Category: Social and Political Commentary

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 African slave 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 , … 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 →

Why we should consider moving panorama away from Carnival, and increasing the steelband’s participation in the Carnival street parade.

I have always maintained that Trinidad's Carnival has suffered in quality as steel-band participation in the carnival parade has diminished. The most visible demonstration of this over the last few years is the fact that while rest of the carnival parade has deteriorated into a semi pornographic display of beads , bikinis and flesh , … Continue reading Why we should consider moving panorama away from Carnival, and increasing the steelband’s participation in the Carnival street parade. →

Fate, destiny, and the (former) Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Fate. Destiny. "Fate is just a helping hand from God while our destiny lies in us." A lot has been written about fate and destiny, and lately I've reflected on these subjects, as I look back on my high school days at Naparima College in San Fernando Trinidad, and at a significant event that occurred … Continue reading Fate, destiny, and the (former) Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago →