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, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago: Butter Bread
“In one of Port of Spain’s wealthiest neighbourhoods…the older, tastefully-designed homes can no longer be admired because they cannot be perceived: their garden walls are now higher than their eaves; and topped with razor wire: pass your butter bread over such a wall and it comes out the other side...
Trinidad & Tobago: Emergency SMS
Further to Taran Rampersad‘s call for Trinidad and Tobago to get an emergency SMS number, he finds out a local communications provider has plans to implement one: “Kudos if they get it up before a national disaster. Well, other than continued parliamentary disaster…”
Trinidad & Tobago: By George!
Aisha at MEP Caribbean Publishers puts two rival Trinidadian doubles vendors to the taste test.
Haiti: Packing List
An interesting packing list from Caribbean Free Radio about what she's taking to Haiti.
Barbados, Haiti: Power of Love
“Yes, there is good emerging from the horror in Haiti, a very great deal of it. If it could, that power – the all-encompassing, ominpotent power of love – would end suffering” – and, blogging from Barbados, B.C. Pires is quick to remind us that “it comes unbidden from human...
Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti: Supporting Citizen Media
“Anything I can say about Haiti is going to sound like a platitude, so I’ll spare you those having to do with human misery and direct another one at myself instead: I have no idea what to expect and am not sure my imagination can prepare me”: Global Voices’ Managing...
Cayman Islands: Earthquake Safety
As earthquake tremors are felt in the Cayman Islands, Islas Bellas posts a few safety tips.
Haiti: Communities
“As we consider the rapid militarization underway in Haiti and the prospect of a long-lasting U.S. or U.N. military presence in the country, there is growing concern about supporting local Haitian organizations who could lead the nation into an independent recovery attentive to local needs”: Repeating Islands posts a list...
Haiti: “Our hope has not died”
A truly inspiring update from The Livesay [Haiti] Weblog: “The reports of violence – we don't get those. Have not seen it. Have not experienced it. Nothing even remotely close. People are helping each other and are warm and kind and humble. I only know one thing – Our hope...
Bahamas, Haiti: Here to Help
Nicolette Bethel compiles a list of what Bahamians are doing to help Haiti.
Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti: Emergency SMS
Know TnT.com sees the value of emergency SMS: “It could save lives and improve the quality of life of people. And it would work best if it's set up beforehand instead of afterward.”
Barbados, Haiti: In for the Long-Term?
Allegiance thinks that “Barbados should develop a long term foreign policy with respect to Haiti.”
Barbados, U.S.A., Haiti: Business as Usual?
Barbados Free Press harshly criticizes a cruise line for proceeding with business as usual in the midst of disaster as its passengers “continue to enjoy themselves at the ‘five pristine beaches’ leased from the Haitian government.”
Haiti: Beyond the Capital
Much of the coverage of the destruction in the earthquake's aftermath has been focused in and around Haiti's capital city, Port-au-Prince. But many other areas close to the 'quake's epicentre have also been affected, as bloggers are quick to point out...
Haiti: Hoping for Miracles
“This city is more densely populated than I can fathom. The work ahead in Port and other areas is mind-numbing. I know there are tons of efforts being made — some of which you'll never get to hear about on media or blogs”: The Livesay [Haiti] Weblog is sure they...
Haiti: Power of Music
Repeating Islands recognizes that music by Haitian artists is making a difference on to survivors of the ‘quake, inspiring resilience and strength.
Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti: Aid
Trinidad and Tobago's Pleasure blog posts a poem in honour of the Haitian earthquake victims.
Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti: Blame the Alcohol
“As thousands in [Haiti] were trapped under rubble and were wailing for their lives, our politicians…decided to go ahead with the ceremonial opening of Parliament. Prime Minister Patrick Manning…left the day’s proceedings early, promising $6.3 million in aid to Haiti. Then…he hosted…a ‘media appreciation’ event…there was not a single press...
Barbados, Haiti: Canine Contribution
Dogs in Barbados examines the role of Man's Best Friend in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.
St. Lucia, Haiti: Role of Social Media
“It is at such times of large-scale catastrophes that we get a true sense of the incredible power of the Internet and social media”: St. Lucia's Caribbean Book Blog on the Haiti earthquake.
Haiti: Cell Provider Back On Line
Pwoje Espwa – Hope in Haiti is pleased that cellular service provider Digicel is back on line, which “will make communications much easier.”
