Stories about Trinidad & Tobago from February, 2016
Body-Policing and Identity Politics Bog Down Trinidad Gymnasts’ Olympic Dreams
"So many countries celebrate an athlete's body. In my country, a female athlete could be shamed and disciplined for showing hers."
What Masqueraders’ Selfie-Snapping Says About Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
"I noticed a proliferation of masqueraders — in the melee on stage, in the stands and on the sides — on their phones. I thought, wow, this could be interesting."
It's Finally Official: Port of Spain's Mayor Resigns Over His Victim-Blaming Remarks
"Some of these old dogmatic doctrines of […] rural Trinidad and, and the Trinidadian society of the 50s and the 60s are no longer relevant in a modern world."
Remember When the Mayor of Port of Spain Promised to Resign for Victim-Shaming a Murdered Woman? He Doesn’t.
Port of Spain's mayor promised to step down after blaming a woman's murder on her choice to wear a bikini. Then he un-promised, refusing to leave office.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Violence Has Been ‘Normal Normal’ For Way Too Long
In Trinidad and Tobago people have come—at their peril—to accept that violence is a part of life. But maybe it's time to push back against this idea?
Citizens Protest Against Trinidad Mayor's ‘Vulgar’ Victim-Blaming Statements
"Clothing does not cause violence. Dark streets do not cause violence. Walking alone at night does not cause violence."
‘Citizens Everywhere Must Recognize That Their Countries’ Natural Resources Belong to Them’
A Caribbean representative has been elected to the International Board of the EITI for the first time. Global Voices talks with Victor Hart about patrimony, innovation and fighting corruption.
Local Trinidad & Tobago Mayor Sparks Outrage After Victim-Blaming in Masquerader's Death
Did the mayor of Port of Spain just imply that women's behaviour was inextricably linked to their safety? That's how the majority of netizens heard it -- and they're angry.
Incidents of Violence Spoil Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival
Violence by band security and the discovery of a dead masquerader have put a dark cloud over Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2016.
Broken Is the Road of Political Promises in Trinidad & Tobago
An opening ceremony for a children's hospital that was never actually opened to the public. Public funds used despite a government-to-government arrangement. A collapsed access road. What next?
A Dying Swan Resurrects Faith in the Creativity of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
"No one else understands how to combine the mechanical principles and characters of the mas into a new work that says something about the world and our corner of it."
The Zika Virus Threat Looms Large in the Caribbean
The World Health Organisation has just declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. Some Caribbean territories have been preparing for it, while others have been slow to mobilise.
