I am a writer and media producer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Follow me on Twitter @JanineMFranco.
Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco from January, 2016
Raising the Roof on Trinidad & Tobago's Housing Scandal
Trinidad and Tobago's state housing allocations are allegedly fraught with corruption, leaving the most economically vulnerable, which the Housing Development Corporation is meant to prioritise, without places to call home.
Court Ruling Reignites Hope That White Collar Crime Could Actually Be Punished in Trinidad & Tobago
"With respect to the recent ruling at the Privy Council, the simple outcome is that persons who are charged with criminal offences will be made to face a trial."
After Schoolboys’ Murders, Trinidadians Slam Racial Stereotypes and Media's Sensationalism
"The blatant outright Hate has been allowed to flourish because we've stood by with heads buried deep. [...] What you allow will continue…"
You Don't Know Noise, If You Don't Know Trinidad and Tobago
From unbearably loud music to illegal fireworks, one civic-minded social media user in Trinidad and Tobago is taking on the "noise polluters who yearly get away with decibel crime".
The Caribbean Prepares Itself for ‘Zik-V’ Virus Threat
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is advising people to protect themselves and even plans to launch a mobile game called Zap-a-‘quito to educate the public.
Caribbean Social Media Dissects the Tangled Outrage Surrounding Cricketer Chris Gayle's Come-On
"The global condemnation of Chris Gayle’s flirting seems over the top [but] the controversy is a welcome reminder that there are lines of propriety that should not be crossed."
A Male and Female Take on Cricketer Chris Gayle's Display of Sexism
"Sexism is part of how our society was structured [but] culture and language systems evolve and change. There is no reason we cannot."
Is the Level of Vitriol Against Cricketer Chris Gayle Justified?
"The problem for us in the Caribbean is not Chris Gayle and his outlook per se. It’s the casual sexism of Caribbean masculinity in general that needs taking in hand."
The Caribbean Mourns David Bowie
Bowie translated so well, Internet users in the Caribbean tell Global Voices, because "his music was about pushing boundaries and creating new personas".
Iconic Steel Band Arranger Jit Samaroo Dies on the Eve of Trinidad's Panorama Music Competition
As arranger extraordinaire for Trinidad and Tobago's Renegades Steel Orchestra, Jit Samaroo has left the country -- and the world -- with a rich, enduring pan music legacy.
Could Cricketer Chris Gayle's Gaffe Inspire Caribbean Men to ‘Man Up and Know How to Behave'?
Gayle "dropped the ball when he could have shown an example of ideal manhood as more than hyper-sexuality, as also self-reflection and responsibility."
Netizens Smell Arson in ‘Convenient’ Fire at Trinidad & Tobago's Water Authority
As the headquarters of Trinidad & Tobago's Water and Sewerage Authority go up in flames, netizens worry about records that may allegedly reveal a paper trail of corrupt practices.
The Finer Details of Trinidad & Tobago’s Whistleblower Bill Could Use Some Work
Trinidad and Tobago's Whistleblower Protection Bill was submitted to Parliament in November 2015. One anti-corruption blogger discusses the proposed legislation and urges netizens to get involved.
Was Caribbean Cricketer Chris Gayle's Come-On Sexist or Silly?
West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has landed himself in a firestorm of criticism after he hit on Australian sports reporter Melanie McLaughlin during a live television interview.
