Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco from August, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago at 60: Celebration and contemplation
"On an anniversary of independence, we mark transition from being a colony. [...] We breathe into a vision for who we want to be and what we still must achieve."
Forty-three years after a masterpiece of Trinbagonian art was destroyed, a loving replica offers some redress
Pre-independence, “the father of Trinidadian art,” Carlisle Chang, created what has been called “possibly the most important work of art in the Caribbean” — and then, it was demolished.
‘He was the best of us': Trinidad & Tobago mourns the loss of veteran radio personality David Elcock
Elcock, the self-proclaimed “morning man with the morning plan, the rooster with the booster," dominated drive time with his unique mix of inspiration, information and musical vibrations.
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Great Race’ is one of the oldest powerboat events in the world
On August 2, 1969, the first ever Great Race was held. A field of 62 boats sped off from the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club to conquer what was then a 72-mile course.
Are Carnival revellers in Trinidad & Tobago getting their money's worth?
Some say, "They cannot be serious." Others maintain, "You can't put a price on memories."
As part of a beloved square is cordoned off for construction, Trinidadians defend their right to green space
Those involved in the project say they have conducted consultations, but stakeholders seem blindsided — and of the opinion that any such efforts were as weak and desultory as past iterations.
Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago celebrate 60 years of independence
Both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are celebrating their diamond jubilee of independence from Britain, but some netizens wonder about their countries' priorities.
Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival Museum has a unique and rare opportunity
If this museum is to be "as vibrant, evocative, interactive and creative as the festival itself," it should be a fluid space that involves the people — the foundation of Carnival.
A new exhibit in the UK reframes the legacy of a brutal British governor; will Trinidad & Tobago follow suit?
Picton's portrait, which occupied an eminent space in the National Museum Cardiff for more than a century, was removed last year, but his name still echoes in Trinidad and Tobago.
