I am a writer and media producer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Follow me on Twitter @JanineMFranco.
Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco
Guyana: Timeline of an election impasse
The results of Guyana's 2020 general election have now been delayed by a month. Here's a quick look at what has happened over the time period.
Tunes in the time of corona: A playlist from Trinidad & Tobago hits all the right notes
Two Trinidadian podcasters seek to virtually unite people amidst the COVID-19 outbreak by asking listeners to pick their favourite tunes — and explain why the songs are meaningful to them.
Injunction grants Guyana's election commission the freedom to declare a winner — but will it?
An ex parte injunction blocking the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from acting on the CARICOM agreement essentially gives it the green light to declare in the government's favour.
Cooped up? Trinidad & Tobago's Bocas LitFest has released its 2020 longlist
Self-quarantined? Dive into any of these “nine books by writers with roots in seven Caribbean territories,” which just made the 2020 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature longlist.
Trinidad & Tobago closes its borders as COVID-19 cases double to four
Using Italy as an example of how COVID-19 was able to spread quickly, Prime Minister Rowley warned the consequences will be grave if Trinbagonians do not adhere to the guidelines.
Trinidad & Tobago's fight against COVID-19 puts emphasis on ‘personal responsibility’
The country's two COVID-19 cases are reportedly improving, but the Ministry of Health is urging people to be conscientious about prevention methods.
Trinidad & Tobago clamps down as two cases of COVID-19 are confirmed
Schools have been closed, cruise ship arrivals have been suspended, and major events have been cancelled as the government tries to contain the spread of the virus.
Guyana general elections hang in the balance as regional vote count ruled ‘invalid’
Guyana's acting chief justice ruled that the Region 4 results were “unlawful” as they did not fall in line with Section 84 of Guyana's Representation of the People Act.
‘Linguistics is in everything’ from astronomy to everyday life, says this linguist from Trinidad & Tobago
"Trinbagonians are connected through a shared linguocultural history and present — we don’t have to constantly define or explain or substitute our words in our conversations."
In shooting for the stars, this Trinidad & Tobago linguist highlights how language connects us
[The names are] "the linguistic manifestation of the clash of Amerindian, African, European and Asian cultures which led to the Creole language and culture."
Guyana's 2020 general election results mired in controversy
The dissatisfaction surrounding the manner in which the votes from Guyana's Region 4 were handled is so rife that the country's most respected newspaper accused the elections commission of results...
The link between gender-based violence and child abuse in Trinidad & Tobago
"The central point is that violence against women and violence against children are deeply connected, that children are deliberately made victims and witnesses to violence against women."
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival's steel pan competition in photos
There's only one place you can hear the best steelbands in the world compete against one another: the annual Panorama competition during Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival.
An interview with Roger Robinson, winner of the 2019 T.S. Eliot Prize in poetry
Roger Robinson's poetry collection explores the theme of paradise, with topics ranging from London's tragic Grenfell Tower fire to the Windrush controversy, presented in bold, raw, and honest ways.
Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite leaves behind a legacy of language
"His use of nation language and the breadth of work he produced leaves an indelible mark on us all."
Remembrance for femicide victims in Trinidad & Tobago raises awareness of gender-based violence
The gathering highlighted several key issues, including the need for better support systems, updated legislation and social reformation programmes to inspire cultural change.
Is there more to the Caribbean's single-use plastics ban than meets the eye?
The move to go plastic-free is timely. According to the United Nations, 70 to 85 percent of marine litter in the Caribbean originates from land, and the lion's share is...
The Trinidadian that inspired Sam Mendes’ WWI epic, ‘1917’
Trinidadian Alfred Mendes had a long and extraordinary life in which he was many things – war hero, writer, politician – all of which was worthy of the big screen.
Is the Caribbean apocalypse-proof?
Two researchers — who admit "their methodology probably isn't perfect" — suggest island nations are the best places to be in an apocalypse. But will the Global South be welcoming?
Global Voices quinceañera: When the Caribbean did the right thing
In 2019, the Caribbean envisioned a more holistic brand of public education, spoke out against corruption, and experienced a resurgence of respect towards its First Peoples. Part 5 of 5.
