This was so good to read, I just had to put it up on my blog. I think the author has it right on!
DOTISHNESS, like crime, is running rampant in this country these days.
Mere days after the so-called Father of the Nation, Patrick, stood before the Tunapuna masses, and without so much as blinking an eyelid declared that "crime was temporary", along comes Roodal Moonilal — who bold as brass compares the Silver Fox's incarceration at Panday's Pleasure, akin to the sufferings and sacrifices made by Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
What the hell have we the people done to deserve this foolishness?* What could have caused Roodal, a man I once held in high esteem as being intelligent and above party politricks to utter such piffle? I mean to say milking as much political mileage from a silly situation is one thing, but does Roodal not know his history and that it was Panday who decided to stay in jail? In the game of Trini polittricks men and women will say just about anything to score points, after all, we are a great nation of robber talkers. But one would have thought that Patrick's "temporary crime" faux pas would have caused politrickcians to be a bit more careful with what they said especially in the public domain. But I guess we were all wrong. Mooni, if the TV6 news is to be believed — and that is questionable — said Panday's eight-day incarceration at Golden Grove was a struggle against oppression and tyranny and it was similar to the struggles of Mandela and Gandhi. Give me a break!
Now, in my humble opinion, to place politicians and opposition members (even those of the silver fox persuasion) from a third world, back-a-yard country whose leaders and great minds are at best myopic and at worst plain
dotish, in the same hallowed class as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, is not only sacrilegious and obscene, it is looking for jail yuhself.. The world will never see the likes of a Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi again. Panday is ahead of me when it comes to learning Hindi as he was taking lessons at Golden Grove during his self-imposed incarceration. If my supremely inadequate Hindi knowledge is correct, the name Mahatma really means "Great One" or "Great Soul", which was bestowed on a humble fella named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, by a grateful Indian nation after Gandhi's almost single-handed brought down the mighty British Empire's rule over India. Now that is greatness! Nelson, too, had a cause. He spent 27 years of his life locked up and away in Robben Island, breaking stones with a small hammer, all because he stood firm in his belief that all men were equal under God and that Botha and white South Africa had no right to treat black South Africans like animals, denying them rights to land and even simple housing.His humble attitude and acceptance of what was a terrible fate — to be locked away from the world, from loved ones, from family and friends — caused the entire world to stand up and take notice of the atrocities of apartheid. Now that is greatness! Patrick preaching to the masses that he could raise the dead because crime was only temporary — now that is plain dotishness and not greatness. Moonilal and the other UNC players telling people their leader Panday's stay in prison was in the same class of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela — has to be plain dotishness and not greatness on Panday's part. That is dotishness in the extreme and certainly not greatness.
Could you imagine the Silver Fox living in India at the time of the British Raj? Picture Bas turning his back on the luxury of power, doing away with his power suits and Mercedes Benz and instead opting for a humble, simple "Kapre" and walking staff as he leads the masses in a march to the sea to make salt from seawater as a mark of protest against unfair taxes and what not.Picture Oma in simple sackcloth, forsaking the high gloss nail polish and Loreal Deluxe Hair Colouring System and dark Gucci shades, opting instead for a simple Sari and sitting before a spinning wheel with which to spin thread to make Bas' clothes.Oma making sada roti and baigan choka for Mahatma Panday as he reads the Holy Gita, Holy Qur'an and visualises a land free from hate and tyranny. Do you think this could ever happen? Never! I say, the very thought of Bas in sackcloth is just preposterous. And in the words of a certain politician: "That's Insulting!"
The sweet tidings of power is, I am afraid, too great. So what nonsense isthis that people are talking about Bas walking in the same crowd as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela? Undoubtedly, Basdeo Panday will forever stand out in the annals of Trinidad and Tobago politics, but in whose company? Certainly neither Mandela or Gandhi.
And what about dear Patrick? Could you picture Patrick living in South Africa in the days of Botha and the Apartheid? Do you think Patrick Mandela could have the heart (pacemaker included) to sacrifice 27 years of his life in lonely isoloation on Robben Island, solely in the belief that men are created equal? Picture Patrick in simple prison garb — the PNM tie thrown away — and breaking rocks in the hot sun. A vision of Patrick painting stones and pebbles is more possible especially in this CEPEP day and age. But breaking rocks like Nelson Mandela did? Nah! And while poor Patrick is incarcerated on Robben Island, his dutiful wife Winnie Hazel tends to the children and goats wondering if she will ever have the opportunity to make breakfasses for her husband again. Do you think Patrick would have done that? Sacrificed 27 years of life, not to mention the opportunity to run a country's treasury any which way he chooses? Hell no!
I mean, get real people. And Mandela and Gandhi had no choice. They were locked up. Panday on the other hand choose to go to jail. Grand charge! So you see what I mean. Politrickcians too quickly and easily like to equate
themselves with greatness and truly great people who made their mark on World History. And their supporters will go along, ranting and raving without for a moment taking to time actually listen, to hear the rubbish coming out of their leader's mouth. And as for those meddlers — the IRO — who do they think they are? In 1973, when Dr Eric Williams announced his retirement they went on bended knee to beg him to stay. This week they were back at it again rushing up to Golden Grove to beg Panday to go home. If you ask me it was the front page picture of Panday in Wednesday's Newsday looking old and beat up that scared the hell out of them and sent them rushing to his side, not even recognising that the whole episode in prison was phony. I, on the other hand, make no attempt at proclaiming myself great. I am a simple writer with a soft spot for sada roti and weird haircuts. And besides, Ken Mandela or Ken Gandhi sounds damn weird to me.
April 22, 2005
In response to the article "Does distributing condoms in prison condone homosexuality?" which appeared in the Monday 18th April, St. Lucia Star, I sent this letter to the editor. While I have nothing against distribution of condoms in prisons, it is a very simplistic solution to a greater problem of poorly run prisons where sexual violence is allowed to flourish. It was also necessary to address the consistent ill-use of the word "homosexuality" as the only motivation behind every single kind of male-male sexual interaction.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Dear Editor
Star Newspaper,
Do Condoms In Prison Condone Homosexuality or Male Rape? What Is The Difference?
It is heartening that finally pragmatic solutions to addressing the spread of AIDS in our prisons are being discussed. But discussion is futile if we fail to understand the situation realistically. In order to do so, we must start by using the right words to categorize what we say. I find it a little perturbing that the Director of the National HIV/AIDS Programme does not know the difference between “homosexuality” and “buggery”. As professionals we must get our terminology right because we are often the ones educating the public. Let us clarify matters with the correct definitions for the words used in this discussion.
Buggery/Sodomy- This is used to refer to both anal and oral sex, most particularly anal sex practiced by two men, although it can also refer to the certain sexual acts between a man and woman. The word “buggery” is most often used to refer specifically to violent, non-consensual anal sex perpetrated by a stronger, older male on a weaker younger male.
In his comments about the legal and cultural climate of the country with regards to the legalization of sex workers, Jn Baptiste mentioned that, “The argument is whether we should be distributing condoms in the prison and that if we give condoms we would be condoning homosexuality, an illegal act.” Homosexuality is neither illegal nor is it an act. What Nahum Jn Baptiste should have said is “sodomy or buggery” because no one can be arrested for simply being a homosexual, not without evidence that at the time of arrest they were caught in the act of engaging in “sodomy or buggery”. The word “homosexuality” in this discussion has been misappropriated, the correct definition of homosexuality is:
Homosexuality-A psychosexual orientation where a person is attracted to members of their own gender instead of the opposite gender, it is the reverse of heterosexuality. (See The American Psychological Association website)
Of course, many would say, “Well what is the big difference? Doesn’t engaging in sodomy/buggery mean you are a homosexual and visa-versa?” Well to answer in short. No it does not. There is a big difference between sexual orientation and sexual behaviour. Heterosexuality and homosexuality are psychosexual traits, not sexual acts. A particular sexual act in isolation does not indicate sexual orientation. Remember that many people act contrary to their innate sexual orientation. Some do it for money, some to survive but no example is as powerful as the one currently under discussion- male-male sex in prison.
Are the vast majority of the men engaging in sodomy/buggery in Bordelais, homosexual? Are they “attracted only to other men?” Is the sexual activity happening as a result of prison inmates “falling in love or in lust and having relationships?” No. All observations and investigations by professional studies, indicate that most sexually active men in prison are heterosexual, many with common law wives and girlfriends on the outside. Under regular circumstances they would be having sex with women and when they leave prison they will resume having sex with women. According to, “Sex, Sexual Violence and Coercion in Men's Prisons” a study presented at an AIDS in Context International Conference, 4-7 April 2001, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa- very little of the sex that happens behind bars is consensual and even less of it happens between two men who are genuinely “homosexual in orientation” and attracted to or love each other. The study reports “Sex is currency in prison and a crucial component of the intricate systems of power". South African studies (Kola et al, 1997; Community Law Centre [CLC], 1999; Goyer & Gow, 2000” the study goes on to say. “Rape is one of the many forms of physical violence feared or experienced by numerous prison inmates. Although reliable statistics as to the actual extent of the problem are not available, male rape, at least in some prisons, is reportedly a common occurrence. As has been mentioned… rape and gang-rape are reportedly sometimes used both as recruitment and punishment methods.”
Now if you are asking “If the majority of these men are not homosexual how can they perform the act itself? They are rapists. The psychological profile of a rapist shows that what triggers arousal are not their victim but their domination and violence over the victim. A rapist is turned on by their victim’s pain and humiliation. Gender is easily a non-issue because a rapist does not even see a “person” but an “outlet” for taking out his sexual frustrations. In order to survive many men in prison who are too young or weak to compete for power, decide to become the “bitch” of a dominant inmate for whom any hole will do. This self sacrifice is rewarded by winning the protection of the “top dog” from a worse fate, death or gang rape. The submissive role requires nothing more than a long suffering disposition and strong stomach, a homosexual orientation is irrelevant.
Now you might ask, “Why do we need to know all the gory details of prison sex and inmate society?” Well, for the same reason why it is so very important the decision- makers and professionals understand the correct terminology of the words they use. It aids our correct understanding of the situation, without which we will resort to oversimplification and never arrive at the correct solution. Already, we have failed to ask the right questions which are:
How do we expect responsible condom use to work in predominantly non-consensual, impulsive and violent sexual situations? How do we know that when we distribute condoms they will be used in consensual sex and not by sadistic prison rapists? Can this problem be solved simply by offering condoms or is the real solution better prison infrastructure, inmate supervision, isolation of offenders, rehabilitation and protection of the younger weaker inmates? Are we taking steps to improve prison facilities and hold prison guards more accountable for any misconduct?” The study showed, “While the authorities do, on occasion, take steps to prevent abuses, it seems they are more frequently either ill-equipped to assist victims and potential victims, or they are complicit.” It also stated “In cells where sexual activity was reported to be most prevalent, there is less than 30cm space between blankets, and inmates sleep with their toes touching.” I believe the situation in South African prisons mirrors our own and I urge people to read the study. Let us not make the mistake of over-simplification of the issue, passing it off as a “homosexual problem” when it has little to do with the prisoners being homosexual and more to do with a glaring failure to prevent violent rape and sexual coercion.
Do you know what happens to inmates who are victimized sexually in prison when they finally leave? “Psychologists and rape counsellors believe that the pent-up rage caused by these assaults can cause victims, especially if they don't receive psychological treatment, to erupt in violence once they return to their communities. Some will become rapists, seeking to 'regain their manhood' through the same violent means by which they believe it was lost. (Donaldson, 1993- The Rape Crisis Behind Bars)” What makes this situation worse is now HIV is added to the mix when infected ex-cons re-enter society with a trigger happy impulse to vent their anger and prove how macho they are, to overcompensate for the fact that they were forced to be someone’s bitch in prison.
Before we start indiscriminately raining condoms down on our prison inmates, we need to look at what really motivates the non-consensual sexual activity there because as the study stated, “A better understanding of the nature of the circumstances in which sex in prisons occurs is therefore crucial both for the welfare of inmates and in relation to the interests of broader society.” Other than HIV tests, has any investigation taken place at Bordelais to uproot the sociological and organizational roots of the problem? Or are we just going for another quick fix like we always do on this island? Depending on condoms alone to solve the problem is like putting a band aid on a gushing stab wound.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Dear Editor
Star Newspaper,
Do Condoms In Prison Condone Homosexuality or Male Rape? What Is The Difference?
It is heartening that finally pragmatic solutions to addressing the spread of AIDS in our prisons are being discussed. But discussion is futile if we fail to understand the situation realistically. In order to do so, we must start by using the right words to categorize what we say. I find it a little perturbing that the Director of the National HIV/AIDS Programme does not know the difference between “homosexuality” and “buggery”. As professionals we must get our terminology right because we are often the ones educating the public. Let us clarify matters with the correct definitions for the words used in this discussion.
Buggery/Sodomy- This is used to refer to both anal and oral sex, most particularly anal sex practiced by two men, although it can also refer to the certain sexual acts between a man and woman. The word “buggery” is most often used to refer specifically to violent, non-consensual anal sex perpetrated by a stronger, older male on a weaker younger male.
In his comments about the legal and cultural climate of the country with regards to the legalization of sex workers, Jn Baptiste mentioned that, “The argument is whether we should be distributing condoms in the prison and that if we give condoms we would be condoning homosexuality, an illegal act.” Homosexuality is neither illegal nor is it an act. What Nahum Jn Baptiste should have said is “sodomy or buggery” because no one can be arrested for simply being a homosexual, not without evidence that at the time of arrest they were caught in the act of engaging in “sodomy or buggery”. The word “homosexuality” in this discussion has been misappropriated, the correct definition of homosexuality is:
Homosexuality-A psychosexual orientation where a person is attracted to members of their own gender instead of the opposite gender, it is the reverse of heterosexuality. (See The American Psychological Association website)
Of course, many would say, “Well what is the big difference? Doesn’t engaging in sodomy/buggery mean you are a homosexual and visa-versa?” Well to answer in short. No it does not. There is a big difference between sexual orientation and sexual behaviour. Heterosexuality and homosexuality are psychosexual traits, not sexual acts. A particular sexual act in isolation does not indicate sexual orientation. Remember that many people act contrary to their innate sexual orientation. Some do it for money, some to survive but no example is as powerful as the one currently under discussion- male-male sex in prison.
Are the vast majority of the men engaging in sodomy/buggery in Bordelais, homosexual? Are they “attracted only to other men?” Is the sexual activity happening as a result of prison inmates “falling in love or in lust and having relationships?” No. All observations and investigations by professional studies, indicate that most sexually active men in prison are heterosexual, many with common law wives and girlfriends on the outside. Under regular circumstances they would be having sex with women and when they leave prison they will resume having sex with women. According to, “Sex, Sexual Violence and Coercion in Men's Prisons” a study presented at an AIDS in Context International Conference, 4-7 April 2001, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa- very little of the sex that happens behind bars is consensual and even less of it happens between two men who are genuinely “homosexual in orientation” and attracted to or love each other. The study reports “Sex is currency in prison and a crucial component of the intricate systems of power". South African studies (Kola et al, 1997; Community Law Centre [CLC], 1999; Goyer & Gow, 2000” the study goes on to say. “Rape is one of the many forms of physical violence feared or experienced by numerous prison inmates. Although reliable statistics as to the actual extent of the problem are not available, male rape, at least in some prisons, is reportedly a common occurrence. As has been mentioned… rape and gang-rape are reportedly sometimes used both as recruitment and punishment methods.”
Now if you are asking “If the majority of these men are not homosexual how can they perform the act itself? They are rapists. The psychological profile of a rapist shows that what triggers arousal are not their victim but their domination and violence over the victim. A rapist is turned on by their victim’s pain and humiliation. Gender is easily a non-issue because a rapist does not even see a “person” but an “outlet” for taking out his sexual frustrations. In order to survive many men in prison who are too young or weak to compete for power, decide to become the “bitch” of a dominant inmate for whom any hole will do. This self sacrifice is rewarded by winning the protection of the “top dog” from a worse fate, death or gang rape. The submissive role requires nothing more than a long suffering disposition and strong stomach, a homosexual orientation is irrelevant.
Now you might ask, “Why do we need to know all the gory details of prison sex and inmate society?” Well, for the same reason why it is so very important the decision- makers and professionals understand the correct terminology of the words they use. It aids our correct understanding of the situation, without which we will resort to oversimplification and never arrive at the correct solution. Already, we have failed to ask the right questions which are:
How do we expect responsible condom use to work in predominantly non-consensual, impulsive and violent sexual situations? How do we know that when we distribute condoms they will be used in consensual sex and not by sadistic prison rapists? Can this problem be solved simply by offering condoms or is the real solution better prison infrastructure, inmate supervision, isolation of offenders, rehabilitation and protection of the younger weaker inmates? Are we taking steps to improve prison facilities and hold prison guards more accountable for any misconduct?” The study showed, “While the authorities do, on occasion, take steps to prevent abuses, it seems they are more frequently either ill-equipped to assist victims and potential victims, or they are complicit.” It also stated “In cells where sexual activity was reported to be most prevalent, there is less than 30cm space between blankets, and inmates sleep with their toes touching.” I believe the situation in South African prisons mirrors our own and I urge people to read the study. Let us not make the mistake of over-simplification of the issue, passing it off as a “homosexual problem” when it has little to do with the prisoners being homosexual and more to do with a glaring failure to prevent violent rape and sexual coercion.
Do you know what happens to inmates who are victimized sexually in prison when they finally leave? “Psychologists and rape counsellors believe that the pent-up rage caused by these assaults can cause victims, especially if they don't receive psychological treatment, to erupt in violence once they return to their communities. Some will become rapists, seeking to 'regain their manhood' through the same violent means by which they believe it was lost. (Donaldson, 1993- The Rape Crisis Behind Bars)” What makes this situation worse is now HIV is added to the mix when infected ex-cons re-enter society with a trigger happy impulse to vent their anger and prove how macho they are, to overcompensate for the fact that they were forced to be someone’s bitch in prison.
Before we start indiscriminately raining condoms down on our prison inmates, we need to look at what really motivates the non-consensual sexual activity there because as the study stated, “A better understanding of the nature of the circumstances in which sex in prisons occurs is therefore crucial both for the welfare of inmates and in relation to the interests of broader society.” Other than HIV tests, has any investigation taken place at Bordelais to uproot the sociological and organizational roots of the problem? Or are we just going for another quick fix like we always do on this island? Depending on condoms alone to solve the problem is like putting a band aid on a gushing stab wound.
April 01, 2005
Crumpled Paper In Wastebasket
Writer's block! How I loathe thee
For stopping me dead in my line
I stutter and doubt, the page I rip out
Hiding evidence my pen ejaculated prematurely
For stopping me dead in my line
I stutter and doubt, the page I rip out
Hiding evidence my pen ejaculated prematurely
March 07, 2005
PMS Power!
Ladies, I want you to think of all the moments in your life when you came to deep and painful realisations, made dramatic decisions, ended relationships or gave someone who deserved it a good cussing out. Was it that time of the month?
I know we are supposed to be politically correct about these things now and most of you would cringe if someone (especially a female-threatened man) blamed PMS for any uncharacteristic outspokenness or less-than-ladylike behaviour you might display. But I must confess that all my great epiphanies, painful self discoveries or sudden bursts of inspiration are somehow related to my moon cycle. It seems to be the time when I am attuned to subtle frequencies of emotional vibrations. I can suddenly "pick up" vibes from people I never picked up before- the hidden sadness behind a co-worker's boastful retelling of their weekend; the purposeful tactics my lover uses to dig at my heart; the unhealthy threads holding weakening patterns of behaviour together. It all becomes so clear. For no reason, I get strong attractive or repelling reactions to certain people. It is also the time when my lover and I have had our most violent (in words and emotions only) fights and thus also identified the biggest problems looming beneath the surface of what is otherwise a leewardly calm relationship. I know I am not the only woman this has happened to.
Something tells me that if you were to keep a journal of your thoughts and your relationships with others you will see some very interesting developments happening in your life around your period. Ancient religions that revere the Goddess see a woman's menstruation as a time of power and renewal. Indeed, I find that it is often a time when I get rid of a lot of garbage, not just the blood itself but emotional garbage and spiritual garbage. Could this be that this natural "purge" is one of the reasons women live longer and can endure more emotional hardship than men usually can without resorting to suicide, violence or other forms of anti-social behaviour? Surely then, having your period is no curse, but a blessing. Indeed after the discomfort of the first two days, I find myself strangely light of heart, full of energy, sexually charged, creatively inspired and deeply motivated.
Wouldn't it be something if society started celebrating this time as a time of increased sensory awareness, emotional healing and renewal. Imagine if employers saw the monthly adventures of female employees as a plus instead of a negative-"Oh if you need someone with KILLER sensitivity to the emotional impact of this ad, call Joan, she's PMSing!" or "Lisa just came back from her one day mini-menstrual break and she now has the mental strength of ten men, give HER the extra work load." Can you picture a band of female vigilantes who got together during their PMS time to channel all that agitation and violent rage into neighbourhood security patrol. It sounds silly now, but women being placed in seclusion to use their special powers for the benefit of the entire tribe, during this time is not unheard of. PMS can be an asset. We just have to re-learn how to tap into it.
I know we are supposed to be politically correct about these things now and most of you would cringe if someone (especially a female-threatened man) blamed PMS for any uncharacteristic outspokenness or less-than-ladylike behaviour you might display. But I must confess that all my great epiphanies, painful self discoveries or sudden bursts of inspiration are somehow related to my moon cycle. It seems to be the time when I am attuned to subtle frequencies of emotional vibrations. I can suddenly "pick up" vibes from people I never picked up before- the hidden sadness behind a co-worker's boastful retelling of their weekend; the purposeful tactics my lover uses to dig at my heart; the unhealthy threads holding weakening patterns of behaviour together. It all becomes so clear. For no reason, I get strong attractive or repelling reactions to certain people. It is also the time when my lover and I have had our most violent (in words and emotions only) fights and thus also identified the biggest problems looming beneath the surface of what is otherwise a leewardly calm relationship. I know I am not the only woman this has happened to.
Something tells me that if you were to keep a journal of your thoughts and your relationships with others you will see some very interesting developments happening in your life around your period. Ancient religions that revere the Goddess see a woman's menstruation as a time of power and renewal. Indeed, I find that it is often a time when I get rid of a lot of garbage, not just the blood itself but emotional garbage and spiritual garbage. Could this be that this natural "purge" is one of the reasons women live longer and can endure more emotional hardship than men usually can without resorting to suicide, violence or other forms of anti-social behaviour? Surely then, having your period is no curse, but a blessing. Indeed after the discomfort of the first two days, I find myself strangely light of heart, full of energy, sexually charged, creatively inspired and deeply motivated.
Wouldn't it be something if society started celebrating this time as a time of increased sensory awareness, emotional healing and renewal. Imagine if employers saw the monthly adventures of female employees as a plus instead of a negative-"Oh if you need someone with KILLER sensitivity to the emotional impact of this ad, call Joan, she's PMSing!" or "Lisa just came back from her one day mini-menstrual break and she now has the mental strength of ten men, give HER the extra work load." Can you picture a band of female vigilantes who got together during their PMS time to channel all that agitation and violent rage into neighbourhood security patrol. It sounds silly now, but women being placed in seclusion to use their special powers for the benefit of the entire tribe, during this time is not unheard of. PMS can be an asset. We just have to re-learn how to tap into it.
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