Category Archives: Health

Crime in T&T, General T&T, Health, Law, Politics

Legalise it!

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By Raffique Shah
March 13, 2017

Raffique ShahMany friends, relatives, even family members seem intent on having me “make ah jail” in my winter years: they are pleading with me to use marijuana! It’s not that they want to see me in a ganja-stupor or they will take delight in seeing armed cops swoop down on the geezer and whisk me off to some dank, putrid cell.

No. They want me to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, specifically, to reduce, probably eliminate, the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) with which I have been afflicted for at least five years. Like me, they have watched videos and read of studies and trials conducted by scientists on the use of cannabis in successfully treating PD patients.
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General T&T, Health, Media

Lying intern could get reprieve

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November 12, 2016 – newsday.co.tt

Terrence Deyalsingh“JUSTICE must be tempered with mercy.” These were the words of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh as he announced there was a second chance being offered to the young female intern who cried wolf after claiming she was held up at gunpoint and robbed while on duty at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, last month. However, after investigations were carried out, it was found that the intern had lied. She told investigators she was “under stress.” She was dismissed from the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA), under which the PoSGH falls. Deyalsingh said the intern, while no longer employed at the NWRHA, has been given six months to produce documentary evidence that shows she was fit and proper to resume duty.
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Food, General T&T, Health

Man must eat—but so much junk?

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By Raffique Shah
September 05, 2016

Raffique ShahEven as most people cry out loudly about the state of the national economy, relating sad stories about the hard times they face, the high prices of almost everything and the unavailability of some things, especially critical medications, a Starbucks coffee house opened its doors for business last week.

According to news reports, scores of customers queued on the pavement outside the business, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to buy their first “cuppa” from the famous American-owned international chain. Prices range from $42 down.
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Crime in T&T, General T&T, Health, PNM, Politics

Ode to a Tea Bag

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By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
August 14, 2016

Dr. Selwyn R. CudjoeHeard the one about the tea bag? It only works when it is in hot water? Listening to such wisdom, I couldn’t help but think about my PNM government and my country. The prime minister is in California looking after his health. When a man takes his entire family (the old and the newly acquired) to be around him on such an occasion, then something may be amiss. He has asked the nation to pray for him. I think we should do as he asks.
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General T&T, Health, Politics

Living with Parkinson’s

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By Raffique Shah
August 11, 2016

Raffique ShahI had no idea that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was seriously ill when I slammed into him last week for failing to take full charge of his responsibilities to the country. Upon reading that Dr Rowley’s ailment required him to have a series of medical tests conducted in the USA, I felt I owed him a sincere apology, which I tender here.

You see, in the years I’ve known him, I considered Keith an exemplar of fitness that those who hold public office should emulate. Because of my training, lifestyle and experience, I’ve often advised holders of high office with whom I’ve interacted that whatever the demands on their time they should set aside at least one hour a day for some form of exercise.
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General T&T, Health, International, Passed on

Professor Dave Chadee has died

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By Akilah Stewart
June 22, 2016

Professor Dave Chadee and postgraduate student Akilah Stewart at the closing ceremony of the 23rd Annual Caribbean Water and Waste Water Conference (CWWA), Bahamas, October, 2014
Professor Dave Chadee and postgraduate student Akilah Stewart at the closing ceremony of the 23rd Annual Caribbean Water and Waste Water Conference (CWWA), Bahamas, October, 2014

Known by various titles, “The Mosquito Man” amongst others, Professor Dave Chadee, 62, has died. He succumbed to a massive heart attack yesterday, June 21st, at around 4:30 p.m.
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Abortion, Crime in T&T, Gender, General T&T, Health, Law, Media, PNM, Politics, Sex

Call for new look at abortion laws

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By Geisha Kowlessar
May 05, 2016 – guardian.co.tt

AbortionAmid increased calls to legalise abortions which have been sanctioned by former health minister Dr Fuad Khan and advisory director of the Family Planning Association Dr Jacqueline Sharpe, Roman Catholic priest Father Clyde Harvey, however, said T&T must build a society where life was respected even in the most difficult of circumstances, including abnormalities.
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Abortion, General T&T, Health, Media, Politics, Sex Crimes

Abortion a matter of public interest

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Newsday Editorial
Monday, April 25 2016 – newsday.co.tt

AbortionWHEN things get tough, Governments always turn to the usual scapegoats. The remarks of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh are a classic case of shooting the messenger.

But this tack damages democracy as much as it undermines the credibility of the Government.
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Abortion, General T&T, Health, Media, Sex, Sex Crimes

Doctor under investigation for abortion

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By Azard Ali
April 18, 2016 – newsday.co.tt

AbortionA CENTRAL Trinidad doctor is being investigated by police for performing an abortion on a 16-year-old girl. Detectives from the Chaguanas CID said the doctor is facing imminent arrest as Section 56 of the Offences Against the Persons Act, states a person is guilty of an indictable offence if he or she uses an instrument to procure the miscarriage of any woman.
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Finance, Food, General T&T, Health, Politics, Recession

Descent into imports-dependence

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By Raffique Shah
April 05, 2016
Posted: April 10, 2016

Raffique ShahWhat I established last week was that Trinidad and Tobago, like most small island states that were once colonised by imperial powers, relies heavily on imported foods for its sustenance.

All our staples-grains (wheat, rice, maize), dairy products (milk, cheese, butter), sugar, edible oils, white potatoes, beans and pulses-come from abroad, mainly North America, the EU, Australia and New Zealand.
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