Well! We are back for Season 4 sooner than anticipated..because the election bell has rung...sooner than anticipated! We wanted to be on our SOAPBOX for it. This season we have so much in store for our listeners...and our viewers???? Listen to what's coming this season and check us out on our usual platforms: Soundcloud, iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Facebook and our website: www.soapboxpodcast.com #GetOnYourSOAPBOX
Trinidadand TobagoRelease date:27 July 2020
In this three-part special, we chat with Duane Swift about The Picong Party – a platform dedicated to elections in Trinidad and Tobago and data to inform the electorate. We get into how the platform developed, the motivation behind the project, his team and so much more! There is definitely a need and young people are filling the gap!
Part 1/3 #GetOnYourSOAPBOX #Vote2020
www.soapboxpodcast.com www.thepicongparty.com
Check out the video of our chat, soon to be released on Facebook and Youtube.
VOTE2020TrinidadandTobagoYouthSOAPBOXRelease date:3 August 2020
Part 2/3: Picong Party shows us their platform and we get into some of the polling trends in various constituencies! I was so excited, can you tell? This information would definitely help our country to move past (what in my estimation is) lazy political analysis of “tribal voting” into more in-depth research and analysis of how we vote, why we vote and who we support from cycle to cycle. We discuss how and why this data is being collected and presented in one space.
If you want to see us explore the functionality of the website, check out our soon-to-be-released video-cast on Facebook and Youtube!
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX #Vote2020
www.soapboxpodcast.com www.thepicongparty.com
VOTE2020TrinidadandTobagoYouthSOAPBOXRelease date:3 August 2020
Part 3/3: In this final segment we continue exploring the website, looking at the economic statistics that could be used to help the electorate make an informed decision. We explore new opportunities for socio-economic data analysis and explaining it, in layman's terms, to the public. As I said in part 1, data without analysis is sometimes just as dangerous as no data at all! The Picong Party is working to ensure that data is accurate, credible and well analysed.
What's even more useful is that the platform includes the manifesto of all parties contesting the elections. They do so in a matrix-type set-up which allows the public to look at particular policy areas and compare manifestos, side-by-side!
A lot went into this platform and there is definitely more to come! Can’t wait to see how it grows!
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX #Vote2020
www.soapboxpodcast.com www.thepicongparty.com
Check out the video of our chat, soon to be released on Facebook and Youtube.
TrinidadandTobagoYouthSOAPBOXVOTE2020Release date:3 August 2020
With rights, come responsibilities.
Not voting is effectively picking a side anyway... without registering your views.
Historical oppression, voter suppression and active participation – there is always a choice to be made.
Regardless of who you vote for, civic engagement is necessary in this "group project" and passive citizenship must be a thing of the past.
The most effective way to #GetOnYourSOAPBOX is to go out and vote!
SOAPBOXYOUTHTRINIDAD AND TOBAGOVOTE2020Release date:9 August 2020
In this episode, we get an external voice to discuss the result of the Trinidad and Tobago election and provide some political and regional perspectives on the Trinidad and Tobago. We chat about international observers; what is next for the leaders of various political parties; my revelations about politics in Trinidad and Tobago; marginal seats and third parties; and the regional outlook and Caribbean elections this year and those to come.
It’s a long one! So grab a snack!
NB: Data from the Elections and Boundaries Commission was not public at the time of recording, due to recounts taking place in five (5) constituencies.
Episode Guide (to be updated soon):
• Initial reaction to the result
• Third parties
• Voter turnout
• Leadership and what next
• Recounts and Marginal Seats
• Observers
• Regional outlook and elections to come
Look out for the videocast on Facebook and Youtube: SOAPBOX (Caribbean) – for this and other episodes this season!
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX
Elections2020YouthPoliticsTrinidadandTobagoResult2020SOAPBOXRelease date:13 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
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
They call us the silent generation... are we really?
In this intro to SOAPBOX, listeners get the story of why and how SOAPBOX was built. Why do a podcast? Where are youth and who are the youth voices? What are their views? What is the status of youth in T&T? Are we adequately prepared for the future? Are we fearful of youth?
Listeners also get a brief introduction to the host, Bruce and what she hopes to achieve by using this platform.
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX
Release date:15 January 2018
In Part 2 of Episode 2 we discuss gender norms, gender in the workplace, we touch on the pay gap and continue our discussion on what the nomination (and subsequent election) of the first female President of Trinidad and Tobago means for gender parity in our country. #SOAPBOX #WhatGetsYouOnYourSoapbox?
You've made it to Episode 3! In this episode we look at media, public perception and response to media and the overall standard of news and journalism in Trinidad and Tobago. February 2018 was perhaps the worst month for journalism and reporting in this country, but is this the standard we ought to expect and accept?
In this 'The More You Know' segment we discuss the Golding Report, formally known as The Report of the Commission to Review Jamaica’s Relations within the CARICOM and CARIFORUM Frameworks. 'The more you know' is an exposition of facts or information solely for the purpose of elucidation or public education and SOAPBOX will take you through the 33 recommendations of the Commission.
In this Episode, SOAPBOX commemorates International Women’s Day by sharing 8 wishes for women’s development /gender parity in Trinidad and Tobago! What is your wish for women? How do you #PressForProgress? #GetOnYourSOAPBOX
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 the final part of this 3-part discussion we ask our guests about gender parity in sport, whether CPL is helping or hindering the development of WI cricket and do some rapid trivia with these sports lovers! We wrap up discussing integrity in sport and final thoughts from our guests.
If you’re now joining us, don’t forget to check out Parts 1 and 2 when we began our discussion with Jason Haynes and Tyrone Marcus, authors of Commonwealth Caribbean Sports Law. We started by looking at sports and socio-economic development, we looked at sports governance, national and regional sporting bodies, some of the recent cases and more.
Listen to the podcast here!
In Part 2 of this 3-part discussion we continue by looking at sports legislation, anti-doping and the difference between government involvement and government interference in sporting bodies. We could not do so without discussing the WICB and cricket administration. What is the state of sport in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean? Do sporting bodies need more, or less autonomy? Our guests discuss these questions and touch on some of the human rights abuses in sport.
We continue our discussion with Jason Haynes and Tyrone Marcus, authors of Commonwealth Caribbean Sports Law.
Split into 3 parts for ease of listening and bookmarking, in this episode we discuss Sports and the Law. Not only do we discuss the new text ‘Commonwealth Caribbean Sports Law’ with the authors Jason Haynes and Tyrone Marcus, but we also discuss the sporting industry and its development / contribution to Caribbean society and economy.
In Part 1 we talk about their collaboration; their an act of service to the region and professionalization of the industry and improving sporting governance. In the next two parts we’ll throw them some curveballs as they talk about West Indies Cricket, the Thema Williams case, gender parity in sport, Jack Warner, human rights and sport and Anti-doping!
Listen to the podcast here! #GetOnYourSOAPBOX
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
In 2019, TRY! A try is success in itself! I wish you a bright, prosperous, purpose-filled and action-filled 2019.
To all that made 2018 a great year for SOAPBOX; our guests and listeners alike - THANK YOU!
We hope that you will join us on the journey that 2019 will bring.
#GetOnYourSOAPBOX #Try
"The system will always be stronger than the individual...As long as the system remains the same, things will not change".
Aurelio Garcia shares his thoughts on development in Trinidad and Tobago; institutional and policy shifts necessary to bring about that change, and shares some of his experiences working in the public sector here. Chatting with us all the way from Spain, his homeland, Aurelio is an International Trade Specialist who has worked in over 15 countries with international agencies and local governments to enhance trade. He also shares his advice to #YouthinT&T
Did I mention, Aurelio is the one who gave me, Aurelia, the idea to start a podcast in the first place! #GetOnYourSOAPBOX
On Tuesday 6th November, 2018, Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada held a referendum on the islands’ accession to the CCJ as the final court of appeal. Disappointingly, both countries voted to retain the UK-based Privy Council. In this episode, I chat with (future) leaders from around the region: Rosana John (Grenada); and Carlon Knight (Antigua and Barbuda) and we are joined by Rashad Brathwaite (Barbados) and Dalano DaSouza (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). The panel discusses what happened in the islands to result in the “no” vote; why this was the result and where we go from here as a region in relation to the CCJ. In our discussion we tend to the legal, social and political considerations that have brought us to this point and the prospects for accession by other states.
WE ARE BACK for Season 3! Thank you for staying with us on this podcast journey. This season there is lots to talk about and we get the ball rolling in Episode 1. BIG NEWS as well, our website is live!
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