Veteran journalist Dominic Kalipersad, who was the face on air during the 1990 attempted coup, says he is tired of retelling a story that continues to be ignored by those in authority.
“I’m tired talking about it. The people at Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT) and at Radio Trinidad, who were held hostage—none of them politicians, only mere workers—were ignored after the attempted coup. No sympathy. No empathy. No recognition for their courage and bravery during the six life-threatening days of trauma. Not even psychological therapy. Not even for their families, who were also traumatised.”
Kalipersad said former TTT head Jones P Madeira, who played a critical role in protecting others, received no formal acknowledgement before his death.
“Thirty-five years later, Jones P Madeira, who put his life on the line to save our lives, died without any official recognition for his gallantry. Raoul Pantin died psychologically compromised. Some others never recovered.”
He questioned the value of annual commemorations if civilian contributions are ignored.
“If the authorities refuse to honour those civilians who stood up for democracy, only offer some annual insincere rhetoric, what’s the point of rehashing hurtful memories,” he added.
“Praise the Regiment, the Police Service, and all the politicians who created an ‘amnesty’ that helped the insurgents go free. They deserve it.
The history will be written without the workers’ stories. We’ll continue to move on with our lives and contribute to our beloved nation without their care. In the meantime, I’m tired of the annual ole talk.”
