Stay tuned for the launch of Season 5 !

After an external perspective in the last episode, we reflect locally on the General Elections 2020 in Trinidad and Tobago. We are chatting with Daniella James and Daryll Griffth, and this time we dig a little deeper into the campaigns – the songs, the ads, the manifestos and the lead up to the polls. We consider youth participation; misinformation; and the role of social media in the campaign. Hear about the voting experience given the pandemic and our ideas on what the next administration and future elections might look like!
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX
Look out for the videocast on Facebook and Youtube!

Elections2020YouthPoliticsTrinidadandTobagoResults2020SOAPBOXRelease date:14 August 2020 

After an external perspective in the last episode, we reflect locally on the General Elections 2020 in Trinidad and Tobago. We are chatting with Daniella James and Daryll Griffth, and this time we dig a little deeper into the campaigns – the songs, the ads, the manifestos and the lead up to the polls. We consider youth participation; misinformation; and the role of social media in the campaign. Hear about the voting experience given the pandemic and our ideas on what the next administration and future elections might look like!
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX
Look out for the videocast on Facebook and Youtube!

Elections2020YouthPoliticsTrinidadandTobagoResults2020SOAPBOXRelease date:14 August 2020 

In this episode we recap the swearing-in of the new government in Trinidad and Tobago and some of the surprise Ministers and portfolios. I give my perspectives on the things that we should look out for and some of the shifts within the Cabinet. Definitely a lot for us to delve into in the future. We discuss the appointments to the Senate: government, opposition and independent senators. As the Twelfth Republican Parliament takes shape, we have some exciting things in store! Now more than ever before we are ready to #GetOnOurSOAPBOX!
Look out for our video cast and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, iTunes, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and our website www.soapboxpodcast.com !

youthTrinidad and TobagoPoliticsVote2020Election2020SOAPBOXRelease date:27 August 2020 

What’s in a budget? In this episode, instead of just doing a recap of the Minister of Finance’s presentation, I take you through the budget process and budget debate. Typically, the tradition is that commentators rush to be the first and immediately respond to the Minister’s presentation…but is that the best practice? Especially given that the Minister’s presentation or “Budget Day” is really only the beginning of the debate and only the tip of the iceberg.
In the recap, we go through what stood out to me from the “Budget Day” presentation, key measures announced by the government and the Opposition Leader’s response. We go through the macro-economic outlook and some key figures presented to the nation.
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX

Look out for our video cast and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, iTunes, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and our website www.soapboxpodcast.com

youthpoliticsTrinidad and TobagoNational BudgetRelease date:25 October 2020 

In the Finale we wrap up what was perhaps our quickest season yet! Full of interviews and insights, this season started earlier than anticipated but our guests were on-board to get on their SOAPBOX at a moment's notice. To our panels, listeners and viewers - THANK YOU!

We'll be back for Season 5 of SOAPBOX! and for Season 2 of our spin-off SOCA or Die!

Until then, #GetOnYourSOAPBOX
Look out for our video cast and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, iTunes, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and our website www.soapboxpodcast.com

youthTrinidadandTobagoCaribbeanSOAPBOXRelease date:2 November 2020 

History was made on Monday 19th March, 2018, with the inauguration of Trinidad and Tobago's first female President, HER Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes. In this five minute feature I go through how it felt to be alive for such a defining moment in our history and the key takeaways from her speech - to be light and see light! 

Young people in Trinidad and Tobago – even recent graduates are expected to have 5 to 10 years of RELEVANT experience and do several back-flips just to land an entry level or junior position at an organization. Caribbean Airlines, however, had no issue hiring a General Manager of Cargo with no airline industry experience. HOW? In this episode we explore the public’s outrage following the revelation that that employee receives a $71,000 salary and whether or not that outrage is justified. 

I know we’ve been apart for a little while BUT I’m back with Episode 8 and just two more episodes to go before we end Season 1. While I was out, two things have taken over national attention in a way that is astounding: 1) Massy Stores’ move to charge 50cents per plastic bag and 2) whether or not doubles vendors should be taxed. I wish that these weren’t still news items. In fact they should not have attracted the kind of media circus that they received in the first place and in this episode I’ll tell you why.

Trinidad and Tobago, let us stop being distracted by non-stories or the wrong aspects of the story, let us hold our journalists to account and let us focus on the REAL issues. #GETonyourSOAPBOX and please make you contributions meaningful!

The Season one finale is here! After a long wait, we recap the episodes featured this season! Do something, now. Start something, now. It doesn't have to be perfect, perfection will come in time. In Season two I hope to bring you more views, news and interviews and get youth on their #SOAPBOX! 

SEASON 2 IS HERE! We had to start it off right. Our first episode features spoken word artist Kyle Hernandez, delivering one of my favourite spoken word pieces "Textbooks". We get to chatting on a number of topical issues with Kyle who is no stranger to a SOAPBOX and microphone. 

 In Episode 2 we continue our conversation with Kyle Hernandez on youth engagement, using poetry as a tool to connect with various subject matters and what he thinks about poetry platforms; youth platforms and opportunities. #GetOnYourSOAPBOX 

In this episode we look at the National Budget (2020) in Trinidad and Tobago. We discuss how this country budgets, revised estimates for 2019 and progress on existing government plans. Some of the main elements of the budget presentation are also highlighted.
In part 2 to come, we will do a little more analysis when we consider the estimates for 2020, discuss the response of the opposition and look at some of the proposals from the budget presentation that grabbed headlines. #JoinUs #GetOnYourSOAPBO

Jonathan Bhagan joins us as we discuss his work with victims of abuse and his advocacy with the Caribbean Committee Against Sex Crimes. That work has contributed to the passing of legislation in Trinidad and Tobago that will allow for public access to an online sex offender registry. We discuss this and more as Jonathan gets on the #SOAPBOX!

Release date:27 January 2020 

Wash you hands, wash your minds and wash your hearts! At a time like this, when COVID-19 has become a global pandemic, reaching the shores of Trinidad and Tobago, we can least afford to descend into tribalism and party politics. This moment calls for us to be good humans! Not only washing our hands properly, but helping the most vulnerable amongst us. How we treat with the virus and each other in the weeks to come will determine how far the ripple effects are felt. You may need just enough panic to get things in place and be prepared but definitely not too much panic to the point of paralysis and fear. Remember: only share information from reputable sources! #GetonyourSOAPBOX

Release date:16 March 2020

The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago is acting like that one co-worker that does the bare minimum, but somehow has the time to tell everyone else how to do their job. So, I tell MATT how they could better spend their time to add value to the lives of citizens! Lolol

The letter from MATT regarding the virtual press conferences did not address any of the shortcomings on the part of reporters and media houses that the public has witnessed and complained about during coverage of this pandemic. Instead, in large part it can be characterized only as a shifting of blame.
The letter leads me to believe that:
1. Editors are of the opinion that they are above reproach or should not be “corrected”
2. The MATT at best may be a little misguided in their role and at worst have given up their responsibility of being the independent fourth estate
3. There is some disconnect between public interest and MATT’s interest…

YouthTrinidad and TobagoJournalismSOAPBOXRelease date:17 April 2020 

Having gone through some of the problems and recommendations made by a MATT who, in a ‘wrong and strong’ way is attempting to suggest that everyone else is the problem and not them, we come to a critical juncture in “journalism” in Trinidad and Tobago. MATT, at least from the outside looking in, appears to have missed the perfect opportunity to regulate / professionalize / bring some sort of clarity to what and who passes as a journalist in Trinidad and Tobago. When this country was in the midst of discussions on the Whistleblower Protection Bill and Cybercrime Bill, elements of which the MATT did not support, the MATT did not have the foresight to address the same question they are asking now: who is / should be accredited media…? These issues of media training, professionalism, reporting and accreditation are longstanding. Although it has become glaring over the last month due to increased public attention, these issues are certainly not going away post-pandemic unless addressed.

Trinidad and TobagoYouthCOVID19JournalismReleased by:B.R.U.C.E FoundationRelease date:17 April 2020 

Many of us "non-essentials" have been in isolation for a number of weeks, sheltering from the COVID-19 pandemic. While we were wrapped up in "covidmania" a number of things were happening in our local, regional and international landscape that we should keep our eye on as we exit lockdown and return to some semblance of normalcy. #GetOnYourSOAPBOX.

Release date:4 June 2020 

Failure to acknowledge racial inequality is how it becomes a noose around society's neck. The failure to confront race and racial inequities is why we cannot "move on" from slavery. Systemic racism and racist attitudes must become a thing of the past. The present generation should be at pains to stand up against it.
I share my own experience and thoughts just to say that every experience will be different but that does not negate the collective movement and should not negate the coming together and support. How do we encourage real support and ensured recourse?
#BLM #GetOnYourSOAPBOX!

Released by:B.R.U.C.E FoundationRelease date:5 June 2020 

Hashtags are cute, but concerted ACTION is the only way to ensure change. Some expect that recent Black Lives Matter protests will subside. Even if they were to, I can say with absolute certainty that if these racial injustices are not addressed, we will be back here again. Bob Marley warned us decades ago...everywhere will be war.
I am who I am because of the resistance and revolt of my ancestors. So if you are looking for someone to denounce the protests - you will not find her here! I was born because of blood, sweat, tears, sacrifice and fire...
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX

Released by:B.R.U.C.E FoundationRelease date:5 June 2020 

We’ve come to the end of another season…can you believe it! This is the Season 3 finale! In this episode I give an update on what I’ve been up to, what’s been happening and a recap of this season’s episodes. I also give a sneak peek into what’s to come next season.
Each season, we try to improve on our podcast and this season is no different. We launched our website www.soapboxpodcast.com and our new podcast SOCA or Die!
Thank you so much to our Season 3 guests, listeners and all of you who got on your SOAPBOX for one cause or the other at this time in our history.
While we are off air, remember to STAY on your SOAPBOX! #SBSeason3 #GetOnYourSOAPBOX

Released by:B.R.U.C.E FoundationRelease date:26 June 2020