The Voice Box

Soccer: Soca Warriors Head to Germany The recent qualification of Trinidad and Tobago, for the World Cup to be held in Germany next year, is major milestone for such a small country. They are certain to be the smallest nation represented in this major event. With a population of just over a million people, the locals have every reason to celebrate, because unlike most large countries, attending major international events like these, are a rare event. To put it bluntly, it was only the second time in the last twenty years that the twin islands had a chance to qualify. The other time was on the eve of the 1990 World Cup when they just failed to qualify. For small countries the world of professional sport is a very limited option. A few manage to take their skills abroad, and with experience and determination gradually enter the big league. But for most sportspeople, this rarely happens. Sports for most smaller countries including the Caribbean, is tied to amateur structures which rar

RIOTS IN THE FRENCH REPUBLIC BON MONSIEUR: The aggressive attitude of Monsieur Sarkozy to the rioters will only make matters worse. The riots in France are not only about wanton destruction, but also about a cry for help. The rioters seem to sense that the ideals of the republic are false, if not dishonest. They see no liberty, no equality or no fraternity. They have become disillusioned with French society, and all that is happening around them. Therefore caught in their emotive rage, they feel the need to lash out destructively, causing damage wherever they can. It is very easy to blame scapegoats, or foreigners for the breakdown law and order. But this would simply obscure the reality of French society today. Whatever the politicians pretend, the riots have presented another view of France to the world, and no amount of whitewash will change that. France has to look at the Republic, and consider how far its ideals benefit all members of the republic. Ask any ethnic in France, ra

Michael Jackson: On The Move The trial of Michael Jackson earlier this year reminded us all of how tough life is. Once presumed to be the world's greatest superstar, and proclaimed 'the King of Pop,' he had to face the indignity of a sordid and soul-destroying trial, which must have pushed him close to the borders of insanity. But it was all his own fault, I can hear you say. I am not sure that I agree with you. I think some of it was his own fault. But a lot of it seem to occur because of his celebrity status. The story of MJ can be written in many ways, but whatever the chapters, the start will always be same. Little Michael, and his four brothers leave Gary, Indiana, and becomes a success story. That success story presents 'The Jackson Five' not just to United States of America, but also to the rest of the world, making good music to be enjoyed by all. Eventually MJ leaves the group for his solo outing, and to many, delivers a virtuoso performance on the first a

Harriet Miers: Rise and Fall How quickly things change in politics. One moment it was all Harriet, Harriet Miers was everywhere. Harriet Miers with the President; Harriet Miers meeting and conferring with senators; newspapers and televison were overflowing with stories. And then just as suddenly, she was gone, pushed out by the very conservative groups that she was supposed to represent. Was it too much to expect the lady to be given an opportunity to present her case for being a Supreme Court Justice? It looked that way. Many saw it as a battle of ideology. Never mind her qualifications and experience, was she the right conservative for the job? And the answer to that question was simply no. Was it sexism? Few would want to even discuss this angle. In these times, it is quite fashionable to pretend that true equality has arrived, and that racism and sexism no longer exist. Others highlighted her lack of experience on the bench, as if that was the only reason to oppose her. Yet even th