http://trinidadtobago.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://.tigblog.org/post/417051 The youth in my country are crying out for help. Our government does not understand how to deal with youth. They not know how to handle the issues that have been becoming more and more prominent .
AIDS, Teenage pregancy, gang violence, rape, murder, kidnapping, sexual violence, domestic violence,......... everything is on the rise.
I am afraid for my youths.

]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:21:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/417051 http://.tigblog.org/post/368931 Fri, 09 May 2008 19:50:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/368931 10.4166667 -61.4510.4166667-61.45 http://.tigblog.org/post/342541 ]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:31:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/342541 http://.tigblog.org/post/71781 A brief Biography of Swami Sivananda Saraswati
Swami Sivananda Saraswati was one of the greatest spiritual beacons of twentieth-century India. Born on September 8, 1887, he exhibited from the first a total dedication to the welfare of all those around him. Eventually this manifested in the form of a medical degree and a practice devoted utterly to the alleviation of physical suffering with no thought of profit or personal comfort.

This dedication to others expanded into a spiritual fervor that stimulated him to take up the monastic life for the enlightenment and spiritual welfare of the world. After wandering around India in the traditional manner of a sannyasi, he settled in the holy city of Rishikesh in the Himalayan foothills in 1924. Quickly the young sadhu became the focus of unreserved admiration from his fellow sadhus, many of whom he nursed through illness and infirmity, gathering food daily from many sources in order to feed those too feeble to seek out their own food.

In 1932 he started Sivanandashram, and in 1936 the Divine Life Society that was destined to be come a worldwide source of spiritual uplift to mulititudes of all lands. Swami Sivananda wrote over three hundred books and printed many periodicals--all on spiritual life and aimed at all classes of people whatever their level of development might be.]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:37:00 EST http://.tigblog.org/post/71781 http://.tigblog.org/post/51447 In the ninteen fifties, Trinidad Tobago experienced a crisis when the West Indies Federation disintegrated. This federation, was supposed to allow Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados to achieve economic security without assistance from england, the Mother country. Added to that, The West Indies federation, was the initail step toward the three territories (Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados), achieveing joint independence from Britain. However, when The Federation dissolved, the leaders of Trinidad Tobago, Dr. Eric Williams, et al, did not let this impede their colony's quest for independence. The situation encouraged Dr. Williams, to strive toward attaining self government for his country without the co-operation and support of the other territories. In a few years his struggle was rewarded, and the independent nation of Trinidad Tobago, blossomed. If the West Indies Federation had not crumbled, this country would not have had the opportunity to experience true autonomy and also to develop its national identity.]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2006 01:29:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/51447 10.2833333 -61.466666710.2833333-61.4666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/51445 ]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2006 01:11:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/51445 10.2833333 -61.466666710.2833333-61.4666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/51439 I was fortunate to have the oportunity to journey along a few of the many channels and lagoons located just off the Uriah Butler. It was extremely suprising to see how mch swampland exist beyond the mangrove trees, you see just before crossing the Caroni River. Previously, I was under the delusion that just beyond the trees was the sea. Well, now I know.
During the tour, I was awestruck upon realising that this swamp was indeed an intricate ecosystem, where each specie of either flora or fauna contributed to the livelihood of another. Of course I learnt all this in my past geography classes but after witnessing this environment for myself, my knowledge became more relevent.
Among the fauna, I was privileged to observe was the Cascabel or Tree Boa, red crabs, a large caiman, the Little Blue Heron, the Great White Egret, the Cormorant and last but not least, the regal Scarlet Ibis. I was not able to see amy fish, however the guide, Solo, informed the group that the water was rich in mullet, cascadura, grouper and black tilapia. With regard to the flora, there was mangrove, mangrove and more mangrove!!! Red Mangrove, White Mangrove and Black Mangrove; how patriotic. Actually, these trees get their names from the hue of their wood.
Unfortunately, since it is now nesting season, the tour group was not blessed with the spectacular sight of a stand (when a large flock of Scarlet Ibis birds alight on a tree and the entire tree becomes scarlet)]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:59:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/51439 10.2833333 -61.466666710.2833333-61.4666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/42154 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 20:01:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42154 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42152 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:54:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42152 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42151 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:51:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42151 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42150 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:40:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42150 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42148 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:32:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42148 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42147 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:25:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42147 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42146 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:19:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42146 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42145 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:13:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42145 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42144 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:08:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42144 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/42139
Each person reading this has a right to enjoy life to the fullest, but not everyone will take the responsibility to see that the circumstances exist to make that happen. This was the though that remained as I left the woman behind to continue her journey.

On my way to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre the vehicle I was in developed a mechanical problem. (keep reading I'm getting to the HIV/AIDS relevance). So I changed vehicles and sat next to a lady I met for the first time. She asked me how the conference was going. The (enormous) name tag each participant was given was around my neck so it was easy for anyone to ask that question. The familiar enthusiastic response each time a stranger asks this question was automatic, but what followed was unexpected. Only, it should not have been.

She said, "So what you think will change" (because of the conference). This follow up never happened before, although I have thought of what I want to do when I return home, to Trinidad and Tobago. The obvious response, and the one I used was, "the progress will be seen after each delegate and media return to their respective countries (with the information)". I went on to explain, not sure if her composed expression meant she thought the conference was a waste of time. We said goodbye and that was the end of the conversation that has disturbed me since.

Follow me for a moment to analyze the HIV/AIDS problem in one short paragraph. HIV/AIDS turned up on the global health radar twenty-five years ago. Today a record 40 million is estimated to be living with the disease. In addition, half of new infections are among young people between 15 and 24. The epidemic has created its own global citizenship and resides in every region of the world. So we are all either infected or affected (or both) by the changes HIV/AIDS has caused. Still, with all the information the problem of not enough political will, gender, stigma, discrimination and a lack of access to information, education and services remain as barriers. But maybe the biggest barrier to breaking down this disease is INACTION!

You can change this; young people know the issues, as 24 year old Frika Iskandar puts it. She tested positive for HIV when she was eighteen. She is committed to preventing others from contracting HIV. At the same time speaking out in support of those who are living with HIV. The message she was sending: Do something about what’s happing!

Remember, Youth/adult partnerships have proven to work, according to Kerrel from Jamaica. She started a HIV/AIDS care service that has partnered with adults from the beginning. Meet with the government and political figures to get the facts and their help. If young people and the general public feel untouched by the HI/AIDS epidemic get the statistics and show them, is the advice from Melinda, a youth AIDS activist. There are ideas that you can share with online networks. For a start locate others in your area, groups and people interested in the same thing or try youthaidscoalition.org. Whatever you decide, do something!
]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2006 18:13:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/42139 11.1833333 -60.733333311.1833333-60.7333333 http://.tigblog.org/post/31879 GOOD LUCK TO THE SOCA WORRIORS I KNOW YOU HAVE MADE US TRINBAGONIAN'S PROUD AND IN EXTENSTION THE ENTIRE CARIBBEAN.

OUR PARAYERS ARE WITH YOU FOR YOUR GAME ON WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER IN BAHREIN.]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2005 13:52:00 EST http://.tigblog.org/post/31879 10.65 -61.516666710.65-61.5166667 http://.tigblog.org/post/18972 Mon, 23 Aug 2004 20:12:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/18972 10.2833333 -61.466666710.2833333-61.4666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/797 Tue, 04 Sep 2001 07:54:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/797 10.7166667 -61.566666710.7166667-61.5666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/796 Tue, 04 Sep 2001 07:54:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/796 10.7166667 -61.566666710.7166667-61.5666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/795 Tue, 04 Sep 2001 07:53:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/795 10.7166667 -61.566666710.7166667-61.5666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/794 Tue, 04 Sep 2001 07:53:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/794 10.7166667 -61.566666710.7166667-61.5666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/793 Tue, 04 Sep 2001 07:53:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/793 10.7166667 -61.566666710.7166667-61.5666667 http://.tigblog.org/post/792 Tue, 04 Sep 2001 07:52:00 EDT http://.tigblog.org/post/792 10.7166667 -61.566666710.7166667-61.5666667