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The Sentinel

The Sentinel

always looking at life

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10 Things I like about Trinidad and Tobago 1.) DOUBLES I am not the biggest fan of doubles. However, there is something about channa and barra on Sunday morning that seems magical. The taste and the smell gives a whole new morning to Sunday’s. For those of you who do not know what it is. Doubles is an East Indian meal that is made of a very thin fried dough with curried chic peas.  2.) LONG WEEKENDS Our country has  close to a month worth of public holidays. Our country has many ethnicities and religious sects. As such, we have a melting pot of cultures. Each major religion is given its respective public holiday to celebrate its most major occasion. These are in addition to the customary world holidays such as New Years Day. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is given on the Monday. Thus resulting in a long weekend for the working class :)  3.) OUR NIGHTLIFE Yes we do have the customary clubs and social hotspots. However have you ever Bar-B-Qued on Maracas Beach under the shower of the full moon’s light?  Or have you had a coconut around the largest traffic ‘round about ‘in the world, during the late hours of the evening? The thing about Trinidad and Tobago, while many of us say that there isn’t much to do, there is a lot of things in Trinidad and Tobago to do that you can put on your bucket list. Hiking and Kayaking just to name a couple :) 4.) THE ENVIRONMENT Trinidad and Tobago is located close to the South American mainland, as such you find a lot of similarities in our fauna and flora. Many do not know that the Pawi Bird and the Golden Tree Frog are two endemic species of Trinidad and Tobago, which means that these species cannot be found nowhere else in the world. Yes my friends we are that blessed :)  5.) OUR MUSIC Doh get tie up! I always tell people that my favourite genre of music is Soca. Russel Peters a stand up comedian of Trinidadian decent,  joked and said that Soca music is always so happy. This is the very reason why I love it!! It raises your spirits, without the negative effects of weed, alcohol or any other abusive drug.  Soca music alone sends you on a high!  6.) THE ART OF WINING!  The art of wining or intensive waist gyrations, is a dance I take so much pride in. Its very rude, sensual and brings about a critical aspect of our local Trinidadian culture. Many people say that all Trinidadian can wine. I am not so sure about that. I am not saying that I am an expert in the field, but what I am saying is that I can at least hold my own. I have sain many failed winers, claiming to be wining specialists…. take time please… take time! 7.) LET’S PUT A SPIN ON IT!I always quote the CEO and founder of Anime Caribe, Miss Camille Abrahams who told me that “Its okay to be influenced by”. Its words that stuck with me since I interviewed her way back in 2009. Trinidadians love to put their own spin on things. Most recently the Harlem Shake videos were wide spread, not just in Trinidad but the entire globe. What really set the Caribbean diaspora apart, was that during the Harlem Shake videos our people had so much rhythm, that we actually danced in time with the music. Other videos ignored the beats and did craziness… our craziness had rhythm and nuff vibes!  8.)  ALL INCLUSIVE FETES While I would put Carnival easily on this list, I really haven’t played Carnival on the road just yet. However, going to all inclusive fetes/ parties is one of the best things about being a Trinidadian. While you may think that all inclusive parties exist all around the world, our people do all inclusive fetes with class, an open heart and with the best in local entertainment. We literally have ALL YOU CAN EAT… In other places everyone is given a chit, and you are designated a certain amount of food. While people may complain that going to an all inclusive fete is a waste of time. I beg to differ! Its really one of the best experiences I have ever had! The novelty of attending also puts a heavy weight on the experience! 9.) BANDWAGONIST ATTITUDE  It is indeed true that I do detest my country’s bandwagonist attitude, However, I think I can admit that that attitude has gotten ourselves out of some very controversial issues. My problem is that we always see the problem as what is happening now. We are convinced that when the topic comes out of the newspaper, that the problem is solved. This is surely not the case, there are very few people who actually pay concern to the issues… Do you remember Sarp? The 16 foot anaconda that suppose to be re released back into the wild? Why is it still at the Zoo? What about the Asa Wright Nature Centre issue? Or does anyone know who the hell is Mr. Big, cause I still don’t know? Yes the inquiry is going on about the 1990 attempted coup, however its the most clouded event in Trinidad and Tobago’s history if you ask me! The bandwagonist attitude needs to be consistent…till its resolved.. then I would love it for so! Right now I love it half way half way at times.  10.) ALL TRINI IS SMARTMAN! You ever hear about a homeless man who have TT$250,000 (US$39,000) in a bank? Begging is apparently a profession in Trinidad and Tobago, with some beggars earning up to TT$70.00 an hour (US$11.50 an hour). That is just only the beginning. Corporate Companies have been ripping off Trinidadians for several years. Our Telecommunications Services was owned by one company. Internet (dial-up), mobile and landline users all fell under a monopoly telecommunications brand. Once the market had open up… a mobile phone that was priced at TT$1600.00 (US$250.00) dropped to TT$200.00 (US$33.00). The phone in question was a ‘ME2” or a Nokia 1100. Hope you guys enjoyed this list.. I you all would like me to rank another ‘top 10 things’ inbox me and I would make a post! Shahad :)

10 Things I like about Trinidad and Tobago

1.) DOUBLES


I am not the biggest fan of doubles. However, there is something about channa and barra on Sunday morning that seems magical. The taste and the smell gives a whole new morning to Sunday’s. For those of you who do not know what it is. Doubles is an East Indian meal that is made of a very thin fried dough with curried chic peas. 

2.) LONG WEEKENDS

Our country has  close to a month worth of public holidays. Our country has many ethnicities and religious sects. As such, we have a melting pot of cultures. Each major religion is given its respective public holiday to celebrate its most major occasion. These are in addition to the customary world holidays such as New Years Day. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is given on the Monday. Thus resulting in a long weekend for the working class :) 

3.) OUR NIGHTLIFE

Yes we do have the customary clubs and social hotspots. However have you ever Bar-B-Qued on Maracas Beach under the shower of the full moon’s light?  Or have you had a coconut around the largest traffic ‘round about ‘in the world, during the late hours of the evening? The thing about Trinidad and Tobago, while many of us say that there isn’t much to do, there is a lot of things in Trinidad and Tobago to do that you can put on your bucket list. Hiking and Kayaking just to name a couple :)

4.) THE ENVIRONMENT

Trinidad and Tobago is located close to the South American mainland, as such you find a lot of similarities in our fauna and flora. Many do not know that the Pawi Bird and the Golden Tree Frog are two endemic species of Trinidad and Tobago, which means that these species cannot be found nowhere else in the world. Yes my friends we are that blessed :) 



5.) OUR MUSIC

Doh get tie up! I always tell people that my favourite genre of music is Soca. Russel Peters a stand up comedian of Trinidadian decent,  joked and said that Soca music is always so happy. This is the very reason why I love it!! It raises your spirits, without the negative effects of weed, alcohol or any other abusive drug.  Soca music alone sends you on a high! 



6.) THE ART OF WINING! 

The art of wining or intensive waist gyrations, is a dance I take so much pride in. Its very rude, sensual and brings about a critical aspect of our local Trinidadian culture. Many people say that all Trinidadian can wine. I am not so sure about that. I am not saying that I am an expert in the field, but what I am saying is that I can at least hold my own. I have sain many failed winers, claiming to be wining specialists…. take time please… take time!


7.) LET’S PUT A SPIN ON IT!

I always quote the CEO and founder of Anime Caribe, Miss Camille Abrahams who told me that “Its okay to be influenced by”. Its words that stuck with me since I interviewed her way back in 2009. Trinidadians love to put their own spin on things. Most recently the Harlem Shake videos were wide spread, not just in Trinidad but the entire globe. What really set the Caribbean diaspora apart, was that during the Harlem Shake videos our people had so much rhythm, that we actually danced in time with the music. Other videos ignored the beats and did craziness… our craziness had rhythm and nuff vibes!  


8.)  ALL INCLUSIVE FETES

While I would put Carnival easily on this list, I really haven’t played Carnival on the road just yet. However, going to all inclusive fetes/ parties is one of the best things about being a Trinidadian. While you may think that all inclusive parties exist all around the world, our people do all inclusive fetes with class, an open heart and with the best in local entertainment. We literally have ALL YOU CAN EAT… In other places everyone is given a chit, and you are designated a certain amount of food. While people may complain that going to an all inclusive fete is a waste of time. I beg to differ! Its really one of the best experiences I have ever had! The novelty of attending also puts a heavy weight on the experience!

9.) BANDWAGONIST ATTITUDE 

 It is indeed true that I do detest my country’s bandwagonist attitude, However, I think I can admit that that attitude has gotten ourselves out of some very controversial issues. My problem is that we always see the problem as what is happening now. We are convinced that when the topic comes out of the newspaper, that the problem is solved. This is surely not the case, there are very few people who actually pay concern to the issues… Do you remember Sarp? The 16 foot anaconda that suppose to be re released back into the wild? Why is it still at the Zoo? What about the Asa Wright Nature Centre issue? Or does anyone know who the hell is Mr. Big, cause I still don’t know? Yes the inquiry is going on about the 1990 attempted coup, however its the most clouded event in Trinidad and Tobago’s history if you ask me! The bandwagonist attitude needs to be consistent…till its resolved.. then I would love it for so! Right now I love it half way half way at times. 


10.) ALL TRINI IS SMARTMAN! 


You ever hear about a homeless man who have TT$250,000 (US$39,000) in a bank? Begging is apparently a profession in Trinidad and Tobago, with some beggars earning up to TT$70.00 an hour (US$11.50 an hour). That is just only the beginning. Corporate Companies have been ripping off Trinidadians for several years. Our Telecommunications Services was owned by one company. Internet (dial-up), mobile and landline users all fell under a monopoly telecommunications brand. Once the market had open up… a mobile phone that was priced at TT$1600.00 (US$250.00) dropped to TT$200.00 (US$33.00). The phone in question was a ‘ME2” or a Nokia 1100.



Hope you guys enjoyed this list.. I you all would like me to rank another ‘top 10 things’ inbox me and I would make a post! 

Shahad :)

Filed under trinidad trinidad and tobago tobago country people life lessons love patriotism patriotic doubles canrival dancing like list top10 caribbean

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Allyuh… IzahTeacher!

Recently I started working with a company that offers personalised tutoring to students for all levels of secondary school education in Trinidad and Tobago.. I have already completed a few classes with the company, and I was able to recognise that my students learn VERY differently. I realised that in the conventional large sized classroom, learning may not be achieved by all students. The whole entire concept of personalised tutoring brings about a technical approach to ensure that an individual grasps all the concepts that our national curriculum requires them to learn. 

To give a very vivid example, one of my students can recognise the mathematical function in a worded problem with ease, whereas my other student guesses his way through and crosses his fingers hoping that he gets it right. I recognised however that if he gets a mathematical problem where the mathematical function is given… he turns into a superstar! I also was able to pick up the fact that he explains mathematics orally using analogies. When I asked him to tell me what he knows about fractions, he did not use the words ‘circle’, ‘whole’ or ‘part of’, but rather ‘a pie’, ‘a piece of’ or ‘cutting a slice’. Clearly he prefers real life, practical examples rather than technical terms that seem to confuse him.  

Today I found myself picking up index cards and cutting them into pieces. I picked up my mathematics text book, and looked at the simplest worded problems and designed them around the index cards. I am hoping he can grasp how simple a worded problem is by figuring out what the question is asking you, clearly writing down his statements and identifying keywords. While doing this, literally use the cards in his hands to divide, add, subtract and multiply. 

It really has been a rollercoaster trying to figure out how these students learn. Each one is so different in their own special way. Its amazing to see them so excited to learn when a different method is presented to them. Their eyes usually open widely, they sometimes express relief when they figure out the problem, and sometimes flash a sheepish smile when they know the answer way before they even starting working out the question. 

Its the most satisfying feeling ever! I never liked mathematics, and I did not want to teach it. Teaching part time has shown me some serious challenges in more ways than one. It has opened my eyes to how simple mathematics was back in the day. I really had a traumatic experience preparing for secondary entrance exams. If its one thing I know as a budding teacher, I know exactly what NOT to do. 

In Trinidad and Tobago the Secondary Entrance Exam is extremely intimidating, frustrating and highly challenging. Many people think that the secondary schools that you go to usually determine how smart your child may be. While this is so far from the truth, the culture still exists and its difficult to break away from a norm that has been occurring for several years. 

I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to give a child the opportunity to learn topics that are catered to their style of learning. Its an opportunity that I know I would always cherish for life…

Filed under teaching teacher teach maths mathematcis Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago people life skills children

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My 51 Degrees Experience

“Yuh lie!” was the words that I was faced with when I told my cousins last night that this was the first time I was going to the 51 Degrees Night Club on Cipriani Boulevard. 

I never chose 51 degrees as a liming option, because of the daunting stories of getting ‘braced’ at the door. I always got the impression that 51 was extremely exclusive to those who were well connected. 

One thing that I was really amazed about was the several security checkpoints. I passed at least four bouncers before I actually arrived inside the nightclub. Each eyeing you from head to toe looking for a flaw to refuse your entry into the club. Some of these flaws would include:

1.) Not being dressed elegantly casual (very vague so you always clueless as to what to wear)

2.) Flats on girls are not allowed. In other words girls must suffer in high heels. 

3.) Guys must have on decent shirts and a good pair of shoes. 

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These are just a few of the factors that influence your $185.00 general admission into the 51 Degrees Night Club on a Saturday night. One of the security guards also directed one of my cousins to a small plastic cup on a  short banister. Patrons use this cup to dispose of chewing gum. I can’t blame the organisation for this exercise, after all it is a free drinks affair, and with intoxicated people, chewing gum can easily fall out of their mouths and stick to the floor of the club. I was just laughing at the fact that there was a “chewing gum guy” scoping out my mouth to see if I was chewing gum. lol

I am sure that most of us in Trinidad and Tobago who have  gone to the 51 Degrees Night Club can admit that the place reeks of exclusiveness. With a VIP line as well as a guest list, there are people who can get into this club faster than you can. 

However, going to 51 is AMAZING.  At the end of the day it gives you what you want. Great vibes, great music, great people. 

On the topic of people. I found out last night that those who patronise this club are all drop dead gorgeous. I never saw so many sexy people in one room at the same time. I am not particularly tusty, but people really do go all out when getting ready to come to 51 Degrees Night Club.

By 12am this morning, the entire club was rammed with people, and we could have barely moved. What more can you want? 

Would I suggest this as a liming option for those over 21 years of age…. urrrrrr HELL YEAHH!!! Once you can manage to get in :p 

I was really glad that I took the opportunity to go out last night. I have been pretty stressed and worked up lately. If you haven’t gone to 51 as yet… make the effort and grab a couple of friends and go…. It brings liming and entertainment to whole new level.

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Filed under clubing clubs nightlife trinidad trinidad and tobago 51 degrees avenue liming people drinks zen life party partying dance dancing

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HOSTING A SOUTH AMERICAN DINNER I have found a new respect for chefs and other professionals in the field of tourism and hospitality. Last Friday night I had the pleasure of being host to a South American Dinner hosted by the graduating students of the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (2013). What these students had put together was far beyond my imagination and I was thoroughly impressed.  It must have taken them months of research and planning to put together such an event. The concept, Rove meets Charm Meets Vista, represented the South American countries of Brazil, Chile and Peru. The students served dishes that infused all three cultures which boasted of explosive taste bud combinations. Thier attention to creative detail was well noted. During the cocktail hour, finger foods were served on sheets of glass that took the shape of the continent South America. The famous statue of Jesus in Rio De Janiero, Brazil was modestly edified at one end of the dining room, while Peruvian wine was sourced at the local embassy.  The organisation of the event reminded me of a theatrical production during my undergrad days. Stage Managers, Actors, Writers and Light Technicians would all work as a cohesive unit to get the show successfully completed. Instead we had Head Chefs, Sue Chefs and a Food and Beverage (F&B) team that worked together to produce an exquisite foreign dining experience.  While everyone did indeed worked very hard, I must say that I admired F&B the most. They were responsible for delivering the food and drink from the kitchen to the patrons in the dining room. They were all in sync, professionally dressed and remarkably good looking, if I do say so myself. My job at the event was to introduce the dishes and keep the crowd entertained. While that portfolio had its ups and downs, F&B held their own. This was my impression, however when I spoke to one of the students, they told me that they were behind time and the student team that organised this function would lose points. The dinner should have spanned between 5:30pm-9:00pm, but instead commenced at 6pm and ended at a dreadful 11pm. According to what I heard from the students, the kitchen should have been cleaned by 11, but at this time, guests were now exiting. It was the only “Final Function”, to run this late. I felt really sorry for them because this student team really pushed for details. These students even organised South American dancers for their patrons such as the Bachata and Kapoeria. At a cost of $400.00 for a fine dining experience, I honestly thought they did a fantastic job! I got this opportunity through my cousin, she asked me to host the function, and I was very glad that she did. I am so truly proud of her. I did not think that being a chef was difficult work, but after that experience, cooking and presentation of meals takes on a serious challenge of its own. When my cousin came down the stairs at 1am the next morning, after cleaning the kitchen and getting briefed from her lecturers she was dog tired. Having only slept a few hours the night before, and daily preparations during the last two weeks, I do not think it was something that I could have done. Hopefully the lateness of their event does not affect their score. I would like to say good luck to all the students on the South American Team. I personally thought you all did a fantastic job and you all should feel extremely proud of yourselves. Shahad. *The photo depicts Black Bean Soup. Black Beans is a a common staple in all three South American countries that were chosen to be presented at the event”

HOSTING A SOUTH AMERICAN DINNER

I have found a new respect for chefs and other professionals in the field of tourism and hospitality. Last Friday night I had the pleasure of being host to a South American Dinner hosted by the graduating students of the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (2013). What these students had put together was far beyond my imagination and I was thoroughly impressed. 

It must have taken them months of research and planning to put together such an event. The concept, Rove meets Charm Meets Vista, represented the South American countries of Brazil, Chile and Peru. The students served dishes that infused all three cultures which boasted of explosive taste bud combinations.

Thier attention to creative detail was well noted. During the cocktail hour, finger foods were served on sheets of glass that took the shape of the continent South America. The famous statue of Jesus in Rio De Janiero, Brazil was modestly edified at one end of the dining room, while Peruvian wine was sourced at the local embassy. 

The organisation of the event reminded me of a theatrical production during my undergrad days. Stage Managers, Actors, Writers and Light Technicians would all work as a cohesive unit to get the show successfully completed. Instead we had Head Chefs, Sue Chefs and a Food and Beverage (F&B) team that worked together to produce an exquisite foreign dining experience. 

While everyone did indeed worked very hard, I must say that I admired F&B the most. They were responsible for delivering the food and drink from the kitchen to the patrons in the dining room. They were all in sync, professionally dressed and remarkably good looking, if I do say so myself.

My job at the event was to introduce the dishes and keep the crowd entertained. While that portfolio had its ups and downs, F&B held their own. This was my impression, however when I spoke to one of the students, they told me that they were behind time and the student team that organised this function would lose points. 

The dinner should have spanned between 5:30pm-9:00pm, but instead commenced at 6pm and ended at a dreadful 11pm. According to what I heard from the students, the kitchen should have been cleaned by 11, but at this time, guests were now exiting. 

It was the only “Final Function”, to run this late. I felt really sorry for them because this student team really pushed for details. These students even organised South American dancers for their patrons such as the Bachata and Kapoeria. At a cost of $400.00 for a fine dining experience, I honestly thought they did a fantastic job! 

I got this opportunity through my cousin, she asked me to host the function, and I was very glad that she did. I am so truly proud of her. I did not think that being a chef was difficult work, but after that experience, cooking and presentation of meals takes on a serious challenge of its own. When my cousin came down the stairs at 1am the next morning, after cleaning the kitchen and getting briefed from her lecturers she was dog tired. Having only slept a few hours the night before, and daily preparations during the last two weeks, I do not think it was something that I could have done. Hopefully the lateness of their event does not affect their score.

I would like to say good luck to all the students on the South American Team. I personally thought you all did a fantastic job and you all should feel extremely proud of yourselves. 

Shahad. 

*The photo depicts Black Bean Soup. Black Beans is a a common staple in all three South American countries that were chosen to be presented at the event”

Filed under Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute TTHTI diningg fine gourment cooking south america brazil chile peru food yummy hosting host event people life stories review

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Difficult times… but find that reason to smile :)

I cannot extrapolate on the issues surrounding my life at this moment. All I can say though is that these times are very difficult for me. I am not concerned about those who think I can handle it, nor am I concerned about those who think I can’t. What matters to me the most, is that I am able to find those reasons to put a smile on my face. 

From the life that I have lived thus far, I have seen such varied relationships between children and their parents. The relationship that I have with my mum, is one that is truly indescribable. Our bond is knitted so closely that I am 100% sure that there is no force in this universe to break that bond.

For the record, my mum is not physically well. 

I do not have any intention of joining any advocacy groups relating to her illness, or joining the masses in pray and support. I prefer self meditation and a central focus on the matter at hand:

1.) Be there for mum

2,) Find my ass a job

It hurts me to know that I spent 7 years of my life doing everything an  to make myself as competitive as I can be in this global market, only to be faced with 4 months of unemployment and a series of migraines that celebrate my temporary defeat. 

I never opened a newspaper and checked the classifieds that boasted of employment opportunities for broad fields of academic study. I blame myself. The jobs available in this country fit such a single niche. I do not mind being in an administrative position, however I am overqualified. Who wouldn’t want to be a project manager, but I am obviously underqualified. Where on earth do I fit in just right? The market has not expanded and for every skilled that I owned during my tertiary level education is seemingly worthless.  

Its depressing… really it is!

I even started my own entrepreneurial vision. A field that I have minimal experience in. The benefits are low, and the sacrifices are sky high. Trying times I say… Trying times! 

Despite all of it! I preach to everyone…. find a reason to smile. Whether it be something you like to do, or someone who you like to spend time with… find a reason to smile.

My family chants the mantra “count your blessings!”, and this is exactly what I intend to do. 

There is one friend in particular that I need to thank. Though relatively new, that person has given me the kind of support I do not think any friend of  mine could ever give me. We don’t say much to each other, we don’t see each other very often… but in terms of understanding who I am…. and what I am about…. this person totally gets it! 

That person is my reason to smile :)

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My Easter Weekend

This is why I love Trinidad and Tobago. Where else in the world could you be home,.Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The whole concept of a “long weekend” is foreign to the entire world. Find me a place where there are 3 public holidays in one weekend. 

“Trinidad is nice…. Trinidad is a paradise”


My culture is fascinating because even when you have plans, and they cancel, there is amazingly a new set of plans that sometimes turn out to be way better than the original.

This weekend celebrates the end of Lent. One of my good friends had planed an apartment lime, in order to break her 40 day fast from alcohol. With both tequila cupcakes and vodka fruit punch on the menu, this seemingly awesome plan had to squash after electrical surges was proving to be unpredictable after our nationwide blackout. 

I was suppose to attend a charity event down south. It featured a lot of local rock bands that were volunteering their time and skill for the benefit of the Autistic Society and the Lady Hochoy Home. My public relations company Rockstar TT did some promotions for them, so  naturally I should have been there. It would have also been a great opportunity for me to preview some bands in order to work with them under Rockstar TT. However due to some misunderstandings in communications, I was unable to secure a ride, and frankly there was no way in hell I was traveling too and from south on a Sunday. 

This weekend I was able to spend the majority of my time with my mom, aunt, uncle and cousins and boy did we have a blast!. Has anyone here played the iPad version of ‘Ludo’? It is sinfully addictive and works against anything productive. Pictionary, as usual with my family is a battle that cannot compare to any world war, however amidst the accusations of cheating we all managed to have great fun. lol

What really topped off my Sunday was relaxing by the pool with my cousins. Boy oh boy did I need that R&R. The sun was hot, yet the air was cool, the perfect conditions for anything poolside. My aunt poured me a glass of Nuvo and I thought I was in heaven.  We also made homemade coconut icecream, along with a cinnamon sponge cake. If the menu has not impressed you yet. We also had fried rise, stew chicken, red beans and a fresh green salad for our main course. Sometimes staying at home with family can trump EVERYTHING! Mammy and Aunty does take care of u nooiccceee :D

Tomorrow I am heading to the countryside to do some community work along with the EMA. After a weekend like this…. getting up at 5:00am does not seem to pleasing :S 


Filed under trinidad trinidad and tobago easter relaxation

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Volunteerism…. What to expect from it!

Before I begin my post, I first must apologise for not posting in such a long time. It is without a doubt that I am now facing different challenges, possible opportunities and even new relationships in my life. Things have been busy…. but I am living…, and I am thankful for that.

Tonight I come with a new perspective on volunteerism. I know that many others share this similar passion with me. Whether we are involved in the environment, social work or any good humanitarian effort, we put our best foot forward. I know many  colleagues who never think twice to offer their skills and expertise for free, especially if its for a good cause. However, in recent days I wondered if in Trinidad and Tobago, is there any real benefits to volunteerism?

Before I even continue. I need my readers to understand that my voluntary efforts did not come with any expectation of receiving anything. However after over 10 years of volunteering with several organisations, I think it only fair to warn those who expect rewards from volunteerism.. Let me emphasise again, that volunteerism must come from the heart, and the heart alone. In the aesthetic that is Trinidad and Tobago, volunteerism can be seen as meagre and a waste of time. As I delve into this new found perspective, please know that I speak with experience, and not on a whim. I hope that you value the opinion, and I encourage you to share your opposing thoughts. 

This concept about building your resume is something that should be started at 13 years of age. I always advise my younger cousins to do what you love, not what everyone else is doing. Find your passion and stick with it. I always tell them that the job market is extremely tough, and it does not take much for a person to become a professional with such a wide access to education and information around the world. There are now several interdisciplinary degrees that give graduates a taste of almost every subject field, it depends on the personality of that graduate to use it to their advantage. On the resume of a every graduate there are the very common academic qualifications and wide array of voluntary efforts. Nepotism in this country is rampant! Some companies actually have fills that collect resumes and as they fill… they throw them out! Only when they actually need someone, the vacancy is commonly filled internally. 

Gone are the days of counting how many people you know… Its know about who knows you!

For those who aspire to work abroad, a good volunteer record would be an asset. Locally however, I am really doubtful. Just imagine that I recently tendered for one of my volunteered organisations with a product that they all agreed was excellent, only to be told there is no time for hiring additional staff. To be honest, I had a serious problem with this issue. What I tried to explain to this organisation is that I am currently unemployed and that my priorities are changing. I can no longer afford to volunteer my skills and expertise for free. I need to make money in order to live at this point. Needless to say, I realised that my skills and expertise are not valued, despite the organization being well able to pay for it! I was very disappointed! I would be making moves to resign from this organisation very soon! It has become repetitive and there is no evidence of growth,. I

Parents can be the biggest issue when it comes to volunteering. As a budding performer, I did free work for 2 years. Now I refuse to go on stage without being paid. I would do free work, once I know I would be giving half way product. However once I know that what I can produce is of a calibre that the organisation would be impressed with, I would charge accordingly. What shocked me about the organisation that did not entertain my tender, was that they accept tenders for close to $20,000. I made a tender for $1000.00. The same guys that were paid the tens of thousands of dollars to give a product….. I had to re do it…. and I did the entire concept for FREE!!!! How on earth is that fair to me?

The entire globe is on fight down. A couple of nights ago Trinidad and Tobago had this nation wide blackout. As my friends and I stood outside bathing in the moonlight… I wondered if my country would ever come out of the dark hole that is living in. Its issues like these upset me. In this particular incident.. I feel as if volunteerism has reached the point of taking advantage of willing young people.

I am justified to be thinking like this. I feel as if I should just not complain… but I feel as if I am being bulli…. What do you guys think?