Category: Social and Political Commentary

The Origins and Evolution of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago — Retrospect Journal | History, Classics and Archaeology Magazine

Written by Candice Maharaj Image: Melton Prior, Carnival in Port of Spain Trinidad, 1888, Illustrated London News. Carnival is a festival that is celebrated annually during the weeks leading up to Lent. It is a period of celebration that involves music, costumes, processions, feasting and a lot of alcohol. Traditionally, during Lent people had to … Continue reading The Origins and Evolution of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago — Retrospect Journal | History, Classics and Archaeology Magazine →

 GRATEFUL FOR GRAVEDIGGERS       

  A TALE FOR HALLOWEEN  BY DALTON NARINE                          Ah ketch him hanging out like a bride and groom                                 with a female jumbie inside a tomb   Lord Christo, Jacob From Panama (1956)   It is very much alive, the cemetery, gravediggers and all making a quarry there day after day to inter … Continue reading  GRATEFUL FOR GRAVEDIGGERS        →

On the subject of Religion

Since so many are concerned about my spirituality and may be curious about it, I will give you an answer. This would be the first time I've actually publicly mentioned this , since I usually do not discuss religion. Though I'm technically Episcopalian (Anglican) I follow no religion , since I do believe that once … Continue reading On the subject of Religion →

THE PANMAN WHO RELEASED THE “BOMB” TURNS 91 BY DALTON NARINE

Monday May 21 , 2018 Neville Jules turned 91 this week. At the Duke Street panyard, even the young players call him Cap. They see him around Hell Yard, a shrine to pan, but can’t fully fathom his weight. Founder of Trinidad All Stars, Jules led the band and arranged its music for 25 years … Continue reading THE PANMAN WHO RELEASED THE “BOMB” TURNS 91 BY DALTON NARINE →

A MOTHER & HER SON SHARE A SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY

A MOTHER & HER SON SHARE A SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY by Dalton Narine USS Cole survivor succumbed to a violent panic attack in bed a week after his 31st birthday, 12 years following a terrorist strike on the guided missile destroyer. A memorial to a Navy son whose special bond between him and his mom comes … Continue reading A MOTHER & HER SON SHARE A SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY →

Culture , kalinda (stick fighting) and me.

Stick fighting, "kalinda" was bought to Trinidad by our enslaved African ancestors, and has always been a part of Trinidad's culture, though of course it was never really approved by society. Also called "creole wood", "bois" , " battaille bois" the tradition has endured into the modern era. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiYoBGgTRxo Today, efforts have been made to … Continue reading Culture , kalinda (stick fighting) and me. →

I’m still thankful that I once learned a trade!

My life changed in 1962 when I decided to leave the prestigious Naparima College in San Fernando one year prior to graduation , to become an apprentice at the Texaco Oil Refinery at Pointe -a- Pierre , Trinidad. After an unsuccessful attempt to join the Royal Air force ( I failed the physical due to … Continue reading I’m still thankful that I once learned a trade! →

R.I.P Dr. Elliot “Ellie” Mannette

Pan pioneer Ellie Mannette has died. He was 90. Born Elliot Mannette in San Souci, Trinidad on November 5, 1927, Mannette passed away on Wednesday August 29 , 2018 at a hospital in West Virginia, USA. As long as the art-form related to the steel-pan endures , the name Ellie Mannette will not be forgotten. … Continue reading R.I.P Dr. Elliot “Ellie” Mannette →