I can't possibly ignore it anymore - To Beyonce' or not to Beyonce' that is the question.

The whole Beyonce' scandal has completely erupted and it's now being discussed on an international scale. It is news on hip hop blogs, uk blogs, beyonce' fan blogs and blogs about the stock market. - Go figure -

The controversy only came to head just after Christmas, even though while I was there in December, it was definitely a hot topic.

In the "green" corner we have TSTT, the concert's main sponsor who so graciously incited Beyonce to support tourist activity. Never mind that her concert is the day after Carnival, never mind that it will cost $30 million, (an unofficial number), never mind that they have canceled highly anticipated annual parties and promised the international superstar, the presidential suite FOR FREE. TSTT remains non-plussed. In one Newsday article TSTT openly challenged anyone to prove that they have done more for Carnival than the TSTT corporation has; and swore their undying allegiance to the country and the festival.

In the "blue" corner, we have everybody else, from Union Workers to doubles men, abashed and appalled at the timing of the concert. They claim the show will hurt Carnival revenue (due to the $1600 tickets), diminishes the value of local talent, threatens to overshadow the "The Greatest Show on Earth" and worst of all will not significantly increase the number of tourists enough to warrant the expense.

At first I was ambivalent, unsure of whether to vote on the side of "big business" or on the side of the proletariat. My decision to simply laugh off the whole thing as just another "Carnival bacchanal" was finalized when I read this sentence on www.TrinidadandTobagoblog.com, "First, I had to find out just who the hell Beyoncé was."

This seemingly innocuous sentence by Raffique Shaw, pretty much sums up Trinidadian sentiment on fame - we don't get it. We are still under the belief system that we are all equal. This is particularly difficult concept for an American. Americans pride themselves on their notoriety. Notoriety is often tangled with wealth and privilege. This is not necessarily so in Trinidad. Plus, in a country where everyone knows everyone else - notoriety doesn't mean anything - worse yet if you have no money or talent - the last thing you want is to call attention to yourself.

In the end this whole fuss is an opportunity for Trinis to squabble about their national pride and inadvertently toy publicly with the agenda of an international icon.

Santimanitay!

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Trini expression of the day
Playin' social -To put on airs. Someone who pretends to be of a higher social strata than they are. Cote Ci Cote La- A Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary.

Is UNC reading my blog?

Sorry about the delay in posting. I was away in NY on official feting business. As the Trini fete ambassador to New York I am constantly moving back and forth in fulfillment of my sworn duty to maintain a packed party schedule. Let us on to the story.

In case you haven't noticed or are not a faithful reader(Is there an echo in here?), I use various Trinidad and Tobago newspapers as fodder for my blogs. In previous blogs I have mentioned the need for reform on the protective services and for Trinidadians to take responsibility for the future citizens of our nation namely, de youts. So, when I came across an article in the Newsday today regarding a "people's army" I was immediately intrigued.

If you promise to come back and read the rest of my blog,click here. If not, you should continue reading, come back to this paragraph later. :)

I must admit, some of what MP. Ramesh said was right on point with my sentiments...

"there must also be a mechanism in place to tap into the young people. 'As political leader I would set up machinery to concentrate on the young people. Whether it is called a shadow ministry of youth affairs or an ombudsman department for young people, I intend to examine all the problems young people face and develop strategies for them to work with us'"

Fantastic, agreed.

However, once MP Maharaj began proposing that his very presence is what made the UNC party so popular and so effective, he lost me. His persona in this article comes over like a villain sidekick who, once his master's diabolical plan is achieved, intends to assert himself as rightful ruler. As much as I agree with the fact the PNM has lost touch with the reality of life for the middle class Trinbagonian, I can't say that I believe UNC's motives are pure and unified.


Sanitmanitay!

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Trini word of the day
Mamaguy - To fool someone with smart talk or slick reasoning. To make fun of. To ridicule...From a Spanish metaphor of a fighting cock (Gallo) that fakes or pretends to charge, thereby 'suckering' (Mamar)the other rooster into bad moves. Misleading actions to set up a "sucker punch." - Cote Ci Cote La. A Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary

I love when Trinis make us proud on the international stage

While I was browsing the ultra-hot topic in T&T now which is whether Beyonce' upcoming concert should be held or not I came across this article

The article discusses Trinidadian born event planner Collin Abraham who managed to rise from what in my youth was considered very humble beginnings to rubbing shoulders with the elite of all kinds. I'm not talking about just any elite I'm talking President of the United States elite not to mention a whole host of celebrities.

The most fascinating part of Mr. Abraham's story for me was not only his apparent heterosexuality but the route he traveled to arrive at event planner to the stars.
The Trinidad and Tobago Newsday article written in 2008 states that he went to Barataria Senior Comp, then to the Prison Service followed by the Police Service.

(What?)

Collin, (yeah we on a first name basis now), then left Trinidad in 1998 to pursue a course in sound engineering in New York and ended up working part-time as a floral decorator at the Waldorf-Astoria. Then, voila` Puff Daddy wants him to work the infamous Hamptons "White Party" before you know it, Collin in de ting wit eh..verybody. Well, Yes!

You ever see ting so? It seems the most natural progression in the world the way they tell it!

My question is how do we get people like Collin to mentor the youth at home? We need Trinidadian heroes that are accessible to people. I want them to get the message that poverty and the lifestyle of poverty are not necessary, inevitable or nor worthy of pride but heart, hard work and perseverance are.


Trini word of the day
Doh Be lucky an' coward - Success comes only if you try. Cote' ci cote la - Trinidad and Tobago Dictionary

Beyonce or Police I don't know where to start

Yesterday I ranted about the police and how there is not enough accountability in the task force. Lo and behold, I came upon this article.

The article discusses an investigation underway by the Anti Corruption Investigation Bureau (ACIB)in Trinidad involving 40 police officers, IT officers and cleaning people with regard to 94000 USD that went missing from the property room. Funny enough the very police officers under investigation conveniently have a suspect of their own, that has fled the country and that they are trying to locate and interview. All 40 ah dem have alibi...you think it easy? But wait nuh, plenty more story to come.

The accused(s) have also mentioned that the "businessman" that managed to get away with the cash was supposed to have replaced it with counterfeit money that was to be exchanged (with a mystery person not even directly mentioned in the article), LAST WEEK TUESDAY!

You mean to tell me, we have IT but no security cameras or special security clearance devices? Do the cleaners and IT people have access to the property room too? What took the ACIB so long to begin an investigation?

Perhaps instead of investing $30 million dollars on a Beyonce concert OR Carnival fetes maybe we should invest $30 million dollars in making it easier for the police to prevent crimes as well as solve them?

Doh feel dah whole Beyonce' talk done either...she and TSTT on the hot chair tomorrow.

Santimanitay!

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Trini word of the day
Bobol- French bobard- Lie, tall story. Cooking the books. To steal money or equipment, or anything valuable from a company.

In bobol-Several persons involved in dishonesty and covering for each other
--Cote'Ci Cote la. Trinidad and Tobago dictionary

Kidnapping situation in Trinidad

I found out today that there was an attempt to kidnap Stalin's daughter today. For those who don't know, Stalin is a prominent Calypsonian, legendary for his staccato dance style and distinctive voice and only like the Georgian Communist party leader Joseph Stalin in his affinity for politics. Anyhow, even more shocking than this somewhat ludicrous robbery turned kidnapping story was the fact that the police responded promptly. My dear reader, this is so rare that the newspaper felt it necessary to mention that they did so. Don't get me wrong! I appreciate that there are people willing to take on such a position (especially in light of the current crime situation) but I learned early on that Trini police were not at all like the "NYPD Blues" we used to watch on TV. They were more like neighborhood watchmen, not so much there to serve and protect but to "do the best they could to protect and serve." I can guarantee you that almost every Trini has a story about how the police let them down...I eh want to name names but there is a police station on Saddle Road in Maraval opposite the gas station that failed me on numerous occasions.

Let's face it crime is a serious problem facing our little paradise. And, I don't believe all the ole talk about it's "just the youths so bad nowadays". It all breaks down to accountability. There is only so much blame that can be placed on the local riff raff. Why are so many criminals not brought to justice? We are 2 islands. There is a finite space in which they can hide. Is it a budgetary issue? Is anyone in Parliament paying attention?

We are not a shy people. We would picket the Lord if he was the Opposition leader, so why not demand a safer Trinidad. We cannot continue to live in fear. We cannot "go quietly into the dark night." WE NEED TO DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY! No more perpetually ongoing investigations, and 1 hour later ambulance arrivals and sorry-we-doh-have-a-car-right-now-so-we-can't-stop-a-burglary-in-progress excuses.

Santimanitay!

Today a Trini expression - from Cote Ci Cote la of course :

"Where Molasses is Fly mus'be: Derogatory People of similar interests can usually be found together. Similar to birds of a feather,flock together.

Fitness In T&T

As a ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor, when my Dad offered me the opportunity for a free personal training session with his trainer, I jumped at the chance. I had a trainer a long time ago that I went to with a friend of mine before I moved to the States. The method was simple. No muss. No fuss. Treadmill Cardio followed by strength training focusing on legs. The experience though was eye-opening on how simple life is in the Caribbean as compared to life in the States. The gym in itself was nothing like the gyms that I have been to on the states - there was no running water for 1 thing - which would have caused a riot in almost any American gym. Also, the trainer was not at all like the barking drill sergeant that I expected and had experienced in NY. Thirdly, he asked me how I was doing and seemed happy to follow my lead! Gasp! There was no sales pitch no evaluation, just plain simple working out: here's what I think you should do and I will be happy to modify it if you have a problem. The whole thing put me right at ease and I enjoyed the workout immensely.

But in the back of my head I was skeptical.

I suspected that he had taken it too easy on me. I was more energized than fatigued and the assisted stretch was contained nothing of the ooh-ahh-right-there outbursts I've had after similar session. To my surprise however, DOMS set in right on time the next day.

So, all in all, I enjoyed it but I do wonder is the slower pace, stress-less lifestyle worth the air of resignation or complacency that lingers around social services? Am I so Americanised that these inconvenience that would have caused nothing but a sigh from me 10 years ago now inspires a call to action?


Santimanitay!

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Trini word of the day
Bobolee French Avoir Bobo-to be hurt
A stuffed effigy of Judas,displayed all day from Good Friday morning and then beaten to a frazzle in the evening by the village youths. Hence Good Friday Bobolee. 2) Any person who is often bullied-- Cote Ci Cote La - A Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary.

Avatar - a classic tale of US and THEM

I went to see the movie Avatar in 3D today. It was a fascinating movie full of rich imagery, highly relevant, complex themes and profound insight into the conflicts facing us as humans in our modern world. For one the movie highlighted America's ambivalence regarding the war being fought. On the one hand, the militia and the corporate sector played the villains in very quintessential American stereotypes: the high powered, bottom-line obsessed executive and the trigger happy, crusading, good old boy, westerner/southerner General. Playing our unlikely hero, is Jake, a handicapped, ex-marine with very little going on upstairs. He also classically portrays the run of the mill wide-eyed, adventurous, cocky American who is really just out for himself and yet somehow finds his true nature while out in the bush.

Beyond the obvious symbolism for the current Iraq war, there is also commentary on race relations, the "energy crisis" and humanity.

The Na'vi people of Pandora, the planet on which these humans find themselves in search of "unobtainium" (pun totally intended and we'll come back to that), were almost identical to our earthly Africans in their language, culture and even appearance. The American "colonizers" were plainly Caucasian and so the symbolism was hard to miss. For e.g. in order to convince the natives to part with the substance that existed in abundance under their tree, the Yanks, went the traditional route offering them all sorts of modern luxuries but the Na'vi are content with "mud". Honestly at first I thought they could pass for any indigenous people but once the whole "blue monkey" expression fell it was pretty unavoidable. Appalling and fascinating all at once, the movie betrayed the dichotomous feelings Caucasians are facing in a world where Africans are finally rising from the soot.

Like many other Trinidadians I pride myself on being mixed. Ask any one of us and we will almost always answer the race question with "I'm a Trini". I think it's just our way of distancing ourselves from the atrocities committed against and by our ancestors. However in this case, I must admit that the African in me was disturbed, insulted and proud all at once. I don't want to ruin the film for anyone but even though there was a convergence of worlds and therefore an undercurrent of positivity I was disappointed with oh-so-done John Wayne saves the day resolution. It seemed too convenient, too trite an ending for such a foray into the complexities of the psyche, but I suppose a more open ending might have been construed as too Eastern hemisphere.

But I digress...

The hunt for "unobtanium" speaks to our fear as humans regarding a sustainable life on Earth. Avatar is just the latest in a string of artistic endeavors (e.g. 2012,last of the mohicans, Wall E) bent on portraying the very real pressure on science to deal with the ever impending doom of extinction. It's as if these directors have taken it upon themselves to prepare us for the lengths humans will have to go to if we intend to survive.

This brings me to the also increasingly present concern about our physical limitations. It seems that as a race humans are perpetually trying to create a less destructible version of ourselves that is better equipped to deal with the environment as well as the darker sides of our nature. Think about it. Vampires, Gods, Surrogates, Avatars, robots - they are all decidedly human without the sickening physical frailty. All of these characters can survive indefinitely without food, water, air, shelter and/or sex. The internet has been incremental in us seeing this fantasy realized. Chat rooms, social networking, online education, they all allow us to interact with "thems" from safe distances while not exposing ourselves to potential danger. But as we get closer and closer to individualized lives are forgetting what it means to live?

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Trini word of the day

Sucouya pronounced soo-coo-yah

Afolklore charcter portrayed as an old hag who transforms herself into a ball of fire at night, and sucks the blood of her victims. she returns to her shed skin before daybreak. Legend has it that salt prevents reentry and causes death - Cote' ci Cote' la

Re Ms. T&T and her penchant for the menage

Now, I was not at all surprised to hear that our lovely Ms. Ayoung Chee could ever be caught in such an act. Trinis delight in the taboo, a taste for which we acquired no doubt from our once British rulers. We are also known to be very adventurous in matters of sex esp. when behind closed doors...perhaps a touch of our French background? What is particularly interesting to me is the response to the tape.
While I was there it was the hottest topic on every adult tongue! I found the topic once opened for conversation was followed with the customary steups and other vague yet classic expressions of onomatopoeia, allowing for time to read my expression. I expected to hear shock, disgust, at least mild horror yet instead I read pity, curiosity and even poorly disguised jealousy.

What does this say about the modern Trinidadian perspective on bisexuality? I believe almost a sigh of relief. Unfortunately I have not seen the video but I must say that I am happy that she is able to hold her head up high. She is after all the victim here--

Santimanitay!

Trini vocab word of the day

Steups - suck teeth. A sound of annoyance contempt

Try it it's fun! lol

Happy New Year

Ah yes we are officially in 2010. I hope this year will bring many great things. I hope to spend at least a month or so in Trinidad and Tobago this year, to spend more time with my family and to propel headfirst closer to self actualization...

Trini word of the day:
Batemamselle: A Dragonfly