Stories about Caribbean 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."
‘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."
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.
A voice from the islands: Grenada’s environment minister appointed UN climate change chief
Commentators made it clear that Simon Stiell would have plenty of work on his plate, suggesting that there are specific, daunting and complex issues to be addressed.
Man overboard! Carnival celebrations turn sour for Grenadian athletic hero, sparking controversy
Was world javelin champion Anderson Peters pushed, as most media sources report, or did the allegedly inebriated athlete lose his balance and fall overboard?
Missing, presumed dead: A sensational murder case in Jamaica highlights the plight of many vulnerable Caribbean women
The high-profile case of Jamaican social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson is just one of many tragic stories of femicide across the region.
Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago celebrate 60 years of independence
Both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are celebrating their diamond jubilee of independence from Britain, but some netizens wonder about their countries' priorities.
Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival Museum has a unique and rare opportunity
If this museum is to be "as vibrant, evocative, interactive and creative as the festival itself," it should be a fluid space that involves the people — the foundation of Carnival.
A new exhibit in the UK reframes the legacy of a brutal British governor; will Trinidad & Tobago follow suit?
Picton's portrait, which occupied an eminent space in the National Museum Cardiff for more than a century, was removed last year, but his name still echoes in Trinidad and Tobago.
About our Caribbean coverage
Janine Mendes Franco is the Caribbean editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
