I am a writer and media producer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Follow me on Twitter @JanineMFranco.
Latest posts by Janine Mendes-Franco
A secondary school in rural Trinidad hopes that community-based acts can help combat the climate crisis
Student Kacey Brown said the initiative encouraged them “to make the change [...] so that one day we can achieve a disaster-free future” – but that future also hinges on broader issues.
Americans voted and the Caribbean has reacted
The outcome of the 2024 American presidential election has Caribbean netizens wondering about what Trump's upcoming second term in office might mean for things like immigration, trade, tourism, and climate cooperation.
A venue debacle at cricket's Caribbean Premier League shines a spotlight on how ‘the biggest party in sport’ is run
The fact that the floodlight failure happened at all left commentators incredulous, [and] the timing of when the lights were restored made the eventual result even more controversial.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley lays global issues bare in a stunning speech at the UN
The climate crisis. Neocolonialism. Reparations. Inequity. War. Justice. Peace. Was there anything Prime Minister Mia Mottley didn't cover in her address to the United Nations' General Assembly?
Trinidad & Tobago renames its premier performance auditorium after trailblazing pianist Winifred Atwell
In reassessing the ways in which colonial narratives continue to be upheld through statuary and other symbols, renaming the beloved performance space for a native daughter has been well received.
Why aren't Caribbean artists better funded?
A series of recent, sizeable grants from a US-based arts and humanities foundation has regional artists hoping that this endorsement will inspire regional financial investors to follow suit.
Roy Cape, whose music provided the beat of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, dies leaving a precious legacy
While some described Cape as “the Duke Ellington of calypso,” he had his own signature style and was always completely himself, leaving a unique stamp on the region's musical identity.
Guyana's Sir Shridath Ramphal, esteemed international statesman, dies at 95
"[Some men] have become famous because in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the entire world as their theatre. Shridath Ramphal is one of those men."
World Steelpan Day acknowledges Trinidad & Tobago's national instrument, while a new film on panyards shows its power and potential
After Trinidad and Tobago passed a Bill to make the steelpan the country's national instrument, the film “Panyard Universe” looks at where panyard spaces have the power to take us.
Barbados’ decision to give outstanding centenarians its stamp of approval is just one way the country honours its elders
Barbados has long-standing traditions of celebrating the elderly and making them feel special and included, yet elderly abuse is a pressing concern.
Two women athletes have just earned St. Lucia and Dominica their first ever Olympic medals
St. Lucia's Julien Alfred swept her way to a convincing and memorable victory in the 100 metres, while Dominica's Thea LaFond also brought home gold in the women's triple jump event.
The Caribbean marks Emancipation Day
"Today, we remember and honour our ancestors’ courage and determination to break free and build towards a better future where there is fairness, equality and opportunity present for all."
After devastating the Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl has been downgraded, but can continue to bring ruin
The death toll from Beryl is estimated to be at least seven people thus far, surprising give the level of ruin to infrastructure, buildings, and the natural environment.
Waiting for Beryl in Jamaica
"I know this from hurricanes past, trees will fall, hillsides will come down, the coastline will be redrawn. And there will be damage, maybe even disastrous damage, to the [island]."
As Jamaica braces for a direct hit, relief efforts have begun for islands shattered by Hurricane Beryl
Weather experts may be fascinated by Beryl's exceptionality, but those who have been routinely battered fear that all the factors that make Beryl stand out may well become the norm.
Nigeria-born writer and academic Funso Aiyejina, who had a lasting impact on Caribbean literature, has died
"Tireless" in his contributions to promote Caribbean literature and himself a prizewinning writer and beloved teacher, Aiyejina trained many leading contemporary Caribbean writers.
Hurricane Beryl continues to leave its mark on the Caribbean
The hurricane is currently moving in a west-northwesterly direction at a pace of about 32 km (20 miles) per hour.
Beryl, the first major storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, has the Caribbean's Windward Islands in its sights
Even as some social media users focused on “hurricane history” being made, Caribbean netizens were feeling deeply anxious.
A message from a Jamaica-born Briton on Windrush Day
As victims still wait for adequate compensation, the ongoing fiasco has prompted calls for a public inquiry into the UK's repatriation policy.
Trinidad & Tobago's arrest of Canadian vlogger ‘Chris Must List’ raises questions about much more than the law
Hughes was formally charged with “publishing a statement with seditious intention” under the country's Sedition Act, which many feel is a stretch.
On World Press Freedom Day, the planet and Palestine are on the Caribbean's radar
Some regional statements on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day stayed on the climate crisis theme, while others focused on the crisis in the Gaza Strip.
