Legacy Flag Bacchanal in Trinidad

Life is a stage and we are the actors – we all have ah part to play” So sang Brother Valentino in his classic kaiso. Well it seems that the present administration under the leadership of archdeacon Patos is hell bent on playing the part of the gambler who does not know when it is time to stop placing bets that simply don’t reap any rewards.

The ‘Legacy Flag’ is the topic of conversation with some Trinis already proclaiming that it is a ‘Stripper Pole’ with a Trini flag draped at the top. Now when yuh think about it this could be the aim of the designers of the pole that hold the national marker. It is smooth, we are talking about A-36 carbon steel and what pole dancer you know who would not like all that smooth silky carbon between her legs as she slithers down the pole. Just think about it, draped in the national flag she swirls around the pole as she descends to the base where that rigid shaft is cemented in a “20-foot by 20-foot by 15-foot foundation with 400 tons of reinforced concrete and 200 tons of steel”. Rigid, and secure at the base, that pole will be the delight of many pole dancers as they dance in bacchanalish frenzy to celebrate and commemorate this project that “was part of the Government’s strategic national plan, Vision 2020”.

Ok so let’s take a look at how the tax payer’s money was spent on this project: $2M.  There were three bids for the project with Fireone Fireworks winning the bid for the project for the construction, erection, design and supply systems.  The final cost of the project is as follows:

The flag itself cost $18,112.15

The foundation and installation works cost $940,000

The design and supply of the flagpole cost $932,400

Three additional flags were bought for $54,336
Size of the Flag: 60 feet by 36 feet

Ok now that you have an idea of the cost and disbursement of the funds let’s talk ah talk now. I must remind you that you can participate in the discussion by venting in the shout box (http://www.trinizagada.com/) add a comment of your own by selecting the comment feature at the bottom of the post. First off let’s look at the Minister Hunts comments and tell me what you think.

“Hunt said the flag was created to serve as a constant reminder of the nation’s sporting heroes and was meant to inspire patriotism and national pride among the population.”

How do I respond to the statement above? Simply put my friends – 20/20 Cricket.  The just concluded 20/20 cricket tournament in India in which the national team reached the finals and captivated the nation should have been on the mind of the minister when he thought about making the statement above. For those who don’t know it took Jack Warner’s intervention to get Darren Ganga released from his work duties to participate in the tournament – a State run company too. Even worse is the fact that a chicken company in India sponsored our national team – what a crying shame and he has the audacity to talk about patriotism and national pride?

He also said, "$2 million spent on it was a worthy and life-long investment”

What are we really investing in here? How does this monument that no one will care much about except to say in Trini style, “Oh goouuud it big eh” help improve the youth of the nation?

The money would have been better spent on a program or programs that teach self esteem and or the benefits of aspiring to become a national representative of the nation or simply to provide coaching clinics in the sporting arena.

He said, "the ministry had not publicly released the cost breakdown earlier, as it was ensuring that all calculations and facts were correct. Hunt explained that the cost of the flag itself was revealed on Tuesday to disassociate that cost from the total cost of the project.”

To be honest here I simply believe they knew that the population would be upset about the cost and they tried to bury the expenditure from public knowledge. The fact remains that we need hospital beds, drains are clogged causing flooding, a consistent and reliable water supply is needed, public transportation need to be upgraded, electricity shortages are still part of life in Trinidad and many more issues that need to be addressed. To take the tax payers money and spend it because the “flag will look good at the stadium” is a waste of finance that could be put to more productive use.

When asked about the two extra flags that were bought, he responded by saying "that the ministry had future plans to add more legacy flags to other stadiums across the country to promote national pride that would last for generations.”

Here we go again with the “national pride” mantra again. This clearly shows that the present administration has an agenda to leave their mark on the society without regard to the wishes of the people and many foreign nationals who clearly state that the present administration is spending the nations finances blindly.  Expect to see more legacy flags throughout the nation.

He said despite public controversy, "in time the public would come to appreciate the efforts made to inspire the nation.”

What the minister should have said was “we intend to leave our stamp on the country, PNM here there and everywhere”. I won’t be surprised if we have balisier planted around each legacy flag structure. The arrogance of the PNM is the only legacy I see here and that will never inspire me to aspire or gravitate to supporting the endeavors of the Manning administration.

Do you think that people are pleased after learning about the cost of the flag? Well after listening to WACK radio yesterday I can safely state that the population is not happy at all. People were calling in and venting their frustration.  I guess these are the same people who constantly ask, “Who we go put”. Well take what yuh getting now!

Information sourced from the Trinidad Guardian newspaper:

http://guardian.co.tt/news/politics/2009/11/05/it-s-official-2m-flag

New Blog with Chat

Please take a look at my latest blog that also has a chat box for user interaction. Link below:

http://www.whencockgetteet.com/

Captain the ship is sinking

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”.

It has been so long...

Well this is just to let everyone (who has ever taken a look at my blogs) know that I will be back at the keyboard soon. I'm taking care of a few things and will posting soon. I have had a few posts on my fun blog babash@vox.com but my regular blogs will soon get an article or two soon.

LiveLong, LiveStrong and Prosper!

Blame it on anything except the Minister of Health - The Narace Rule

Before I get ahead of myself please note that I do understand that we all have a role to play in the eradication of the Dengue carrying mosquitoes now plaguing Trinidad and Tobago. However, the government has a role to play and thus far they have been found to be wanting in this area. The Minister of Health does not deserve the “Honorable” that is placed before his name. Shame on them for pretending the situation is not a bad one. One death is too much and there are too many sick persons who could fall through the cracks in the system and end up six feet under. So I choose to vent here and add a little something extra beneath.

The Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes in Trinidad have formed an alliance with the crown jewel of the Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Jerry Narace has been charmed by the vampire cousins of Count Dracula and is now under the spell of the dreaded winged blood suckers armed with Dengue. However the Minister, in denial, has counteracted with 'politricking' rhetoric... even the sickened Chinese workers understand poop when they hear it - I guess poop in any language is universally understood!

Minister Narace has put on his blinders and has categorically denied that Dengue is a problem in Trinidad. I recently spoke to my mother back home (Arima) and she informed me that confirmed lab reports indicates that her neighbor has the dreaded Dengue fever; my brother, who lives in Couva, went through hell with the infection confirmed by lab tests. Don't believe the reports of those labs; trust the government's lab reports only is the war cry of the Minister. So the private doctors and private labs are not as good as those provided by the government? I beg to differ Mr. Campaign manager turned Health Minister.

Trust me, next he would inform you that you should not have taken the red pill - you are trapped in the Matrix - the mosquitoes are not real, the threat is not real Trini, Dengue is only in the realm of your imagination!

Ahh, but the answer lies in the genetic code of the babies in the picture on the left. Hopefully, like in the movie Terminator, one of the youngsters would develop and become an adult with the mission to seek out the Mister in denial and bless him with the suffering of so many citizens who have been struck ill with the Dengue sickness. Do you remember the days when local government routinely sent workers to check back yards and to spay to kill these miniature vampires? Fogging is also another option that is sorely lacking in the fight to eradicate the mosquitoes.

To ensure that you don’t end up in this institution, aka the San Fernando General Hospital, take note of these symptoms beneath. Please get to a private doctor as soon as possible for treatment to avoid being taken to the building in San Fernando that is designated a Hospital.

Early symptoms include the following:
· Fever
· Headache
· Muscle aches
· Joint aches
· Malaise
· Decreased appetite
· Vomiting

In my humble opinion the Narace Experiment is not working – time to move on and please put someone in place that understands the medical fraternity and can properly manage the resources at his or her disposal.

To the people of Trinidad and Tobago - "May the Force be with You".

Wack Radio 90.1FM Culture Krazy Musical Maestros

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!

What is your favorite Radio Station streaming via the WWW from Trinbago?

In your estimation, what is the best 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 difference 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. What ever 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 - and equal 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:
Talkcity 91.1 FM (Great Talk, Community information, Tips for living, local music)

Wack 90.1 FM (Soca, Calypso and other local music genres)

Masala 101.1 FM (Chutney, Soca, World Beat)