By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
September 06, 2011
And Jack wept just as Peter wept after he betrayed Christ. Brigadier John Sandy bemoaned: “We must recognize that it is people looking like me who are being murdered, mothers like my mother, God rest her soul, who are out there weeping more than any other race.” There is no doubt that Brigadier Sandy loves black women. He is married to an Indian woman.
Now we are told that Indian people love black people more than black people love themselves which is why they had to impose a State of Emergency (SOE) in certain areas and abrogate of civil liberties as the normal part of life in Trinidad and Tobago. It ought to be recorded that the first concentration camps in T&T were built by an Indian government to warehouse black youths which may be the beginning of what one can continue to expect from such a government. Most of their dirty work will be done by black men in their party.
We are told by the same Brigadier that 57 percent of the prison population in 2006 were Afro—Trinidadians; 54 per cent in 2007 and 2008; 57 per cent in 2009; and 51 per cent in 2010. They do not keep the racial statistics at the University of the West Indies—or, at least this is what Dr. Bhoe Tewarie claimed a few years ago—but they do for prisoners which tells you where their priority lays.
In 2003 the PNM proposed a special program for Afro—Trinidadian youths between 17 through 24. The UNC/PP objected strenuously. No one would listen to me then but history is a strange beast so I repeat verbatim what I wrote in the Trinidad Guardian on December 30, 2003 in “Race Matters:”
“For the life of me, I do not know why Trinidadians and Tobagonians don’t get up and thinke rather than cast their eyes in the sand and refuse to come to terms with the realities that inhere in the condition of our being.
“Some months ago I raised the question about the enrollments at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Tecnology (TITT), what an education should mean for a citizen of T&T, and the role it should play in the society.
“I was condemned roundly by all and sundry. Not one columnist, Indian or African, came to my defence. No person in the media could see the wisdom of my concerns.
“The question persists and continues to plague our land. Yet we continue to feign ignorance.
“The latest manifestation of the problem revolves around a provision in the ‘Social and Economic Policy Framework 2004’ in which COSTAATT suggests that the Government of should ‘establish targeted recruitment programmes for male Trinidadians aged 17—24, especially Afro—Trinidadian males” (Express, October 28).
“Not concerned with nuance of language or the distinction between the general and the specific, Subhas Panday, brother of Basdeo, thundered that this was an open form of racism against others in the country and that the UNC would take the matter to international organizations.
“For reasons best known to himself, Mr. Panday could not understand how an educational document could outline a proposal for the general populace (all males) and then zero in on a specific manifestation of the problem (the Afro—Trinidadian male between the ages of 17—24).
“Ganga Singh, the person who inflicted on our nation a principal at UWI and a manager at TTIT, both East Indians, seemed indignant:
“COSTAATT would be admitting students on ‘a quota system and a Cudjoe mentality’ and Government was being ‘offensive’ in dealing with Afro—Trinidadian male under achievement rather than male underachievement (Newsday, October 28).
“The Express reported that Singh accused the Government of using ‘Cudjoe ideologies’ and changing the paradigm of policy making to that of ethnicity [sic].” He continued:
“I agree that there is a need for measures to deal with the situation but not by sleight of hand. The matter needed to be brought to Parliament for debate as such bais comes at the expense of women and other ethnic groups (Express, Oct. 28).
“Responding to these criticisms, Keith Rowley noted: ‘It was a fact that the Afro—Trinidadian male was the biggest under—performer in the country and there was a need to address that issue. By addressing the problems of the Afro—Trinidadian did not mean that East Indians was being neglected. Our policy is to create increased opportunity in tertiary education for all of our citizens. So that when we say COSTTATT will target a particular problem, and we expand COSTTAT, that is not at the expense of ‘A’ to feed ‘B.’
“When I raised similar issues I was left out in the cold to dry. Danny Montano condemned me for ‘waving a racial flag.’ Not one member of the PNM supported me publicly and every black columnist—Morgan Job, Lennox Grant, George John, Reggie Dumas, Selwyn Ryan—condemned my intervention. Raffique Shah delighted in satirizing my position.”
I wrote these lines in 2003. In the recent debate on the SOE when Dr. Rowley reminded the PP/UNC of their hypocrisy, the Prime Minister condemned him and the PNM for not having the courage of their conviction to carry out what, in hindsight, was a progressive way to deal with the problem.
And she may be correct. Yet, the fact remains that when the PNM sought to deal with the problem, it was labeled racism, and the PP/UNC condemned it. Now, we are told that they not only have more sympathy for black people but have been sent by God to be our saviors.
I have no doubt that this racist pogroms, called a state of emergency, will result in the further criminalization of the black population, promote greater ethnic divide, and brutalize the society even more.
History will record that an Indian government built the first built detention camps in our country, thereby initiating the first stage of making Afro—Trinidadians a permanent underclass. In years to come many of the enablers will weep at having assisted the PP in their diabolic design against black people.
Lord what our guys would do , just because they acquired an extra TT$1000:00 in blood money!
You know Doc ,many moons ago , when Uncle Randy was at the peak of his career ,I too started off as a 19 year old , assumed useless ,short pants, law enforcement officer – some still selectively despise- we had a motto ,which to paraphrase , encouraged us all ,to pursue our duties ” without favor ,or affection, malice or ill will.”
Just maybe, in COP Gibbs, Edmonton Province , aka Industrialized Canada, this does not apply , as our always loyal , and extremely dedicated guys , and gals in blue , are encouraged ,to run roughshod over the rights of the weak, historically maligned , neglected, and often innocent.
In the interim,dangerous white color thugs and bandits are allowed to walk around without any fear , because of what they represent.
Once more ,excellent job ,Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe. You are a true patriot, and champion of globally accepted justice, for choosing to be one of the few voices of reason , during this critical period.
I agree , wholeheartedly with you ,that perhaps the most despicable creatures one can find on this earth , are racially destructive , self hating , opportunists, that would choose to ensure long term harm come to their own brothers ,and sisters , simply due to the fact that they are convenient beneficiaries, of a few paltry dollars more , along with some tenuous , and or, minuscule semblance ,of power, which will be withdrawn , as soon as they refuse to mark time ,to a particular drum beat.
Hey ,Field Marshall Sandy, Fifa fox hound ,Uncle Jack, ‘little black boy despiser,’ kaisonian /MP Gypsy, Caribbean masquerading boat Captain/ AMBASSADOR, Makandal , once relevant Trade Union stalwarts , Errol Mc Cloud, David Abdullah, and UNC ,ever grateful Speaker Mark, every one of you , have the blood of our future leaders, smeared on your shoulders, and it’s a wonder you can sleep well at night, during this immoral travesty ,disguised as long term security.
Continue to speak truth to power Doc, and remember, there are a number of us lying in the trenches , willing and ready to join you in this noble fight for the conscience of our nation.
The world at large , needs to be aware as to what is evolving across our nation, and you can count on us the astute , globally sophisticated , socially conscious progressives , to likewise shine a light into increasingly darken corner , referred to as Trinidad and Tobago, as we love and adore it too much , to allow barbarians to overrun it’s gates, no matter how noble their intentions are on paper.
These folks are trying to make us hate our country, but tell dem Doc , they would fail , and de reasons are quite simple. We are the children of Kings, and Queens , many of which might have lost our way perhaps, due in part to the inaction of our own past leaders, but NEVER AGAIN!
We are resilient people, whose unselfish , hardworking ancestors, have withstood 400 years or more of European orchestrated barbarism , and are still standing, 49 years after independence from conniving Massa.
Tell dem ,that no neo imperial , ‘convenient country adorers ,’can thwart our journey to full scio -economic justice, and political empowerment, yes?
Keep the faith .
Stay off the “herbs” Neal. This is the most idiotic article I have ever read. It insinuates that the PP does not care about young black men. Well since you are a racist it would not matter what I write. But here are the facts (1) More dead young black males when Manning was Prime Minister. (2) Less young black males dead since the PP aasume office.
Who would you say is doing more the protect these young men??? I would say the PP.
Sweet T&T will get better under the PP because the PNM did not have the courage to break the cycle of crime, poverty and indiscipline amongst our children. I say our children because anyone born in Trinidad have the same mother. As doctor Williams said “there can be no mother India, no mother Africa only one mother Trinidand and Tobabgo”. Once we view TnT from the lense of equality the nation will grow and become a better force for economic and moral change in the Caribbean.
This article seems to identify the hidden fears that the Port of Spain club have about TnT. I say Port of Spain club because it is where the Afro centric domination ethos emerge during the early 1950s. For an incredible 48 years TnT was under their stewardship. Indians were recently as few years ago identified as “recalcintrant” by Laventille MP Hinds. So if a people is “recalcintrant” why germination of such racism against them?
COSTTATT was an abject failure because it did not help young black men away from crime as is evident in the crime statistics. When this program was put it place crime started to increase and it continued to increase so that within a few years people built prisons to live in, in the hope that they would be protected. Giving people jobs, education, houses etc while it may appear to be good really does the opposite. The areas which are considered to be “hot-spots” were areas where the PNM injected billions into development. Over $2 billion came through the constituency office of Dr. Rowley, all sent to take care of African people with no real effect on the general population. Contrast that with Penal where the people for 49 years recieved NOTHING. The roads were filled with “potholes” and people lived with little. Furthermore incredible oil wealth came out Penal, billions of dollars worth. None of it was spent to assist citizens there. Yet in Penal you will find model citizens, people who love their country, family and work hard. It not surprising that the first female Prime Minister came from Penal. There you will find people of different races living in harmony.
Yet one look at Port Of Spain and the handful of Indians who got keys to the housing in the Opposition Chief Whip constituency and the racial expletives uttered by some Afro women was quite shameful. These people believe that everything belongs to them and the thought of being fair is alien to their thinking. Such people cannot prosper because of the insipid hatred that flows from their heart. Let people live and let live seems to be a thought that is considered “anthema”. Unfortunately…
There is a “misty plot afoot” but is there more to it than meets the eye? Might our newly selected government be nothing more than pawns in the Jew.S.A’s. plans to set up camp in Chavez’s backyard? After listening to the BBC’s report on this Website’s frontpage one can’t help but wonder at the purpose of the U.S. Immigration Department’s Operation Return to Sender.
How many of the nation’s little Black terrorists graduated from America’s prisons?
As a young child growing up in the country, some nights were reserved as stories night (always given by a senior member of the family). Brer Nancy stories were always popular and they usually started with the saying “crick crack”, sometimes adding “monkey break he back for a piece of pomerac”. This government in it’s zeal to aucceed and be seen as tough on crime has used the state of emergency to show that it has the guts to tackle crime by going into neighbourhoods where they believe crime is most rampant and has incacerated young black men enmass. This strategy might prove in the end, the undoing of the PP government and its desire to combat crime because there appear to be too many questions raised with fewer answers than the numerical successes that they want us to believe in the media. The exercise has produced many issues having to do with race, ethnicity, class, economic power, poverty, regional preferences and deferences. These issues are beginning to play large roles in understanding why a state of emergency. On all counts the young black males appear to be the losers. Even the PMs proposal to have Dr. Selwyn Ryan look into cause and effect only seem to offer sports as a remedy for the turn around of the young black men. To me this is an insult. One of the most renowned nuerosurgeon in the world Dr. Ben Carson, used to be a gang member in his youth and when there was intervention in his life to change course, he ended up studying medicine. Judge Mathis (*whose show is popular on tv) was once a bad boy and when intervention in his life occurred ended up being a popular judge doing a tv show. We dont know what kind of potential most of these young black men possess that can change their lives and ours as well. Most of them dont know that they were preceeded by men and women like Learie Constantine, C.L.R James, Audry Jeffers, Dr. Eric Williams, James Best, Wilfred D Best and many more who were instrumental in making Trinidad and Tobago a great country. During the course of their education, their parents do not even realise the importance of telling them how great they can be. Kamla by her expectations can at best offer them the likelood of being Bryan Lara and NOT Eric Williams. This is where we say “crick crack!”, because the Prime Minister’s view of these men have already been tainted by the beloief that they cannot do better than play sports. “Monkey breaki he back” when a policy from her perspective is trying to do the right thing is only limiting the thye possibilities of good potential in these young men. We need to show these young men that the sky is the limit if they want to turn their lives around and be useful members of society. Our school curriculum should reflect such expectations, our court system should reflect that justice is well and alive, our police force needs to restore to a point of greatness when we can feel comfortable to sleep at home. We need to see more policemen at the street corners, we need to lessen domestic child abuse, we need to hear more positive policy matters fromk the likes of Ramlogan, Rambachan, Moonilal, Gopeesingh and others and not the racial superiority that emanates frrom their camps. In the meantime, many are looking on wondering where will this government take us with this state of emeregency. So far it has generated more questions of race and racial preferences and deferences than of solving what most see as a dangerous state of crime which prevents most of us from realizing the best of our potential.
Your comment could not be more correct.
mamboo said ,”Yet one look at Port Of Spain and the handful of Indians who got keys to the housing … was quite shameful.” Thanks for fully articulating what is at play here by you creatures of what I affectionately call the ‘me me , gime, gime, dog with a bone tribe,’ mamboo.
You want housing too, even if every East Indian, turn Trini , since the last ship departed ,has acquired 400 acres of land given to them from Britannia, and in addition, inherited another 300 or more, during the reign of four fake Afrikan, leader , who were essentially , sell outs, and enemy appeasers.
I know why you despise Patrick Manning the clown , and Dr Rowley the misguided Trinidadian wannabe, but what’s your beef with the independent minded people of Tobago again?
Pray tell why your government, cannot see that they share in the economic spoils of our country , or finally ,get a hospital , and more importantly, why Sat Maraj de maja saba head guru,and company, want to spearhead a move to steal 100 more acres,to build an exorbitant ,25 chamber Hindu Temple , on some of our best lands in Signall Hill, to house 10 worshippers of this sect ?
Talk about ungrateful!
Incidentally ,tell the ardent fans to ‘make hay while the sun shine,’ mamboo, since it’s maybe less than two years, before the tenure of office for Queen K , and the PP ‘Brown/Black Brady Bunch ,’ are allowed to continue Patrick Manning’s policy, of mismanagement of our entire country.
I am quite aware that many of our collection of people ain’t give a hoot, if Good Friday falls on a Monday,but one thing I know,and that is this, most know where their real interest lies.
This begins ,with sending your clueless ,power obsessed UNC dominated , neo tribal crew , back to the buffalo swamp ,they truly belong ,for yet another 20 years, as this stupid political experiment, and security charade ,is surely making us look with each passing day , as a Twin Island Republic of dummies , ent?
If this is what you, and your kind, choose to refer to as progress, den you can keep it, Mr illiterate fisherman.
Tell dem Mamboo, they will loose this fight , and worst yet, come out holding the short end of the stick. I know reading is not your forte, but still,pay attention to history my friend.
There are many who have underestimated resilient folks, and ignore the political blowback signs for foolhardy policies , to their peril.
Be forewarned, as while you and similar Trini , national ingrate , turned triumphalist, were learning to spell democracy ,sustainable development,and ‘animal farm machinations ,’we were learning this craft call politics.
Ah the taste of cold dishes!
Your call!
Dr. Cudjoe, while I agree with most of your conclusions, I hope that your describing conditions affecting Black youth detained under T&T’s current SoE as ‘pogroms’ is hyperbole used more for historic resonance than for contemporary reality.
In addition, while not usually born out of thin air, pogroms are not always spawned out of evil intent, implicit or otherwise.
If anything, their nursing mnother is “societal expectations, already low, and declining further”. Then does the patently baseless become the debased.
These are the realities which have historically made the frightening possibilities of pogroms “lamentably banal”, as one holocaust survivor described her experiences in German-occupied Poland.
The PP government of Trinidad & Tobago is no pogrom-intending nor pogrom-designing regime, unless being normally clueless is perfidy. In fact, much of the racial statements coming from their side, for example, Jack Warner’s once describing himself as HNIC was, in his case, as uncivil, pathetic and assinine as was his referring during the 2010 election to an opponent as a “sewer-rat”.
However, regardless of how ‘pogroms’ spawn, their nursing mother in every situation has been “societal expectations”.
Therefore, and specifically regarding the current SoE search for stability and crime reduction in T&T, it is more than possible that the architects of this plan are more fearful and well-intentioned, than fearsome and evil.
This is, nonetheless, immeasureably troubling since, while good intentions–to cite someone erudite–are ‘better than bad intentions, what ultimately matters are capabilities’.
And there does not appear to be much in the way of capabilities coming from the government side, particularly of any comprehension that to be black, young, and male today confirs on one a social status lower than that of a virus.
And this is not hyperbole. Ask any such individual what it is today to be young, Black and male and, if he trusts you, he might reply, “you don’t really want to know”.
Thus, among the government, there is more ability stressing the reality of their disaffection with intractable crime than there is in understanding, addressing, and in eliminating the root cause(s).
This lack of capability is striking, especially coming from the Black elected PP members. Their statements, for exmple, those of Gypsy and his further demonizing “black people” who condemned his ‘Little Black Boy’ lyrics, more than likely also gave needed comfort to crypto-racists and re-assurance to knee-jerk responders.
He did not confirm anything that is decent, prudent or wise about Black people, but served to reinforce some of the historic and damaging myths about us as beings irresponsible, loutish, and thoughtless.
Unfortunately, too, these Black representatives give credibility, unintentionally, to what must be one of only two underlying causes of criminality–for example as was also ascribed to the ‘lawlessness’ of what were New York’s 19th Century impoverished communities of Irish–among contemporary Black youth: anti-social congenital urges, or socially acquired aspirations.
If one listens to the brazen and authorative pronouncements uttered by individuals of other races, ‘criminality and non-productiveness among Black youth is explicably congenital’.
Therefore, if enough people with power to address this sentiment also believe this, their final solution will be understandable, unequivocal and terrifying.
This is how historic acts of horrifying degree acquire banality, because nothing is as banal as what is long-suffering and predictable!
It means, too, that people who achieve otherwise, but who are also Black, have somehow escaped this congenital urge automatically inherited as part of their blackness.
Without others always stating this directly, these Black individuals, that is, people like Jack Warner and Brig. Sandy, unusually singular in their success, must have miraculously overcome their inherited black tendencies towards failure.
Therefore, to Black parliamentarians who speak wistfull anecdotes to substantive issues, simply because you unknowingly feed a dragon does not absolve you from the consequences of having whetted its frenzy.
On the side of the Opposition, apart from Dr. Browne’s reasoned and impassioned contributions, solutions seem to lie more in finger-pointing and in historic reminders than in policy initiatives.
Also, say what one wishes about Colm Imbert, he has shown a welcome courage in explicitly identifying the impact of the SoE in criminalising, and in alienating Black communities; communities in which I was born, educated and raised.
By design or accident, and given the combustible racial sentiments which now fuel any debate on this issue, Colm Inbert, speaking as a non-Black person so directly to the anguish of Black communities and youth carries an unassailable credibility than would be now possible if these direct and true remarks had been made by Dr. Rowley.
Where, too, are the voices of PNM members who are Indian, speaking ‘their truth against anti-Black racism’ as opponents like Warner ‘speak his to tears’?
Silence facing injustice is a sin when courage opposing it is the issue.
In any case, Dr. Rowley seems extremely cautious to be seen as defending the legitimate rights, concerns and interests on Black Trinis.
In conclusion, and in appreciation of Dr. Cudjoe for his incisive and courageous analysis of what being Black, youthful and male means, it is conditions which remain unaddressed that pose the greatest threats to any society.
And the alpha and the omega of the challenge facing anyone trying for solutions here that are substantive, honourable and inclusive, is to stem and reverse the ‘evolution of declining expectations’ had of Black youth by others, and by them, for themselves.
Shalom!
“The PP government of Trinidad & Tobago is no pogrom-intending nor pogrom-designing regime, unless being normally clueless is perfidy”.
The PP is not the PNM. Programs do not work, it is that plain and simple. The PNM has proven it over it’s 48 years of leading T&T. I was not any part of any program. I recieved NO freebies from the government, whatever I achieved it was through hard word. Hard work is the only thing that will work in T&T. The boys from the hood should so direct their energies. Hard work took me from poverty to a palace.
Let us hope the PP don’t go into putting all kinds of programs in Laventille and Morvant. Please dont waste your money there, the PNM did that for years with no positive result. Rather the government should invest in parenting programs (good homes produce good citizens), strong nationalism, sing the athem each monday before classes (nationalism produce less criminals), church base funding, after school programs and a few scouting and cultural talent programs. That will solve the problem.
No billion dollar douses of money as the PNM did. I understand they were planning to build swimming pools all over POS that is how lame duck their ideas were.
As for Cudjoe he should do us all a favour and get rid of his blasted slave name. Tell me if any true African have the name Selwyn Cudjoe??? Kafra Gambon is doing well as an advocate for black people. Manjumbo Narakiki is a good name for him. My suggestion.
Most of the responses to articles published on the SOE on this website seem to be coming from expatriates who are presenting a foreign view to race relations which has little or no relevance to T&T. The fact is that 78% of those polled in T&T are in support of the State of Emergency and the curfew modifications. This simply means that a hell of a lot of Black people are supporting the SOE, probably because they have to live with the state of crime in T&T.
It probably means that they are not preoccupied with various theories of race relations, race dynamics and other historical irrelevancies. Their primary concern is safety and restoration of law and order and they do not care “how it go look.”
If an election is called today the PP will be voted back in with on additional seat.
I have no reason to doubt that the majority of Trinidad and Tobago’s citizens would be in favour of the State of Emergency. After all, the country has had to live in fear of the spate of lawlessness that has affected the country. I may not live in the country presently, but the crime rate has affected me. I know of a friend who was held up at knife point (The assailants may had guns, I am not sure), and in an even more extreme case, I know of a friend, whose mother was the victim of a robbery and a sexual assault. This occurred back in the nineties, when even then, I thought that crime was out of control, so I can only imagine the reign of terror that the criminals have been perpetrating on Trinidad and Tobago’s public.
Thus, in spite of my seemingly irrelevant arguments about black history, I am aware of the plight of the ordinary Trinidadian and Tobagonian since I still have many family members who live in island and I visit fairly often, so I also have to deal with it. In fact, things are worse for me, since Trinis can tell that I have lived abroad due to my accent (To Americans, I am Trini as Trini can be, but I sound American to Trinidadians) and I can become a potential target for desperate criminals.
With all that said, the State of Emergency only treats a symptom, i.e. criminal acts, and not the root of the problem, i.e. a breakdown in family structure. I am sure if one were to examine the familial background of many of these criminals, it would make for pretty depressing reading.
This is not to condone the heinous acts committed by criminals in T&T. If one does the crime, one must do the time. However, if there is to be a serious discussion on a long term solution to the crime problem, then the development of strong family units must be at the center.
A very wise Jewish Rabbi amd great friend of mine put it to me this way: “Strong families build strong communities and family is the center of all living.”
Think about it.
“In 2003 the PNM proposed a special program for Afro—Trinidadian youths between 17 through 24. The UNC/PP objected strenuously. No one would listen to me then but history is a strange beast so I repeat verbatim what I wrote in the Trinidad Guardian on December 30, 2003 in “Race Matters:”” I find it ironic that this statement can be made. Since that time there were no government where the PNM had a majority in parliament and thus able to implement policies that they deem essential for the betterment of their constituents?? Is that what Selwyn Codjoe is stating here?? If this is not what he is stating then I hope he is not playing the we had programs and we could have done it but there was opposition. There will always be opposition. Our political system is set up that way. There was opposition to bringing in foreign workers for jobs that locals can do, but that never stopped anybody. What are you saying??
“I have no doubt that this racist pogroms, called a state of emergency, will result in the further criminalization of the black population, promote greater ethnic divide, and brutalize the society even more. History will record that an Indian government built the first built detention camps in our country, thereby initiating the first stage of making Afro—Trinidadians a permanent underclass..”
In countries like India if you write/speak or communicate the afore mentioned statements you could be jailed for stirring up “communal hatred”. The laws are design to discourage people from attacking other people groups with statements that are insidious, inflammatory and hate mongering. There are limits to what an individual could justifiable say within reason. And so in our young democracy while freedom of speech must be guarded, insidious speech must be condemned.
Our freedom of speech laws was tested when Ken Gordon won a judgement against Basdeo Panday for using the word “psuedo racist”. Ironically Ken was the Express manager for years and understood the value of such freedoms, his case however was precident setting. Personal attacks against individuals can become a matter for the courts to decide, however, how do you respond to attacks on a wider part of a nation’s community?
In Canada for instance there is the Charter of Rights and freedoms, that defines the areas of freedom. However, the Canadian media is controlled by strict communication codes. For instance people can complain about articles, items and other communication to the CTRC, sometimes they use the charter of rights and freedoms to caution media houses in their tone of communications. All media houses are allowed a great deal of freedom but are limited in their freedom for attacking people groups without any justification.
Panday sought to set a tone of communication in T&T when he introduced “the green bill”. A bill that was design to put in place codes of communication intended for the greater good. It was quickly “shut down” by media houses who believe that they were allowed to function under the clause of “freedom of press” without any kind of restraint.
Why is this such a sensitive but necessary issue? When the greatest mass murder in African ocurred between the Hutu and Tutsi, it started with radio communication. The commentator on the radio was using inflammatory and insidious language as he shout “we must kill the cockroaches”. This he did did consistently on a daily basis until the unthinkable happened.
And so while we have freedoms we must not used it to incite hatred…or we risk looking all reasonableness in our quest for a better society.
Enough of this ridiculous term Afro-Trinidadian, Afro relates to a hair style made popular in the sixties and seventies, African-Trinidadian is the correct term, African identifies us with the CONTINENT whereas Afro simply a hair style.
Neal is right.
The term Afro is merely a prefix that denotes something African in origin or style. It did not refer originally to the hairstyle.
Corresponding similar terms are Indo (pertaining to India), Sino (pertaining to China), Euro (pertaining to Europe), Russo (pertaining to Russia), Anglo (pertaining to England, Franco (pertaining to France), etc.
It is important to have such prefixes because it provides a way to distinguish that which merely pertains to, from that which is. An Afro-Trinidadian is not an African per se, rather one who merely has African ancestry. A Sino-Trinidadian is one who has Chinese ancestry, but is not Chinese by nationality (passport). Etc.
But note, Neal is right when he says that the Chinese themselves would say Trinidad Chinese, rather than Sino-Trinidadian. I think a similar rule applies to Indians.
A similar rule could be applied to give us the construct, Trinidad African. The reason why that doesn’t resonate so well is because Africans identify by tribe, not by land mass. To call oneself “African” is way too broad. What tribe is then the question. Zulu? Kikuyu? Tutsi? Yoruba? Ashanti? Etc.
To those I may add earler, biblical designations that still may be discerned in some tribal names. Yahudi (tribe of Judah) used to be one such tribal designation, from which we get Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon. Igbo comes from Hebrew, which itself comes from the biblical patriarch Eber. Idoma comes from Edom. Akan comes from, Akan. Yoruba comes from Zerubbabel. Etc.
Be that as it may, the Afro-Trinidadian is Israelite in origin, certainly not Ishmaelite, Edomite, or even Hamite, variations of all of whom had a hand in our enslavement.
I use the term Afro-Creole to designate all Afro-descended people born on this side of the Atlantic, the descendants of the victims of the slave trade. It is a term that would embrace the “African Americans”, who as Neal points out were badly misnomered by such as Rev. Jackson. Philologist he is not.
Shalom.
PS. Those who today call themselves Jews are not Israelite and are also misnomered. Although they are (some of them) descended from Abraham, they come via Esau (Edom), not via Jacob (Israel). The rest of them are converts and have no seedline connection to Abraham. These would include (i) the Khazar (East European origin) Jews who now constitute the overwhelming majority, and (ii) the Sephardic Jews, who have a connection to the land of Israel, having been relocated there by the king of Assyria after the ten northern tribes were ethnically cleansed out of the area — these also do not have seedline connection to Abraham. King Herod, by the way, was one such (Edomite) Jew who was not of the seed of Israel. Christ warned us of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan (Revelation 2:9, 3:9). The word Jew in this context is a reference to one who originally was a citizen of the Roman province of Judea, named after Judah (or Yahudah) the fourth son of Jacob (Israel). One could be Jew in that limited political sense, while having no seedline connection to Judah, or Israel. Nevertheless, Jewish identity is so strong, that like the Chinese, they would never say Jewish-Trinidadian, rather Trinidad Jew, or Russian Jew, or what-have-you. I am most certainly not a Jew of any formation, rather claim paternal seedline descent from Jacob (through Benjamin), hence an Israelite. I am Yoruba by maternal but not paternal line, a tribe which also is partially Israelite.
“I am most certainly not a Jew of any formation, rather claim paternal seedline descent from Jacob (through Benjamin), hence an Israelite. I am Yoruba by maternal but not paternal line, a tribe which also is partially Israelite.” (Yoruba’s big fat lie)
Israel fled and drew the children of Benjamin from the city unto the highways. The LORD smote Benjamin before Israel. The children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day. The children of Israel enclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trod them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising. The Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them. There were six hundred men that turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months. The men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.
The men of Israel had sworn in Mizeph that none of them would give their daughters to a Benjamite to marry. The children of Israel were worried about the inheritance for those that escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel. They could not give their daughters to the remaining of the tribe of Benjamin or they would be cursed.
The children of Israel said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah. They commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards. The daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. The children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and returned unto their inheritance, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them.
The children of Israel departed there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. It was in those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 20-21
The tribe of Benajmin was wiped out by Yahweh. So you obviously have been sitting on the wrong side of the theological fence Yoruba. Please don’t insult Yahweh and us with your lies and make believe story. We all know it is fabricated. Tell the truth. You aint no descendant of the tribe of Benjamin.
Quoting mamoo:
In the very passage you quote is the contradiction of the inference you seek to draw:
“The children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and returned unto their inheritance, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them.”
Further, the first king of all Israel, Saul, was Benjamite. The apostle Paul was Benjamite. And Ezekiel prophesied that at the regathering, land would be reserved for Benjamin.
“They commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards. The daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin”.
They were told to go and find wives. The tribe itself was destroyed as a homogenious group. It is like if your father have to find a wife so that you can be born. He cannot find someone from his own clan.
Sounds like you’re fghting it down hard yoruba israelite, to prove to be something you’re not. you’re not of israel – you’re of africa… embrace who you are, embrace your heritage… don’t go making up crazy stories in your head. you are special as you are; as a black man… you’re not semitic… drop the fantasy and move on
I speak as a servant of Yahweh. You may hear or forebear. But you may not mock. Therefore I am to say this to you:
Isaiah 42:13 Yahweh shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
Selah.
Here are some examples of Big Fish and not under curfew, and not from Morvant or Laventille, and ncaught, not by T&T police, but by Spanish. Maybe the PP should not only extend the time for the SoE, but also extend the territorial boundaries to include Spain and Ireland and Penal.
http://www.trinituner.com/v3/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=335492&start=0
No Salem, how about ‘AFRIKANS,’ as ‘African – Trinidadian ,’put’s folks in the same idiot part way ,like ex slaves Afrikans, living in ‘Norte Americana,’ who felt such abhorrence for the terms ‘negro, coloreds, and blacks,’ that they allowed political activist , Jesse Jackson, to nudge them in this foolhardy direction.
As such ,they adopted this term ‘Afrikan Americans,’ and so pit themselves , against authentic Afrikan immigrants from the Motherland, as well as Caribbean, and Europe,that migrated to that country, seeking fame ,and fortune. The winners of course? You guessed it .Caucasian /European Americans , who once more. benefited from their historical ,’divide and rule play card.’
By the way , for the record ,an Indian , living any where on the planet earth ,will always be just that, an Indian, be it Pakistanis , Hindustan Tamil Tigers Sri Lankan terrorist, South Asian Ugandan,happy Kenyan / Tanzanian former British sugar, and tea planters, turned business tycoons,South Afrikans colored , Apartheid beneficiaries, Fijian, Australians,Canadians ,British , or US citizens.Chinese the same. So are Jews- even if not a distinct race .Arabs , Persian , Turks ,well, you get the point.
We do not wish to discriminate , and make into 4th class citizens, our thousands of Nigerian doctors ,that have invaded ‘Sweet, Sweet, T&T , aka Rainbow Country,’ to compensate ,for Dr Goopiesing’s incompetent ,UWI student doctors , who takes out uteruses, and kidneys , when in actuality ,attempting to diagnose an appendix, or phenomena.
We likewise,want to respect the hard working efforts, and memories of folks who help build our country up to it’s high standards ,over the past 49 years.
I am of course referring to the parents of 90 % of Afrikan citizens born in our country ,to loving brothers and sisters from the other Small islands.
Let’s focus on the pertinent issues of the day Abdullah, such as the negative impact of misguided , though to the power brokers, well intentioned policies ,that unfortunately, threaten’s the ideal tenets ,of a democracy , the majority of Afrikans ,and more progressive Indian ,who so happen to be conceived in T&T, fought so hard to preserve ,over the past four decades of our independence, yes?
I wish you well.
By the way, how is that Abu Bakr enquiry coming along Salim? Such a travesty, and Afrikan Muslim! Why adopt an Arab religion ,from the said folks that started slavery on the Continent, and remain no friend to global Afrikans?
Be careful Abdul , for ‘what you see, ain’t always what you get,’ be it Libya , Sudan , Somalia, or T&T. http://articles.latimes.com/2011/mar/04/world/la-fg-libya-mercenaries-20110305
My Nigerian friend who pratices in T’dad and lectures at Mount Hope is very impressed with the institution and students.By the way,where did you go to school…University of Ignorance?
Quoting mamoo:
Consider. Joseph married an Egyptian. His sons Ephraim and Manasseh were nevertheless 100% Israelite. Indeed, each received an inheritance equal to each of Joseph’s brothers.
In the case of the remnant of Benjamin, the wives they found were Israelite, from Shiloh. More than could be said for Joseph.
Please. If you wish to argue with me, do your homework.
When it comes to the book of Yahweh, he has told us how:
Isaiah 28:9-10. Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little…
This is an enterprise for those who are of mature intellect, i.e. “weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”
Also, you need to read the whole book, cover to cover, moreover comprehend what you read, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little there a little, before you can begin to interpret passages.
It is not an endeavor for those who seek merely to confirm their own prejudices. Yahweh has rebuked Asia on this account: “they are the glory of their person”, i.e. full of misplaced conceit. As you display here. Therefore, time upon time you will be confounded. You are a mere irritant, an idiot missing from his village.
“In the case of the remnant of Benjamin, the wives they found were Israelite, from Shiloh. More than could be said for Joseph..”
Yorub while you blog is insulting I take no offense because I am sure you are a well meaning person. We all sometimes suffer from temporary insanity, if a person is in a permanent state of insanity we say they are mad.
I am curious to know your connection with this tribe of Benjamin and how come your are a member of this tribe. Please enlighten us all. I await your explanation.
It was a rebuke. I do not expect you to consider there might be a difference. Yahweh’s rebuke of Asia (“art the glory of her person”) gives a clue as to why.
As to your substantive question, I repeat my earlier answer…
I speak as a servant of Yahweh. As a servant of Yahweh I am given knowledge, repeat knowledge, as distinct from belief. Those with whom I share it may hear, or forebear. But they may not mock.
Yahweh will, again, have me say this:
Zechariah 2:8-9.
8For thus saith Yahweh of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. 9For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that Yahweh of hosts hath sent me.
If I were you, I would consider well all its implications.
Selah.
Again Yoruba you fail to answer my question, instead you go on with your “hate Asia” rant. Please spare us your diatribe and answer the question. You claim to be from the tribe of Benjamin, who is your Benjaminite DNA connection. I can say I am Samba Israelite would that make me an Israelite Yoruba??? It would make me a liar and a false witnesses especially if I claim to be speaking for Yahweh.
Exodus 20:6-7
6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
7“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Really, mamoo, you are most tiresome.
I have given you the answer. Even a village idiot would understand thereby the basis of my claim.
You may like it, or lump it. Your choice is of no matter to me.
But understand clearly this. I serve a living God. He finds ways to communicate with his servants, as he did with Moses and all of his prophets since Moses, and as he did before Moses with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And as he did before Abraham with Noah, Enoch, and others, go back to Adam.
If you read and comprehend the Bible, then you must accept this proposition, or at least that its assertions — histories, laws, and prophecies — are to be taken as the direct testimony of Yahweh, as proclaimed through his various prophets and servants.
I accept it because its pronouncements conform with Reality as I know it, and more importantly because Yahweh has made me his servant, and renews my faith on a daily basis.
I do not place my trust in DNA analysis. I place my trust rather in God.
In any case, DNA analysis in this situation would result at best in a circularity of reasoning … unless you found Benjamin’s bones somewhere, and could prove they belonged to Benjamin, and then used those bones as the source for your DNA reference sample. Therefore, in this context, DNA testing would be useless. I explicitly reject any DNA testing that rests upon fake Jews (Revelation 2:9, 3:9) as providing any sort of reference sample.
I find it amusing that those who reject the testimony of the Creator (you have done so earlier and quote scripture now only to seek debating advantage) would place such puerile faith in the purveyors of Science, even when the claims of the latter are provably erroneous, speculative or stretched way beyond what is allowed by the starting foundations. As is the case here.
I assure you you don’t need to admonish me with scripture. Every time you attempt do so, you prove to me further that you are unlearned.
If you would admonish me as a false prophet using scripture, here is the one you should have chosen:
Deuteronomy 18::20. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak … even that prophet shall die.
Trust me. I understand clearly my position. I am most certainly aware of the fate that awaits the presumptuous prophet.
That is why the children of Israel should heed what I say (Deuteronomy 18:19), unless what I say either doesn’t “follow” or doesn’t “come to pass” (Deuteronomy 18:22).
Yahweh has a way of exposing those who speak falsely in his name. So the proper thing to do, if you have doubts, is to hold your tongue, and wait. Mockery is not an option. Neither is the mode of argumentation of a village idiot.
I hope that is clear. Selah.
Yoruba Israelite, remember the expression , ‘casting pearls before swines?’This is essentially , what you are doing with characters such as mamboo. Just continue to educate us my friend. Now you know why T&T , ain’t getting any where soon.
Imagine, if you can , that someone like him, is a high end adviser to some similar power mongrel , a policy wonk, or worst yet, a fortunate MP such as say Dr Goopiesing ,or Dookie , with the entire national treasury at his disposal, hummm? It’s only about the narrow tribe , my friend, and it’s their nature.
Warm Regards.
It is darkest before the dawn. It looks worse than it is.
I have already conveyed the message from Yahweh that our 400 years of captivity (1611-2011) have come to an end, and the curses likewise.
If that is the case, you may ask, why are little black boys children of Israel all, innocent along with the guilty, the ones being caught up in the SOE dragnet.
The strange answer is that this is a confirming sign of the end of our captivity. We know this from:
Isaiah 51:17-23.
17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of Yahweh the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out. 18There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up. 19These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee? 20Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of Yahweh, the rebuke of thy God. 21Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine: 22Thus saith thy Lord Yahweh, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: 23But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.
This are three key things here to note:
1) when our children are reduced to the status of wild animals — like unto wild bulls caught in a net, to be sorted out in a “zoo” — it is at that point that Yahweh says he has removed (past tense) the cup of trembling from our hand;
2) Yahweh further says that at that point is when he will put (future tense) the cup of trembling into the hand of those who have afflicted us and would make of us a mat to walk on; and
3) It is also the time for us to “awake, awake, stand up”.
It is from point 1) that we may infer that our present low condition is in fact a sign of the end of our captivity. And from the other points we may infer that the tables will now completely turn.
The time is not far off. As a people we shall be raised up again ca. 2014. I have been so guided. Hear or forebear.
But the onus is also upon us to stand up. What does that mean? We are to return unto Yahweh (Malachi 4:4; 1 John 5:3). There is no other solution, individually and collectively, to our predicament.
By the way, the spectacle of young bulls caught in the metaphorical net is not confined only to our T&T, but is spread across countries where we the true Israelites have been scattered. Since May, 2011, which marked the official end of our captivity, here are the confirming signs pursuant to Isaiah 51:17-23:
1) U.S.: flash mobs involving black youth in Chicago (May 18), Milwaukee (August 4), Philadelphia (August 15), and other;
2) Jamaica: the state of emergency to extract Dudus Coke (May 22);
3) East Africa: famine in Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya (declared July 20 by the U.N.) — those affected certainly include children of Israel;
4) Britain: the recent riots started by our Israelite brethren (August 6-10);
5) Libya: the killings of black men (August, continuing) — Israelites of the seed are again affected; and
6) Trinidad and Tobago: the state of emergency (August 21) designed to all appearances to round up mostly young black men — Israelite descendants of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
This is the desolation and destruction, famine and sword, being fulfilled as prophesied.
Therefore, appearances to the contrary notwithstanding, we should take hope. For these are signs that our captivity is indeed now over. Our raising up (Hosea 6:2, Daniel 12:7, elsewhere) will however require yet a little more time.
Yahweh has the following further message:
Zechariah 3:1-4. And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Yahweh, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2And Yahweh said unto Satan, Yahweh rebuke thee, O Satan; even Yahweh that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
I will leave that message for you to meditate upon.
Shalom.
Mamoo give me a break. You and Kamla both have inherited Aryan supremacist genes that ignorantly lead you to the notion that enslavement and oppression under Indian rulership is the best thing for Africans. And again, you are more predisposed to be racist than any African in this world. You come from a culture where people are judged based on their color. Your ancestors brought that cultural belief system to the Caribbean, where previously it was a preserve of whites. You come from a group from which Europeans learned about racial prejudice, and how it can be used to marginalize segments of the population. Apartheid existed in India for thousands of years before it reached the West.
There is nothing that comes out of an Indian Government that will be beneficial for Africans in T&T. They will always target black males because they emit a kind masculinity that is threatening to the sexual egos of Indian males. We know what it is all about, and your crappy outpourings will not change that. Enjoy it while it last, but both time and population strength is against you. The Caribbean will wake up and understand that there is a trojan horse in our midst that is trying to indianize the region.
Keith Williams, with all due respect, no human being is born congenital to racism.
If Mamoo and Kamla are born congenitally racist, then there two ancillary conditions which your claim would unfortunately excuse and confirm.
One is the possibility of confirming the accusation made in another context of Black people as being congenitally inferior to other races.
The second is that if your accusation of congenital racism is correct, would this not thereby also excuse Mamoo and Kamla for any such tendencies and any practices on their part?
Pitbulls, like porpoises, ducklings etc., are the way they are by nature, and must be exclusively accommodated as such for being specifically vicious, water-bound, or waddlers.
What all peoples have in common are societal conditions which serve to nurture and perpetuate specific human practices, practices, despite how nefarious or decent, because of how ubiquitous they are, appear to be inherited. To be the way the world is.
Racism based on virtue being attached to gradations of skin colour it is true, was created in India, and in the India derived from the Varna casteocracy.
So, regarding of how tempting it might be, let us not fall into such practices in our justified efforts to condemn them, becoming in the process, that which we have reason to condemn.
An example of how racism is endemic to Indian practices, especially those derived from this casteocracy–a crime against humanity as vast and venal as pornocracy–can be seen in the link below.
http://www.dalitindia.org/guest/caste_racism.htm
Incidentally, did you know that the Dalits have formed their own Dalit Panther Party along the same lines as was the Black Panthers in America, and see Dr. King and Malcolm X as one of their greatest heroes?
http://www.thedefendersonline.com/2010/07/16/detroit-diary-detroit-red-and-the-untouchables/
“Racism based on virtue being attached to gradations of skin colour it is true, was created in India, and in the India derived from the Varna casteocracy.” Neverdirty.
The caste system was not base on race because all the people were indians. Rather it was a social structure that was design to keep people within their social structure. The government of India condemns it, Trinis condemn it.
In Africa racism exist under the guise of tribalism. Because a particular tribe belongs to a particular genetic code they quickly becomes the enemy. The broader nose Hutus despised the narrow nose Tutsi, now that is based on racism because it of the racial differences.
How does a drug war between Mexican and Colombian Drug Lords wind up being fought on Trinidadian soil?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_invasion_of_Panama
Mexico and Colombia both theatres of the Jew. S. A’s. war on Drugs; is it too much to ask that our leaders protect us from the overflow/fallout of the garbage created by our so-called North American ally?
It has been already been proven that the CIA used money from the sale of Colombian crack-cocaine to African-Americans to fund their Central American wars of regime change; in that instance Panama acted as intermediary and we all know how that ended. Is it fair to assume that Jack Warner is now playing the role of Noriega in the Jew. S. A’s attempt at a regime change in Venezuela? Is this a case of history repeating?
The usual suspects are all present and accounted for in this latest plot; will our leaders stand by and allow Trinidadians to be subjected to another “Just Cause” invasion by the Jew. S. A.?
We know the source of the drugs, the route, and the money, its time to find the source of the weapons before its too late.
CHECK OUT OUR BOY RUSSEL FOLKS! FUNNY INDEED! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYiteaPBlz0&feature=related PROVE WE ARE ALL AFRIKAN, IF U ASK ME.
I read your article Dr. Cudjoe and my heart bleeds for Trinidadians generally. There are so many people caught up in the government crap. The in between folks. The folks who don’t really care about politics and money. The folks who wish to call Trinidad home, go to work, take care of their family and live life. These are the folks caught in between the gun fire of the political wannabees….the black and indian politicians of Trinidad and Tobago who do not care about anyone but themselves and the money they can line in their deepest pockets. Forget that they are hurting the people they pledge to serve; but they continue to get big headed and super important the higher up the ladder they climb. Their imporantance supersedes the needs of the ordinary man in Trinidad. All they care about is power. Gimme more and let me get drunk with importance and yes let’s not forget – Trini AFFLUENCE!
Dr. Cudjoe makes some valid points which is being made to sound like he is racist. But, he is black and he has to come from the position of a black man, whereas other prominent figures of other ethnic groups defend their ethnic position (whether they do it publicly or not). My point here is there are too many extreme responses in regards to his valid points. The plight of black Trinidadians, especially our black men, is horrible. No party, or other group can fix it for us, but us. It starts today with each black person on that island and even those abroad. We cannot depend on other ethnic groups to solve our desperate issues for us while the very ground below us is shifting tremendously. We literally have nothing to stand on. Our children are not being properly educated (you can fool yourselves if you want to), we have token jobs (yes, admit it – to thine own self BE BE TRUE).
This is not about a black Trinidad, or an indian Trinidad. It is about an equal Trinidad. Notice, no other ethnic group even cares about the struggle. They are watching on an thinking – how stupid can these folks be? In order for afrotrinidadians to have strength, they must organize, educate and empower themselves overall. They cannot depend on indotrinidadians for that empowerment – period.
Crystal, very well said and my thoughts exactly, I have been trying to organize an Afro Trini organization to push for and agitate for equal rights and justice and for self advancement and it is proving to be very difficult.
A great majority of the young black men only concentrates on drinking, partying and women and we are our own worst enemy…
Dear KingofKings,
I understand what you are saying, but won’t reflect on much on your latter statement because it seems so cyclical in nature. Much impacts that process of drinking, partying and womanizing. Maybe a non-profit organization with a focus on those who would participate? Sometimes we learn from examples. I am getting ready to do a non-profit for girls here in Brooklyn.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,147696.html
“attacked and terrorized in their own home during the curfew hours yesterday?”
Pray tell what was the objective of the terrorism,as claimed, and the target audience? Even these journalists are crazy in my country, with these over the top language. What are they going to say as a form of description to real terror-either by state , or none state actors- as played out in war plagued places ,such as the Middle East,Pakistan , Afghanistan , and the list goes on?
Well, I won’t follow their stupid lead , and refer to my underachieving country ,as a ‘failed state,’ just yet, or should I ?
@neverdirty. Larceny has never been an exclusive preserve of Africans, so the idea that there is genetic equivalence between Africans involvement in crime and Indian predisposition to ethnic prejudice is not a rational analogy in my opinion. There is larceny in nations where there are no Africans. There are murders in Nations and societies where there are no Africans. The strain of racial and ethnic prejudice based on African Inferiority and all others superiority is a traite shared by all non Africans who are bound together by common historical intersection. They all intersect at a shared genetic point of contact with that now extinct humanoid creature we refer to as Neanderthals.
I do believe that those humans who mutated from the original form we began with, and particularly the influence of neanderthal interbreeding, predispose them to be prejudice. When we use the term neanderthal to describe behaviour, we use it in the context of primitive, uncivilize, hateful, all the negative characteristics we expect to find in undeveloped species. Group hate is no different, and its manifestation among segments of the human population is no different than what transpires in the animal kingdom between different species.
As for Mamoo’s idiotic comment about African Tribalism being similar to the caste system in India, the more he writes, the more is revealed about his backwardness. Tribalism is not exclusive to Africa you nut. It also obtains in India. It is idiotic to try to explain away the development of a unique human social stratification system designed to confine segments of a population to the bottom of the heap based on their color, with something that was and remains culturally universal.
The entire world has prejudice, but its most dangerous manifestations occur when that prejudice is enshrined in cultural and religious belief systems on the basis of Natural Superiority and Inferiority. And I will argue that my construction of a genetic link to racial prejudice is legitimate in any theatre where arguments are being presented to suggest that there is a genetic link to intelligence.