed songs which expressed the ills of society and the oppression of the poor man.”
Of coal pots, bicycles and macaroni pie: Is Trinidad & Tobago's government out of touch?
Some of the fiscal measures in Trinidad and Tobago's 2023 Budget have not been well received, but the political repartee is hitting an even more sour note.
Schools close as lingering weather system continues to affect Trinidad & Tobago
With the country's Riverine Flood Alert advisory upgraded to Orange Level, and one of Trinidad's major waterways bursting its banks, the late notice of school closure had many citizens upset.
Trinidad & Tobago suffers the effects of yet another tropical weather system
The tropical wave, dubbed Invest 91-L, caused severe flash flooding, as well as property damage, felled trees, landslides, and suspected loss of life.
‘We are poorer without her’: Trinbagonian human rights advocate Hazel Brown dies
‘Hazel Brown [was] a catalyst for change, and her work to our country, especially towards the upliftment of our women and girls was unprecedented. A national hero in every right.
The Caribbean responds to Queen Elizabeth II's complicated legacy
Many in the region have been attempting to achieve a fine balance between acknowledging Queen Elizabeth II's steadfastness and wrestling with a legacy that inflicted its share of pain.
‘Public art provides a sense of belonging': Talking with Trinbagonian sculptors Sherlann Peters and Maria Diaz
Working together, Sherlann Peters and Maria Diaz created the largest public sculpture in east Port of Spain, and the only one jointly designed and executed by two women.
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."
Forty-three years after a masterpiece of Trinbagonian art was destroyed, a loving replica offers some redress
Pre-independence, “the father of Trinidadian art,” Carlisle Chang, created what has been called “possibly the most important work of art in the Caribbean” — and then, it was demolished.
‘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.
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."
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."
As part of a beloved square is cordoned off for construction, Trinidadians defend their right to green space
Those involved in the project say they have conducted consultations, but stakeholders seem blindsided — and of the opinion that any such efforts were as weak and desultory as past iterations.
