I am a writer and media producer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Follow me on Twitter @JanineMFranco.
Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco
9 August 2019
The breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean showcased on Instagram
Two regional travel magazines celebrate the Caribbean's natural beauty by calling attention to its most amazing travel destinations — in print and on Instagram!
7 August 2019
Two universities sign historic agreement on slavery reparations in the Caribbean
The agreement marks the first time that a British institution has apologised for the profits it made from slavery and attaches both money and resources to help make amends.
2 August 2019
Cannabis advocates petition Trinidad & Tobago parliament to enact existing medical marijuana legislation
Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Health has never exercised its power to issue cannabis licences "for medicinal or scientific purposes”; supporters of marijuana legalisation think it's long overdue.
It's Emancipation Day in Trinidad & Tobago — but is the country free?
"This emancipation embrace the fullness and richness of who you are, where you came from, the blood and history that's in your veins."
1 August 2019
Trinidad and Tobago prime minister refuses to impeach embattled chief justice
"The conclusion I have reached in all the circumstances is that [there is] an insufficient basis, in fact, to warrant [...] that the chief justice's removal ought to be investigated."
17 July 2019
Could polygraph testing for Trinidad & Tobago police help create more public trust?
With an increasing crime rate, the idea is to help make officers more accountable and rekindle public faith in the police service.
15 July 2019
A prolific theatre producer is one of the latest victims in Trinidad and Tobago's homicide spiral
Tributes are pouring in across social media channels following the death of this local theatrical icon.
6 July 2019
Is a ‘Concordat’ stymieing education progress in Trinidad & Tobago?
"If indeed education is better in denominational schools then we must ensure that government schools are brought up to the best level."
29 June 2019
Will Barbados be the first Caribbean nation to abolish the secondary school entrance exam?
"Every child deserves a good-quality education. Why we have a system that making our children feel they stupid if they don't pass for ‘a good school'?"
26 June 2019
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Bike Man’ takes cycling to new heights
Trinidad and Tobago loves its "heights" -- and a skilful cyclist on a homemade bike that reaches 10-12 feet in height does not disappoint.
22 June 2019
Trinidad & Tobago walks the talk for World Conversation Day
For the first time, Trinidad and Tobago took part in World Conversation Day via a series of offline talks about topics from creativity to aging — all streamed online, of...
19 June 2019
Public pressure forces Trinidad & Tobago government to drop amendment to Freedom of Information Act
"...people should be very proud of a democracy that obviously is quite healthy—that civil society came together quickly and comprehensively as it did, and that government was sufficiently responsive."
4 June 2019
Trinidad and Tobago registers Venezuelan asylum-seekers to legalise their status
The two-week-long initiative, which began on May 31, 2019, will afford undocumented Venezuelans amnesty so that they can be put on record and be legally recognised in Trinidad and Tobago.
13 May 2019
Trinidad & Tobago promotes equality, but politicians often can't resist talking race
Trinidad and Tobago's Equal Opportunity Act has provisions against offensive behaviour, but when it comes to politics the race card gets played time and time again.
3 May 2019
A mixed welcome for Trinidad and Tobago's plan to regularise Venezuelan asylum seekers
From exploitation of refugees to an increase in violent crime, Trinidad and Tobago has its hands full as streams of Venezuelans seeking asylum continue to arrive.
12 April 2019
Easter in Trinidad & Tobago looks (and tastes) like this
A glimpse into what Easter time is like in the most southerly islands of the Caribbean archipelago.
30 March 2019
A magical image of a Carnival stilt-walker asserts the legitimacy of public breastfeeding in Trinidad & Tobago
"Eating in public spaces is normal and natural regardless of whether you’re eating off of a plate, a banana leaf or your mother’s breasts."
23 March 2019
Website fighting against body-shaming proves Carnival is for #everyBODY
"Thanks to masqueraders like Candice Santana and our followers, we can shed a different light on what true representation of masqueraders looks like."
13 March 2019
Carnival may bring out latent body-shaming in Trinidad & Tobago, but this masquerader is having none of it
"My band ran a campaign endorsing all sizes, shapes and shades. This excited me on many levels because truth be told we are a body shaming society."
28 February 2019
This Trinidad and Tobago steelband changed its tune, prompting discussion on a steelpan policy
"I don’t think people really understand what happens in a panyard. Problems like the one with Exodus will resurface if we keep looking at pan as pure entertainment."
