I am a writer and media producer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Follow me on Twitter @JanineMFranco.
Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco
13 August 2017
2017 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Winner Trinidadian Ingrid Persaud Talks Writing
"When you are not writing, you should be reading. Writers are never off duty."
2 August 2017
‘My Freedom Is Mine’ — Caribbean Netizens Discuss Emancipation Day
"I choose to question myself every day and put down other people's loads that are no longer mine to carry. That is my freedom. What is yours?"
22 July 2017
Arrest Over a Facebook Rant Brings Trinidad & Tobago's Cybercrime Legislation Into Sharp Focus
"Overbroad content offences are always illegitimate, but are particularly dangerous online, where many people are still in the process of discovering their voice."
8 July 2017
Trinidad & Tobago's Secondary School Entrance Exam: Elitist, Divisive, Irrelevant?
"An education system that rewards a few at the expense of the rest. . . is not about education at all; it's about divide and conquer."
21 June 2017
‘Minor Storm’ Causes ‘Major Losses’ in Parts of Trinidad & Tobago
Tropical Storm Bret was milder than it could have been, but some areas of Trinidad and Tobago still suffered damage.
20 June 2017
Tropical Storm Bret Hits Trinidad & Tobago — and Twitter
A tropical storm with an attitude makes landfall in Trinidad and Tobago -- and causes a stir in the Twittersphere.
14 June 2017
More Twists and Turns in Trinidad & Tobago's Chief Justice Fiasco
"Marcia say her workload and short notice is why she couldnt remember her full caseload, oui. #MarciaCovfefe"
12 June 2017
Child Marriage Is No More in Trinidad & Tobago
"It was overlong and full of pointless double talk but you know what [...] child marriage is now illegal in Trinidad and Tobago."
10 June 2017
After Discharged Patient Dies on Hospital Grounds, Netizens Ask, ‘What About Compassion?’
"I could not sleep last night thinking about how this man was left to die in the grass on the compound of one of our major health institutions."
9 June 2017
Don’t Politicise the Judiciary, Warn Trinidad & Tobago Jurists
"As members of the legal profession, you cannot tout the importance of an independent judiciary while at the same time passing motions for the removal of judges."
5 June 2017
To Resign or Not: Two Attorneys Make Their Case on the ‘No Confidence’ Vote Against Trinidad & Tobago's Chief Justice
"A key moment in the pursuit of accountability" or "the relentless and highly publicized calls by a few for [the chief justice] to go"? Hear both sides of the argument.
4 June 2017
The Controversy Eroding Trust in Trinidad & Tobago's Judiciary Culminates in Chief Justice ‘No Confidence’ Vote
Why would an administrative snafu result in a no confidence motion against the chief justice? Some feel that it's all about transparency, while others believe political forces are at play.
26 May 2017
The Male Romper Gives the Caribbean Blogosphere a Lot to Ponder
Male rompers + the Caribbean = social media gold? Here's a glimpse at some of the discussion happening around Romphims in the regional blogosphere.
17 May 2017
Cybercrime Charges Against Jamaica's Tambourine Army Founder Dropped
Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions has dropped all three charges against activist La Toya Nugent, under the country's Cybercrimes Act.
23 March 2017
Is Jamaica Preventing Cybercrime or Cyber Activism? The Tambourine Army Goes to Court
"Making threats through social media is a criminal offence, but making accusations is not. In interpreting the new act, the courts must ensure [...] the right to freedom of expression.”
21 March 2017
Jamaican Activist Arrested Under Cybercrime Law Amid Her Campaign Against Sexual Violence
"If the Tambourine Army believe they have exhausted all avenues of ‘proper’ ways to advocate, then I say do what you must, but please don’t give up the fight."
18 March 2017
With Tambourines in Hand and Led by Survivors, a Powerful Movement Against Sexual Violence in Jamaica Rises
A leader of the movement was recently arrested and charged under the country's cybercrime legislation for naming and shaming men accused of sexual violence.
9 March 2017
Live Streaming at Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Brings Issue of Copyright Infringement Into Focus
"While this live streaming option has been praised in providing unique perspectives for current events and breaking news...[it] has provided more opportunities for infringement of copyright laws."
25 February 2017
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2017 Crowns Its King and Queen
Birds, dragons, poetic Midnight Robbers, stilt walkers — the competition for the 2017 King and Queen of Carnival titles in Trinidad and Tobago was fierce. Here's what you missed.
24 February 2017
One Photographer's Stunning Glimpse Into the Beauty of Trinidad & Tobago's Traditional Carnival Masquerade
A spirit of joy sweeps through Trinidad and Tobago on 'Fantastic Friday', the start of the Carnival weekend.
