20 posts tagged “trinidad and tobago”
I don’t usually pay attention to the utterances of Mr. Basdeo Panday but today I have to agree with his assessment of the Prime Minister’s desire to member states of the Caribbean and also with his desire to form a political union with those willing to grab petro crumbs. It looks like Mr. Manning wants to one up Dr. Eric Eustace Williams and ‘give birth’ to the already tried and failed West Indies Federation that died on May 31, 1962. I have to agree with Mr. Panday and endorse his views (and yes I still believe that Bas should depart from the leadership of his party- for unity of the opposition). The following quote was taken from the Trinidad Newsday newspaper written By Andre Bagoo Thursday, June 25 2009 “But Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday yesterday criticized Manning for getting his priorities wrong. http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,102649.html
“The duty of the Government is to look after its own citizens first,” Panday told reporters hours after Manning made his announcement in Parliament. “Right now I do not think we can afford (this). We can’t afford it because our people still do not have water. Our roads, our hospitals are in a bad way. No, at this point in time the first and most important consideration is our own people.
“I agree that prosperity in the other Caribbean countries is important because it means they can buy goods and services from us,” Panday admitted, but he saw the matter more for the private sector as opposed to public sector intervention. “To be prosperous they (the other Caribbean islands) must invite the private sector because this is a free economy.”
June 11, 2K9 WACKY EVENT Corpus Christi Holiday rolled around in Trinidad & Tobago once again and, as is the norm, it is time to Lime! I guess come and Lime with Damion was appropriate even though he was not at the station but out on the field of play – that is the motto of the show right… come and lime with ‘Damion and Friends’. Well Pardna, the WACK crew decided to participate in an event that was carded to be a cake walk – easy pickings as Trini like to put it. However, not even the Body of Christ could have prevented the Cut Ass that was forthcoming. Hello, not even the Took-ah-Looks man could have anticipated the flogging meted out on this momentous day and nothing in his arsenal could have cured the cataract that blind-sided the WACK cricket team. This Lime went South and soured the event for the radio guys and gals – it was sour stomach on this day and one that would live in infamy for a long, long-time. So what really happened? Well from all accounts the following was picked up off the air: The WACK All-star Cricketers led by the venerable Kenny Phillips were pummeled today by blind cricketers. Indeed the sighted ones could not see their way even when, through pity, they were allowed to take off their “darkers” to see the ball and more importantly to save face. However, even this did not help as the WACK team humiliated themselves against a group of legally blind cricketers. The Fireman David Matthews was laughing his ass off in the studio because he knew that defeat was near for the proud ones who always boast, on air, about their triumphs on the sporting field. A valiant effort by Damion Melville was not enough to save the WACK cricket allstars from the severe trashing at the hands of the ‘blind merry men’. Kenny Phillips took the most wickets for the WACK team but then again the blind cricketers scored over two hundred runs. Do you think that you could you put a value to that award and would you step on the podium to receive it? Yikes, but I believe that Kenny was bold and brave enough to accept that award. WACK could not even come close to scoring 100 runs – talk about an embarrassing episode - good bowling Kenny ): Oh how the mighty ones have fallen from Glory. Kent was boasting on air today but probably was very happy to end his shift before the final score and sorrowful results were announced on air. At the time of this writing I did not hear anyone from the Titanic WACK Cricket Allstars rise to the occasion and speak on air to accept defeat -good cut-arse have ah way of putting a damper on things; in others words 'dem boi shame fuh so' and ran from being interviewed. But wait, what are we hearing now? REMATCH! Gosh this cut ass was enough … no more please. Addendum: June 12, 2K9 OK folks today Damion addressed the game and after listening to both Kenny and Damion I must give them credit for being fantastic ambassadors of goodwill and champions of great sportsmanship. No excuses were made and Damion admitted that they took the sport and this cricket team for granted. Indeed the game proved difficult and yuh could talk and laugh all yuh want but until you are in their shoes and facing the music you will understand that you could talk the talk but you must practice to walk the walk. Never take anyone or anything for granted folks... Oh and yes, Congratulations to the National Blind Cricketers on a splendid display of talent and sportsmanship/Wack will always have your back!
March 29, 2K9 10:01 PM
The UNC never seems to want to get out of its own way and is forever condemned to survive in opposition because of their silly leadership quarrels constantly taking place.
Now the trouble in the UNC is good news for the PNM and their continual survival that is created because of the foolishness of educated fools who believe that they all know that which is best for the party. Do I believe that Basdeo Panday has outlived his importance as leader of the UNC? Yes I do believe that it is time for him to step down as leader of the party. However, after watching the events that have been taking place recently I really don’t know, in typical Trini style, “who dey go put as leader”. No one has cleansed themselves and moved above all the 'commess' that is taking place within the party. Gypsy, Ramesh and Jack seem to want to take the party in a different direction. Do you believe that these men are genuine? I am very skeptical but I also feel the same way about Basdeo Panday.
Now if you believe that the only hope to unseating the PNM lies in the unification of the opposition forces under one umbrella with one leader (not a caucus of leaders) then you may be on the path to something that could make sense and just might work. However, this may be just a dream of many that will be soundly defeated by the minority group of persons who have the finances to influence the major players backing the political aspirants. Only time will tell but it is difficult at this time because the Silver Fox who has served the party and the Labor movement for so many years still has a grip on the rural communities that is primarily the lifeblood of the party.
These men have to be without reproach and place themselves above all the chaos and realize that it is time for most of them to move on but Caribbean politics is more in line with “politricking” and they are extremely good at fooling the masses. Someone has to influence Basdeo Panday to step down from the leadership position but stay in the party to keep that loyal base in play. Next they need to decide on the main players and select the best person to lead the party. That is the trick to winning the election – to get a face and voice that people will believe in and vote for without hesitation; and coupled with a sound agenda that will resourcefully spend the finances of the country to better the circumstances of the population.
Can it be done? Of course it can be accomplished but lawyers and big shots playing politicians need to put aside their egos and think about the good of the people. These so called leaders must remember that public servants and anyone involved in government are there to serve the needs of the people. The problem is most of these men are in it for chest thumping and self accomplishments.
In the end the people will suffer because most people are like sheep and choose to follow instead of thinking for themselves that which is best for their family and their community. When this happens then maybe they will find the right person with character and virtue fitting to be called leader of the party. Until then Gypsy will have to keep singing that, “Captain the ship is sinking”.
September 20, 2K8 10:54pm
How in heavens name is this government getting away with this nonsense. I will make it short and sweet, here goes… Trinis are a bunch of jokers who really deserve 'what dey get oui'.
Who vex loss and yes I really don't give ah blue tooth who vex with meh. Can someone, no can all yuh government supporters tell me what ever happened to the much touted Mega Farms project that was supposed to feed the nation? So much talk and talk and more talk and the result, absolutely nothing – sorry something was said and it was and still is all just a bunch of excuses.
Now remember this government shut down Caroni limited… a company that not only planted and harvested sugar cane but also had cassava, papaw and other crops in acreages along with the buffalypso and cattle. What did they do with the lands apart from promising some of it to the ex employees of Caroni (they still waiting eh) – they plan to build houses on some of the land and of course certain people who have no intention of planting, got land.
Excuses galore will be heard coming from the Budget speech for 2008/2009. Here is a snippet from the online Trinidad Guardian newspaper regarding the National Flour Mills change of status from “State enterprise to a virtual ministry of food”: “The Sunday Guardian understands the Government is making this move because it is disappointed that the much-touted mega farms project has been getting off the ground at a snail-like pace. The management structure set up to implement the mega farms is likely to be blamed by Nunez-Tesheira for falling down on the job, the Sunday Guardian was told.”
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news5.html
So now you understand the situation, nothing new here and in this case they will blame someone else for the failure/lack of implementation of the Mega Farm project(s). I would think that if they had listened to the National Farmers association there would have been a lot more local food in the markets already. The government should support the local farmers by providing access roads and equipment along with land and these people will get the job done. They have been producers for years, yet still they have been shunned by the government in favor of these ghost projects.
We have the ability to produce rice if only we support the farmers and give them a reason to want to be rice farmers. The latest news that the National Flour Mills will sell the rice mill does not auger well for the industry. Incentives for all farmers are much better that spending billions of the country’s oil resources making Port of Spain look pretty and projected millions for the proposed, late to start, mega farm project.
In the end the Billions to be spent for the next fiscal term will impress the followers of this government. If anyone should question their reason for supporting this regime in charge of the financial resources of the country they will give you their Trini special, “what we go do, we cyar do anything about it and who we go put” – I have said it many times before and will end with this again, “Silly season is open in Trinidad”.
September 16, 2K8
When in Trinidad the term "Liming" means that we are "hanging out". I posted this is in response to listening to news on one of the radio stations streaming on the net. I wondered how will the International listeners understand this news cast when they are not familiar with the local dialect? So whenever the situation presents itself (via a streaming broadcast) I will post an explanation of words/phrases as they are heard - just to help you unravel the colloquial dialect. If you are really interested in understanding the local "twang" just Google "Speak like a Trinidadian" and you will have enough to have your head spinning and wondering how foreigners understand Trinis (Trinidadians) when they are conversing in the homeland. I sometimes wonder about that myself...
September 11, 2K8 It is a shame that it takes a show like this and the effort of someone like Deso to remind us about these classic tracks. Simply put we don't hear these songs regularly enough. To be honest it had been some time since I heard these songs on radio. Enough of that because even though Deso deserves credit for a well put together show his classic moment came at the end of the program with his dedication to Damion and his Friday sidekick Base 2. Who or what is a Maco? Well only Funny can put it to words and Deso loved every moment of it - It seems that Deso's two knees were hurting last night. Let's see how good his mood will be when Damion is finished with him. So who or what is a Maco? Don't worry it is just a person who is knowledgeable about other people's business (laughter from Deso as he related how Damion fits the bill). Surely this is a case where 'Bam See' everything and related it all to Deso. As a public service Deso enlightened the public - it was really a Public Service announcement but one which will take on a life of its own - ah sorry for Deso. But wait one minute Deso did also dedicate the song to Kenny and Heshimu - this macocious neighbor Bam See everything and passed it on to the skin fitting jersey kid Deso. Look at 'comess' Deso start! This has to result in some good picong on the radio when Damion makes Deso regret listening to Bam. Enough of the fun, here is a clip from Lord Funny (Donric Williamson):
Last night Deso celebrated the music of the very humorous Lord Funny (Donric Williamson) on WACK radio. The show was wonderful with many of the selections genuinely bringing out smiles and even laughter because of sharp and witty lyrics that says one thing but definitely relates to something else (that is funny).
September 02, 2K8 It has been said that
faith can move mountains and for some reason I felt the weight
of "Wackos" around the World weighing heavily on my spirit … it
was a day where I found myself in a sink or swim situation – I chose to swim! Indeed
it can be a challenge to stay afloat with so many nay Sayers waiting for the
moment that you capitulate and admit that you were wrong about something. Then
again you can be someone who simply stands on the sideline and claim ignorance
because you came for the game not to support either team in the field of
play. Well here I am in a position where several persons expect me
to state my position and come clean regarding the WACK radio Independence Day
music marathon. Let me say this, it was a glorious recognition of 46 years of
independence with an abundance of local music to support their claim of being
the champions of our musical culture on air. What do you think? Did
they live up to your expectations? Well here is my take… Culture Krazy: Yes, yes and yes! There
is no competition at home or abroad when it comes to playing the music of
Trinidad and Tobago – no competition in sight or that can be heard at home or
over the internet. Granted there are sites that have lists of local music for
sampling and to be played on demand – indeed there are but there is no station
or media house that plays the variety of music that WACK radio 90.1 fm
broadcasts on a daily basis. Now yesterday was quite
different and to be honest I did not expect such an organized and well
presented programming that was presented as a gift to our now middle aged
nation. It all started with Ebony and Amber and concluded with Dr. the Right
Honorable David Matthews. However, the surprise presenter of the
day, none other than Kenny Phillips the aging captain of the WACK presentation
of chune after chune after chune who came on and hit the mark. So
how did Kenny do this? Well my friend Sharon aka South Trini insisted that I
let everyone know that “Kenny was the man yesterday”. Damion would
say that all that I am doing is sucking up to Kenny. If that is the case I have
to ask, “Why? None of that matters but the fact that Kenny really dug deep and
brought back memories of elementary school says a lot for the job that he
did. The ladies did a great job and the middle of the show
simply kept the championship flag flying high. David (I have to take the word
of others here now) did a great job. I can say he had the toughest assignment
because a song could only be played one time and if he did as good as I am told
he deserves kudos for a job well done. Pet Peeve: Ok my pet peeve with
WACK radio is that they don’t really live up to the Culture Krazy claim that
they boast about. Well I have to admit for one day they came a long way. What
is my complaint? Not enough Chutney selections but then again there are many
other genres that don’t get equal play or fair play when compared to Calypso
and Soca. Indeed Rapso and Folk music aficionados can complain
likewise. I have always said to Kenny Phillips that we play everything and even
though Pan has its segments on the weekend the tracks that Kenny played during
his segment cries out for more steel pan music. So really, what
about my pet peeve? Wikipedia states: “At
the same time, chutney became a massive force in Trinidadian music, arising
from the island's Indian population. It has now become 'mainstream' across the
islands and elsewhere in the Caribbean, and has spawned its own subgenres,
including ragga chutney, chutney-hip hop. Soca-bhangragga and chutney-bhangra.
The article also went on to talk more about Chutney Soca and dhut-kai-pang (ie
chutney, Parang and Calypso mixed with Venezuelan-derived rhythms. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago Indeed there was
Pickacharee and Chutney more so than is usually played on the station on any
given day – let’s see how this unfolds in the days ahead. Was it a one day
appeasement or part of change to come – only time will tell! Diversity: Diverse = many and
different. Simple enough… “Celebrating our diversity Wack style” Right back at
you Kenny and that also brings to mind the lack of play of many genres on a
“regular basis” not just when a holiday comes along. Indeed we are as diverse
in our tastes as we are cosmopolitan in our makeup but don’t you dare claim to
be culture crazy and not include the total fabric of the society. Indeed your
financial success may hinge on the demographic that you subscribe to but then
again you may need several knocks on your balding head to understand that some
change is indeed good. Conclusion: So what really in the
verdict? Ok I must admit that the
station did an excellent job yesterday ... kudos to everyone concerned. Do I
need to take a chill pill? Maybe but then again I am not the type of person to
sit idly by on the sidelines and watch the show go on. Am I to be
labeled the devil’s advocate at all times … hell no for Jesus’ sake (father
forgive meh)! Most of the persons who dislike my take on things have
nothing to contribute and continually slap the Fannies of the WACK brass for a
job well done. Ok that’s ok, but one must realize that the product can always
be tweaked and fine tuned to reflect a new vision for the musical culture of
our country. Should we simply sit on our laurels and brag and boast about our
gifts to the World … pay attention to Machel and his approach to the art form -
he collaborates with other artistes and innovates his musical concepts moving
Soca into the mainstream that even Hot 97 in NYC plays his music - so change is
good. The people at Billboard magazine have taken notice and are
beginning to track his efforts. So my friends keep at
the staff at Wack and give credit when credit is due but also give them a sense
of where they are at and where they could and should be heading. You may be
right or dead wrong but no one can blame you for trying. So let me conclude by
saying congratulations to Mr. Kenny Phillips and his staff on a job well done.
Culture Krazy champions with no other station in second or third place. They
are that good at that which they do – promote the music of Trinidad and Tobago
as no one else can. Congratulations to the management and staff!
“Celebrating our diversity WACK style...the widest variety on radio on Independence Day Holiday, Monday September 1, 2008. All genres all day, can you keep up?” http://www.wackradio901fm.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=431 Oh boi, oh boi here we go again with the WACK brain trust making promises that they won’t keep or will sprinkle one track here and there throughout the day to gravitate towards the self proclaimed/ubiquitous “Culture Krazy Crown”. Ent yuh know/figure out from past experience that it will be 95% Kaiso and Soca all day! Now one has to consider what are the three major musical genres rocking the Islands of Trinidad and Tobago today? Well I am pleased that you asked and really want to know. This can be answered by listening to the radio stations, checking the record sales (but no top ten sales list is produced or shown on WACK) or simply from the man on the street. Well the three major contenders are Calypso, Soca and Chutney. I guarantee you (please listen to the show folks) that you will hear lots of Calypso, Soca, Steel band music, some Rapso, a sprinkling of Parang, some Folk songs, local Reggae, local Pop some Classical and Ballroom tracks with minimal Chutney/East Indian music. Remember we are talking about diversity and everyone knows about the diversity of the population (yuh think?). Is it WACK radio or is it the call of the DJ's? I think both the station and the DJ's have the same mind set and play to the same demographic but keep in mind where the station is located - what an ironic situation. In any case it does not matter because this show is a WACK radio 90.1FM show and if you are interested you can listen to the feed from one of the following sites: http://islandlinks.50megs.com/streams/trinidad/wackwma.html or http://www.wackradio901fm.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 Just take a look at this line of the advertisement from the WACK homepage: “Folk songs, Calypso, Gospel, Trini pop, Soca, and much more.....only on WACK 90.1 FM, the true defenders of our culture.” Did you notice something missing/or lack of emphasis there of? This is going to be a very interesting show and I plan to listen all day! So let’s showcase the musical diversity of our Island – Keep the musical culture flag flying!
August 10, 2K8
Just imagine a local government councilor is elected to serve in office for three years then vacate his or her office and new elections held to bring in new blood or reelect some because they did a good job or simply because of party favoritism. Having said that, it should be noted that the present slate of councilors would be in office for six years and this would give them two terms in office without having to face the polls for a second time. Why? That's because the present government, led by Pastor Patrick Manning, has decreed that changes need to be put in place before the present cast or incoming actors get the opportunity to face the electorate!
Now taking into consideration, the current state of the society and the general discontent of the populace in a time of plenty, in this 'land of milk and honey' (akin to sweetness of crude oil prices), everyone needs to pause and question the wisdom or foolishness of the ruling party with their pussyfooting in Parliament and the subversion of the democratic process. Certainly this feels like the government is once again playing 'politricks' with the management of the political process. Why overhaul the system if you have confidence in the electorate to hand you the keys to local government administration? I say, face the polls and win the election, after which you can overhaul the system, recreate the boundaries to satisfy a partisan demographic and rule for life - ENT yuh know that is the Trini way!
Ok, ok so that is wishful thinking because it would be better to stack the cards in your favor before facing the polls -Minister (as in doing the Lords work) Manning, aka PM of Trinidad and Tobago, has a system in place where he always comes over as a preacher in Church whenever he addresses the populace - he ministers to the citizenry because only he knows best and we must remember the Kaiso, Patrick we stepping up with you ... indeed Patrick is the 'Man".
So now that "yuh put dem dey" do you believe that "your" government is doing a good job and more importantly do you believe that they are afraid to face the polls at this time? It is a given that everyone is dissatisfied with the management of the country's resources, bedlam prevails with crime out of control and food prices are soaring beyond the value of earnings that sound great but can't do much at the supermarket...
The stench or this man's arrogance is nauseating but most Trinbagonians will stick to what they know and would repeat their mantra of "who we go put" but would not resolve to remove the wool that is covering their eyes - do that and surely one would see a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Tunnel vision is great if you choose to focus on the goal of doing that which is correct but then again Trinis are all about having a good time and politricking with Rum and Roti politics.
So do I think that the present administration is afraid to face the electorate now? I think so, hell yes; I believe that to be the case... now what do you think?
May 08, 2K8 In your estimation, what is the most popular radio station streaming service from Trinidad and Tobago via the World Wide Web? Just keep in mind that there are more than thirty stations at home with just about 20 streaming service via the World Wide Web - there is much to choose from with every taste satisfied! Of course every station caters to a different audience and some have a mix that just may appeal to your highly sensitive listening preferences. Some may choose a station because of the amount of local content played; others may gravitate to a station because of the topics discussed as is the case with many of the talk radio services provided. Again others may be drawn to a station because it plays the music of a subculture of our very cosmopolitan society. Whatever drives you to listen a station may make it your favorite but that does not mean that a certain station can be deemed the best or the most commercially successful in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago? How can we determine that is very speculative at best? Just keep in mind that most of the stations streaming their service on the World Wide Web may only have a community license and may not be able to cover the entire Island with their signal. That means that some people may have heard of a particular station at home but may not be able to tune in to the frequency (Trinidad and Tobago). The internet gives these stations an equal base to start - "a level playing field" where the advertising revenue has not been a factor to date. As a matter of fact most of the businesses and radio stations (at home) have not figured a way to capitalize on this aspect of programming to date. Some have provided Web sites that sell items but haven't really earned advertising dollars from the programming as it relates to the international community. This question that is asked here is geared towards people listening to the stations via the World Wide Web. In this case people will listen to the station simply because of the format provided and maybe because they want to hold on to something relating to the homeland – music, news, talk, politics or simply to keep in step with that which is going on at home. Some people listening via the web live in communities where there are not many Trinidadians to interact with during the course of the day and to come home and listen to a familiar voice or Trini English can be a very relaxing experience. Whatever your reasons are just leave a comment saying which station that you enjoy listening too – just the station and a short note why you love listening to the station. Support your station – let’s see which is the most listened to station on the World Wide Web streaming service from Trinidad and Tobago. Oh here are my favorites (looks like I’m into the ***.1 FM Frequencies): Talkcity 91.1 FM (Great Talk, Sports News, Community information, Tips for living, local music) Wack 90.1 FM (Mostly Soca & Calypso with a sprinkling of other local music genres) Masala 101.1 FM (Mostly Chutney, Soca, World Beat) Addendum: Next 99.1 FM (Soca City) Can someone provide some feedback regarding this radio station? The DJ sounds American (or is he Bajan?) trying to sound like a Trini (1:51 pm Wednesday May 08, 08). Is this station based in Trinidad or simply a US online station masquerading under the red white and black banner? The station goes by the name Soca City but I only heard Usher for quite some time - yikes!
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