I am a writer and media producer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Follow me on Twitter @JanineMFranco.
Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco from June, 2012
Trinidad & Tobago: The Architect of our Public Spaces
Lisa Allen-Agostini and toomucheyes blog about a new exhibition that honours the work of architect Colin Laird, who designed many of the country's most beloved public spaces.
Trinidad and Tobago: Security Minister or Action Figure?
Instead of taking on Trinidad and Tobago's many serious crime problems, the newly appointed Minister of National Security's first official action was to request an army contingent to demolish a protesters camp blocking the construction of a new highway. His move has inspired a tongue-in-cheek reaction from bloggers.
Trinidad & Tobago: For all the Daughters
A new blog, that addresses “everything about being a girl in the Caribbean”, is here.
Jamaica: Guts & Glory in Olympic Trials
“Once again Jamaica has a monopoly on the fastest men and women in the world”: Annie Paul reports from the Jamaican Track and Field Olympic Trials.
Cuba: Clicking Towards the Future
Havana's recently concluded Festival Clic, which was designed to discuss Internet and Society in Cuba, has got several bloggers talking about technology and the role it can play in the country's future.
Trinidad & Tobago: The Real Political Losers
Bloggers continue their discussion about the government's recent Cabinet reshuffle, suggesting that the real losers in the equation are the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Cuba: Papal Mass Dissident Still Protesting
Pedazos de la Isla reports that “Andrés Carrión Álvarez, the Cuban who shouted ‘Down with Communism’ during the papal mass in Santiago de Cuba this past March…is still on hunger strike.”
Guyana: Race Relations
“In the past decade or so this demonic cancer of contemporary Guyana has been intensifying with systematic, contumelious frequency. We, as a nation, have not failed to take notice but we ignore it”: Imran Khan blogs about racism.
Trinidad & Tobago: Bloggers Discuss Warner & Cabinet Reshuffle
The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has been alluding to some major changes in government ministers' portfolios for some time now; last night, details of her Cabinet reshuffle finally came. Netizens have been sharing their thoughts on their blogs as well as on Twitter and Facebook: the most heated discussion appeared to be over the new appointment to former FIFA Vice-President Austin “Jack” Warner as Minister of National Security.
Trinidad & Tobago: Speaking Out Against Sexual Abuse
The case of a 12-year old girl, who recently gave birth to her stepfather's child in Guyana, gets Outlish talking about feminism, education and the everyday reality of women in the Caribbean, while journalist and blogger Lisa Allen-Agostini says it is time to speak out about child sexual abuse.
Cuba: Two Protests, Many Arrests
The Ladies in White (Las Damas de Blanco) are again top of mind with Cuban diaspora bloggers. As one of the oldest and most respected opposition entities on the island, their peaceful protests - and regular arrests by state security forces - continue to attract attention. The most recent confrontation happened this past weekend as members of the group attempted to carry out two protests in Havana.
Trinidad & Tobago: Problems for People's Partnership
Much of the political discourse in the Trinidad and Tobago blogosphere of late has been about the shortcomings of the People's Partnership Government. It was no secret that there was dissension within the party ranks, but yesterday's news that the Movement for Social Justice has officially pulled out of the Partnership Government has got a few bloggers talking about possible repercussions.
Jamaica: Windscreen Murder
Jamaica Woman Tongue blogs about the murder of a man who cleaned windscreens for a living, saying: “This murder seems to be about rank class prejudice. We have to find a sustainable solution to the chronic problem of unemployed young men. Shooting them in the head is not an option...
Guyana: Stories in Photos
“These young photo enthusiasts now are capturing not only life and landscape but vibes, passions and feelings…in years to come, they will be reminded, as will generations to follow, of how life used to be when Guyana was yet to define her place in the world”: Imran Khan blogs about...
Cuba: Bloggers say there are more like “Antunez”
Diaspora bloggers still have their attention focused on Cuban dissident Jorge Luis García Pérez (Antunez), who was reportedly beaten and detained following his testimony at a United States Senate sub-committee hearing concerned with infringements on the human rights of Cuban citizens.
Jamaica: “Dudus” Sentenced
As Christopher “Dudus” Coke receives a 23-year jail sentence in the United States, Jamaica Salt suggests that “maybe he should consider telling his story publicly, as…the country needs to know the full story about how he was able to operate a global drug and gun business with such immunity for...
Guyana: Shared Humanity
“I do not believe that the response to human savagery and the solution to banditry should be vulgar violence and the public glorification of the defilement of a human being”: A powerful post by Imran Khan about humanity, society and intelligent thinking.
Cuba: Bloggers Rally Around Beaten Dissident
Bloggers from the Cuban diaspora are concerned about the reported beating and detainment of dissident Jorge Luis García Pérez, more popularly known as Antunez, after he testified via teleconference at a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing about the human rights situation on the island.
Trinidad & Tobago: Message to “Sir Viv”
B.C. Pires shares his take on cricketer Denesh Ramdin’s message to former West Indies captain-turned sports commentator, Sir Vivian Richards: “If a player holds up a piece of paper to Sir Viv in the commentary box, I see it only as the fowl cock-and-them coming home to roost.”
Cuba: Economic Deja Vu?
A few Cuban bloggers have been voicing their economic concerns - and wondering whether the island's recent reforms, some of which include a more open approach to self-employment - could translate into political change as well.
Trinidad & Tobago: The People & the Prado
“The Audi people must be thanking their good fortune that politicians and their stooges prefer Toyota”: aka_lol explains “why Prados now suck”.
