I am a writer and media producer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Follow me on Twitter @JanineMFranco.
Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco from August, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago: Not Yet
On the occasion of Trinidad and Tobago's anniversary of independence, Plain Talk says: “Forty eight years ago we may have left ‘Massa’, but we kept the shackles of our minds firmly intact. Looked at honestly, we are no where near independence yet.”
U.S. Virgin Islands: The Effects of Hurricane Earl
Hurricane Earl made its way across the U.S. Virgin Islands yesterday as bloggers continued to share their thoughts and experiences. Jamaican diaspora blogger Labrish, who “[has] been fortunate to travel to these islands several times”, was concerned about her acquaintances there: My thoughts go out to everyone living on the...
Cuba: Same Old Song
The imprisonment of three Cuban dissidents who were during a protest at the University of Havana proves to Uncommon Sense that “despite its release of some dozen members of the ‘Group of 75′ prisoners, the Castro dictatorship has not changed.”
Barbados: Back in the Saddle
Barbados Free Press reports that ailing Prime Minister David Thompson is officially back at the helm of government: “We’ll give him a week to settle in, but then he’d better be prepared to defend his wicket.”
Caribbean: “Earl” Watch
It's that time again: Hurricane season. Regional bloggers, having been affected by brutal storms in the past, are keeping a watchful eye on Hurricane Earl, which has now been classified as a Category 3 storm. Within the next 36 to 48 hours, it is expected to affect the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, among other islands.
Cuba: Naming Names
“After all the hubbub about Cuba agreeing to release 52 political prisoners in jail since the ‘black spring’ crackdown of March-April 2003, there still remain in prisons across the island 21 members of the Group of 75″: Uncommon Sense posts their names.
Trinidad & Tobago: Music Royalties
“Fight down, fight down, and more fight down. That seems to be the life of the local artiste”: Outlish Magazine shines the spotlight on “a recent decision taken by the Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association…which allegedly paves the way for radio stations to not pay royalties to their...
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Welectricity
Abeni wants you to vote Welectricity, “the brainchild of Vincentian energy consultant Herbert A (Haz) Samuel”, which delivers energy efficiency through social networking and is in contention for the GE Ecomagination Challenge.
Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana: Ramadan Cake Recipe
“There’s a particular kind of joy attached to this month. Yes, it’s all about ibadah (worship) and the fasting and extra night prayers (Tarawih) can be a test, but there’s a sense of community that abounds during this month”: Lifespan of a Chennette says that “Muslims like making nice things...
Cuba: Interrogation
Luis Felipe Rojas blogs about his detainment by the Cuban authorities and says: “I think about the path that has brought this country the totalitarian power that is eating away at itself. What will be my next punishment?”
Cuba: Double Standard
“On one hand they release some dissidents from prison, on the other those who attempt to say ‘I disagree’ get shoved behind bars”: Crossing the Barbed Wire comments on “the double standard policy assiduously practiced by the government as part of its greater foreign policy.”
Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago: Redemption
Jamaican litblogger Geoffrey Philp posts a poem by Trinidadian Jennifer Rahim.
Anguilla: One Step Back
Corruption-free Anguilla thinks that Montserrat's new draft constitution “does not advance government…rather, it sets Montserratians back decades, particularly in the area of human rights.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Educating the Ministry
“Somebody needs to go to the Ministry of Education…and screech loudly to the folks in there: ‘MoE, we have a problem!'”: KnowTnT.com explains, here and here.
Jamaica: Garvey's Home
Repeating Islands links to a report that suggests the Jamaican government is interested in purchasing the childhood home of Marcus Garvey “in hopes of restoring it and converting it into a memorial or museum.”
U.S.V.I.: Watching Earl
News of St. John reports that the U.S. Virgin Islands are on a storm watch.
Trinidad & Tobago: Crime & Punishment
“I am listening to the current calls from all sections of society that a resumption of hangings is part of the answer to crime”: KnowTnT.com suggests that “it is time to review our laws and let the punishments fit the crime.”
Guyana: Domestic Violence
“Domestic violence has not been stamped out; instead it has grown to staggering proportions”: The Guyana Groove thinks the country needs “a real, feasible solution to this dire situation.”
Guyana: Wonders of Blogging
“I sit here with the whole world in me home. I feast on exotic food, art, music; on me travels, I delve into strange thoughts and ideas”: Guyana-Gyal remembers how she discovered blogging.
Haiti: Shifting Focus
The Haitian Blogger suggests that the mainstream media is focusing on the wrong thing: “Attention should focus less on the distraction of WyClef Jean’s failed presidential bid…and more on the desperate humanitarian situation on the ground…”
Trinidad & Tobago: CoP
Plain Talk weighs in on the controversy surrounding the appointment of a non-national to the position of Commissioner of Police.
