Of course there must be different versions of the various murders, or we would not be talking about media in Trinidad.
Denyse Renne and Peter Christopher of the Sunday Express tell us: "The victims have been identified as Curtis Garth, Brenton Greene, Adrian Findley and State witness Fulton King...Police have launched a man-hunt for Garth's killer, having gotten a description from eyewitnesses...Around 10 a.m., Garth, who is also known as "Garlic", was inside the San Juan Market, when he reportedly snatched a pair of sneakers and ran off. He was pursued and beaten about the body. Garth, 44, of Rambajan Street, Aranjuez,...".
According to the Guardian, the victim's last name is "Grant", his address was "Rambaju Street", he was accused of stealing celery, the incident occurred at 9:30am and his killer was arrested shortly after the incident.
They add that "When the Sunday Express visited the scene, it was business as usual for vendors and customers." Hopefully this means the information should be accurate, but we are not sure which version we should accept.
Miss Renne and Mr Christopher also tell us of the second victim, Brenton/Brent Greene: "Residents said they heard a gunshot and later found Greene, of St Nicholas Street, Carenage, dead in the car." According to the Guardian, it's just plain Nicholas Street, while the Guardian gives us "Schuller" Street as the venue of the murder, but the Express says it's "Schullere" Street.
Who read the street sign correctly?
Miss Renne tells us the third murder victim was "Fulton" King, as against the Guardian's "Sultan" King, and the fourth victim is "Adrian" Findley as against the Guardian's "Sherman".
Indarjit Seuraj of the Newsday meanwhile tells us the murder victims are Curtis "Grant", "Brent" Green, "Sultan" King and the fourth victim is unidentified. He adds that Grant (who was beaten to death in the market) was from Rambhaju Trace, however the murder took place at 8:30am instead of 9:30, and that Ann Marie Matamoro is the victim's cousin, while the Guardian identifies her as his sister.
In the second incident, Mr Seuraj also places the Carenage killing at "Schuller" Street and the victim lived at "St Nicholas" Street.
Hmmmmmmmm.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
BODY COUNT
It's unfortunate that the killing spree has resumed so soon into the new year, but let's hope the reporters and their editors and producers don't repeat last year's position of just doing a daily body count.
It's interesting that two reporters contributed to this particular story in the Saturday Guardian, yet one of the key details of one of the killings is left out: where it took place. By the process of deduction, we are assuming that it's the San Juan market, but the reporters Leah Sorias and Tabhiry Men Kau Ra don't tell us for sure. We are told that "Police reports state that Grant, of Rambaju Street in Aranguez, San Juan, was beaten to death...It was said Grant had stolen the bundles of celery earlier from a garden in Aranguez, and was caught by the owner. He was confronted and beaten about the head with a piece of wood. He tried to escape the beating, but collapsed and died between two vending stalls. The killing occurred at about 9.30 am, in full view of customers and vendors. Officers of San Juan/Laventille Municipal Police were called in and arrested a suspect."
That's a good enough clue, ent? Why do your readers have to play guessing games with your story?
The other thing about that story that's a bit strange is the juxtaposition of information in the paragraphs.
The above quotation was in paragraph two, and paragraph three reads: "Annmarie Matamoro, Grant’s sister, admitted to police that her brother was a known drug addict...The second murder victim was 27-year-old Brent Greene, of Nicholas Street, Carenage. Reports stated that...".
(Paragraph 4): "Investigations are continuing. About 30 minutes after that shooting, 19-year-old Sultan “Beads” King, of Chafford Courts, Port-of-Spain, was shot to death...".
(Paragraph 5): "Relatives said the teen was a witness in the killing of Kwamie “Butters” Julien, who was shot at Harpe Place, Observatory Street in September, 2007... In another incident, Sherman Findley was at building No 2 Almond Drive, Morvant,...".
Why break the reader's train of thought by juxtaposing two incidents in the same paragraph, when the ensuing information could have very well fit in the same paragraph? Why couldn't the line "Investigations are continuing" fit at the end of paragraph three? None of the paragraphs are so inordinately long that the information had to be broken up like that.
Is that a writing style of the paper or of the particular reporters/editor?
Another thing that struck us was this line in paragraph four: "The killing took place in full view of a CCTV camera."
So bandits and their relatives don't read newspapers? Is it inconceivable that other bandits (who did not earlier know of the location of the CCTV camera) who may be planning robberies/nefarious activities in that area will now be tempted to tamper with the CCTV camera to hide their identities?
We have dealt with this issue before, courtesy of TV6's Fabian Pierre.
It's interesting that two reporters contributed to this particular story in the Saturday Guardian, yet one of the key details of one of the killings is left out: where it took place. By the process of deduction, we are assuming that it's the San Juan market, but the reporters Leah Sorias and Tabhiry Men Kau Ra don't tell us for sure. We are told that "Police reports state that Grant, of Rambaju Street in Aranguez, San Juan, was beaten to death...It was said Grant had stolen the bundles of celery earlier from a garden in Aranguez, and was caught by the owner. He was confronted and beaten about the head with a piece of wood. He tried to escape the beating, but collapsed and died between two vending stalls. The killing occurred at about 9.30 am, in full view of customers and vendors. Officers of San Juan/Laventille Municipal Police were called in and arrested a suspect."
That's a good enough clue, ent? Why do your readers have to play guessing games with your story?
The other thing about that story that's a bit strange is the juxtaposition of information in the paragraphs.
The above quotation was in paragraph two, and paragraph three reads: "Annmarie Matamoro, Grant’s sister, admitted to police that her brother was a known drug addict...The second murder victim was 27-year-old Brent Greene, of Nicholas Street, Carenage. Reports stated that...".
(Paragraph 4): "Investigations are continuing. About 30 minutes after that shooting, 19-year-old Sultan “Beads” King, of Chafford Courts, Port-of-Spain, was shot to death...".
(Paragraph 5): "Relatives said the teen was a witness in the killing of Kwamie “Butters” Julien, who was shot at Harpe Place, Observatory Street in September, 2007... In another incident, Sherman Findley was at building No 2 Almond Drive, Morvant,...".
Why break the reader's train of thought by juxtaposing two incidents in the same paragraph, when the ensuing information could have very well fit in the same paragraph? Why couldn't the line "Investigations are continuing" fit at the end of paragraph three? None of the paragraphs are so inordinately long that the information had to be broken up like that.
Is that a writing style of the paper or of the particular reporters/editor?
Another thing that struck us was this line in paragraph four: "The killing took place in full view of a CCTV camera."
So bandits and their relatives don't read newspapers? Is it inconceivable that other bandits (who did not earlier know of the location of the CCTV camera) who may be planning robberies/nefarious activities in that area will now be tempted to tamper with the CCTV camera to hide their identities?
We have dealt with this issue before, courtesy of TV6's Fabian Pierre.
WIKI-WASHY 6
"PW" has a response for "Trini" on this discussion.
"Trini you need to relax. This is a media blog, stop expecting a smooth ride for all, it's not going to happen. No one attacks you, why sweat your stuff for others...this is a New Year, take it easy for you and others. Don't sweat the small stuff.
"Happy New Year to you."
"PW"
Editors' note: The poster is "PW" not "PH". The error is regretted.
"Trini you need to relax. This is a media blog, stop expecting a smooth ride for all, it's not going to happen. No one attacks you, why sweat your stuff for others...this is a New Year, take it easy for you and others. Don't sweat the small stuff.
"Happy New Year to you."
"PW"
Editors' note: The poster is "PW" not "PH". The error is regretted.
NEW YEAR WISHES 2
Some more kudos for Miss Persad.
"Congratulations Sharmilla Persad over at TV6 on your improvement over the last few months. The last time I saw you did a stand up, you looked very presentable too. As a fan I am asking though that you follow your co-worker Keisha David and relieve yourself of some pounds and yes, a little more vibrancy in the presenting.
"But overall, continue striving for excellence as you have been doing.
"To the poster who complained about this blog being about constructive criticism, please, get with it, this is a media blog, you clearly do not understand the nature of blogs, especially the "Watch Dog Blogs" which this one is, if you are expecting only positive comments on here.
"Keep it real please."
"PW"
"Congratulations Sharmilla Persad over at TV6 on your improvement over the last few months. The last time I saw you did a stand up, you looked very presentable too. As a fan I am asking though that you follow your co-worker Keisha David and relieve yourself of some pounds and yes, a little more vibrancy in the presenting.
"But overall, continue striving for excellence as you have been doing.
"To the poster who complained about this blog being about constructive criticism, please, get with it, this is a media blog, you clearly do not understand the nature of blogs, especially the "Watch Dog Blogs" which this one is, if you are expecting only positive comments on here.
"Keep it real please."
"PW"
WIKI-WASHY 5
Here's another one.
"Dear AD,
I'm Kay. It's clear you have some problems with Ms Dass. You claim to know her. I do too. I actually met her at a hospital. She's a really nice person. Her personality doesn't seem to match what you describe. But then again, I'm sure there are a lot of people who know you AD, who don't like you either. That's life. Get over it. Find a hobby. Maybe you AD should spend less time searching the poor girl, and more time trying to make yourself a better person."
"Kay Hernandez"
"Dear AD,
I'm Kay. It's clear you have some problems with Ms Dass. You claim to know her. I do too. I actually met her at a hospital. She's a really nice person. Her personality doesn't seem to match what you describe. But then again, I'm sure there are a lot of people who know you AD, who don't like you either. That's life. Get over it. Find a hobby. Maybe you AD should spend less time searching the poor girl, and more time trying to make yourself a better person."
"Kay Hernandez"
WIKI-WASHY 4
The 'discussion' on this topic continues.
"OK "AD" or whoever you are: There's a lot of medication out there, and good doctors for people who suffer from paranoia, or paranoid schizophrenia. It's treatable, really. I suggest you maybe see someone for your own good. Your obsession with Shelly Dass is unhealthy. This blog, from what I know is involved with constructive criticism toward improving the media. See a counsellor. Your grouse with her is clearly personal.
"On another note...I'm not sure I like the new Guardian newspaper website. Maybe it's just something new, but I would like to see something a little more dynamic, visually appealing. Speaking of websites however, CNMG's website is really good. I like it. Their set too, has been looking nice. And while I have to admit, as a viewer, I love the girls reading sports lately, as a guy, I just wonder if they're into sport, or just reading it to entice viewers (and me). But like I say, I'm not complaining."
"Trini"
"OK "AD" or whoever you are: There's a lot of medication out there, and good doctors for people who suffer from paranoia, or paranoid schizophrenia. It's treatable, really. I suggest you maybe see someone for your own good. Your obsession with Shelly Dass is unhealthy. This blog, from what I know is involved with constructive criticism toward improving the media. See a counsellor. Your grouse with her is clearly personal.
"On another note...I'm not sure I like the new Guardian newspaper website. Maybe it's just something new, but I would like to see something a little more dynamic, visually appealing. Speaking of websites however, CNMG's website is really good. I like it. Their set too, has been looking nice. And while I have to admit, as a viewer, I love the girls reading sports lately, as a guy, I just wonder if they're into sport, or just reading it to entice viewers (and me). But like I say, I'm not complaining."
"Trini"
NEW-LOOK ONLINE GUARDIAN 3
Here's another comment on the new-look Guardian.
"Hi,
"Someone said the new Guardian website is "very impressive." How so? I mean, seriously, given the eyesore they had up before wouldn't anything they produced be a step up? The new site may be better looking than those of the Express and Newsday, but it is poorly designed and a weak news and online experience.
"I'm especially disappointed given that the Guardian offended us with that former disgrace of a web site for going on 8 years. And after all that, this is what we get? Gee, thanks for the suspense, Guardian. One would think that with a parent company like ANSA McAL you would at least have had the resources to commit to a proper site design. But that's like asking you guys to do proper journalism -- wishful thinking...
"After toying with a Washington Post template in the Beta version that leaked out earlier this year, the Guardian has instead gone for a look closer to that of guardian.co.uk. Proof of this: the logo with all lower-case letters. It resembles the UK Guardian's typography. But therein lies a big problem. The UK Guardian's masthead on the print edition is all lower-case. So that paper's website remains true to its branding, font and all.
"The print edition of the TT Guardian uses a different font and the "G" in the logo is uppercase. So the TT Guardian's website, in its eagerness to ape the UK Guardian's, is off-brand. But does anyone care? Does anyone there even stop to think about things like branding? Ask any serious web designer and he would tell you that capturing the brand is one of the key elements of any design brief. Geez, we can't even get basic stuff right.
"Happy New Year all..."
"Mike"
"Hi,
"Someone said the new Guardian website is "very impressive." How so? I mean, seriously, given the eyesore they had up before wouldn't anything they produced be a step up? The new site may be better looking than those of the Express and Newsday, but it is poorly designed and a weak news and online experience.
"I'm especially disappointed given that the Guardian offended us with that former disgrace of a web site for going on 8 years. And after all that, this is what we get? Gee, thanks for the suspense, Guardian. One would think that with a parent company like ANSA McAL you would at least have had the resources to commit to a proper site design. But that's like asking you guys to do proper journalism -- wishful thinking...
"After toying with a Washington Post template in the Beta version that leaked out earlier this year, the Guardian has instead gone for a look closer to that of guardian.co.uk. Proof of this: the logo with all lower-case letters. It resembles the UK Guardian's typography. But therein lies a big problem. The UK Guardian's masthead on the print edition is all lower-case. So that paper's website remains true to its branding, font and all.
"The print edition of the TT Guardian uses a different font and the "G" in the logo is uppercase. So the TT Guardian's website, in its eagerness to ape the UK Guardian's, is off-brand. But does anyone care? Does anyone there even stop to think about things like branding? Ask any serious web designer and he would tell you that capturing the brand is one of the key elements of any design brief. Geez, we can't even get basic stuff right.
"Happy New Year all..."
"Mike"
Friday, January 2, 2009
WIKI-WASHY 3
Here's a response from the original "poster".
"It's strange that all these people responding to the Wiki-post are so angry about alleged character assassination. Where were all your protests when Denzil Ramdass was being murdered (along with Fabien Pierre) for praising TV6? You must be consistent to be credible, and NONE of you have proven your consistency nor credibility.
"The fact is the Wikipedia profile of Ms Dass is now changed, supporting my view that she did it herself. So if I need to get a life, you all need to get real, and realise that we know Ms Dass can send in many responses in her favour on her own, using fake names. The fact remains she is an amateur and only rated in Ansa McAl's company because she fits the profile. Her journalism skills leave much to be desired, and I googled her and found other people on several other blog sites expressing the same opinion (including considerable annoyance over her nasal voice and her ridiculous batting of the eyes).
"Please, people, real credible news anchors remain Colleen Holder (wherever she is I don't know), Francesca Hawkins, Dominic Kalipersad, Andy Johnson...those folks who know their stuff. So sorry Shelly for offending you with the truth, but maybe your new year's resolution could be to take constructive criticism and seek to improve rather that responding in a purile manner."
"Cheers"
"AD"
"It's strange that all these people responding to the Wiki-post are so angry about alleged character assassination. Where were all your protests when Denzil Ramdass was being murdered (along with Fabien Pierre) for praising TV6? You must be consistent to be credible, and NONE of you have proven your consistency nor credibility.
"The fact is the Wikipedia profile of Ms Dass is now changed, supporting my view that she did it herself. So if I need to get a life, you all need to get real, and realise that we know Ms Dass can send in many responses in her favour on her own, using fake names. The fact remains she is an amateur and only rated in Ansa McAl's company because she fits the profile. Her journalism skills leave much to be desired, and I googled her and found other people on several other blog sites expressing the same opinion (including considerable annoyance over her nasal voice and her ridiculous batting of the eyes).
"Please, people, real credible news anchors remain Colleen Holder (wherever she is I don't know), Francesca Hawkins, Dominic Kalipersad, Andy Johnson...those folks who know their stuff. So sorry Shelly for offending you with the truth, but maybe your new year's resolution could be to take constructive criticism and seek to improve rather that responding in a purile manner."
"Cheers"
"AD"
NEW YEAR WISHES
As the new year begins, we'd like to say congrats to Sharmilla Persad of TV6 who has shown a marked improvement in her voice presentation. We know we have hit you really hard in the past, but that's just par for the course. You can always do better, and sometimes people need a little nudge to propel them to where they should be.
Keep it up.
Your colleague Yolanda (with the Spanish accent) has also shown some improvement in her presentation, although sometimes the heavy accent is a bit distracting. But perhaps voicing that piece on Latin America suits her, makes it seem more authentic?
Anyway, keep it up as well.
On the other hand, sports reporter James Saunders needs to tone it down a bit. We realise you are going for the high-energy feel, but we are sure not even the Energiser Bunny would sound like you do if he had a voice.
On Wednesday evening (December 31st) you gave a round-up of stories, but it was really difficult to pay attention to what you were saying as you were reading waaaaaaay too fast! Slow down! We understand what you are trying to do, but there's also a way not to do it. Please experiment with different speeds and tones to get the effect you are looking for instead of just rushing through the script. This makes it very difficult for the viewer to hear what you are saying and in the end you would have wasted your time and your editor's time because the viewer would have either complained throughout the piece and not hear a word you said, or worse, switched stations.
And finally, Samantha John of TV6 is being missed. One reader told us they would rather look at/listen to Sammy Jo at 7pm rather than Fabian Pierre because he's boring (not our word). Our word is cocky.
Mr Pierre, some of your counterparts including (from CNC 3) Miss Hawkins, Mrs Dass-Clarke, Mr Sant, Mrs O'Neil-Seaton (who all used to sit at your 7pm desk at one time or other) and your boss Mr Kalipersad have loads more experience than you do when it comes to presenting news, yet we never get that cocky, I-know-it-all-you-better-look-at-me-I-am-trying-so-hard-to-be-a-cool-presenter attitude from them. We don't even get that from newcomers Miss Maharaj over at IETV, or the Lee sisters at CNMG, or even former model (who has every right to expect that people should look at him) turned sportscaster Robert Dumas.
The only person we would expect that type of attitude from is Paolo Kernahan of Gayelle, based on his off-beat personality and the nature of his newscasts (including Skews).
We realise you probably think you've hit the media jackpot by moving from midday news to the big lights at 7pm, but as we've advised your colleague James Saunders, tone it down a bit.
By the way Mrs Dass-Clarke, you are not off the hook, as we hope for 2009 that you will no longer, in the words of another blogger, "toss your hair, bat your eyes, and make a lot of (useless) hand gestures (with pen in hand)."
We also hope to see less media musical chairs this year. Reporters hopping from one station/newspaper to the next then trying to high-tail it back to their original place of abode. Neil Beekhee (formerly of CNC 3) did not last long at C News (he actually didn't make much of an impact either); so where is he now? Hema Ramkissoon is no longer at CNC 3. Where is she now?
Managers, we know the talent pool in the local media is limited, but if you offer training and palatable salaries and working conditions to journalists, the musical chairs will be kept to a minimum. You also need to rein in producers/editors who feel the need to put undue pressure on good journalists.
Keep it up.
Your colleague Yolanda (with the Spanish accent) has also shown some improvement in her presentation, although sometimes the heavy accent is a bit distracting. But perhaps voicing that piece on Latin America suits her, makes it seem more authentic?
Anyway, keep it up as well.
On the other hand, sports reporter James Saunders needs to tone it down a bit. We realise you are going for the high-energy feel, but we are sure not even the Energiser Bunny would sound like you do if he had a voice.
On Wednesday evening (December 31st) you gave a round-up of stories, but it was really difficult to pay attention to what you were saying as you were reading waaaaaaay too fast! Slow down! We understand what you are trying to do, but there's also a way not to do it. Please experiment with different speeds and tones to get the effect you are looking for instead of just rushing through the script. This makes it very difficult for the viewer to hear what you are saying and in the end you would have wasted your time and your editor's time because the viewer would have either complained throughout the piece and not hear a word you said, or worse, switched stations.
And finally, Samantha John of TV6 is being missed. One reader told us they would rather look at/listen to Sammy Jo at 7pm rather than Fabian Pierre because he's boring (not our word). Our word is cocky.
Mr Pierre, some of your counterparts including (from CNC 3) Miss Hawkins, Mrs Dass-Clarke, Mr Sant, Mrs O'Neil-Seaton (who all used to sit at your 7pm desk at one time or other) and your boss Mr Kalipersad have loads more experience than you do when it comes to presenting news, yet we never get that cocky, I-know-it-all-you-better-look-at-me-I-am-trying-so-hard-to-be-a-cool-presenter attitude from them. We don't even get that from newcomers Miss Maharaj over at IETV, or the Lee sisters at CNMG, or even former model (who has every right to expect that people should look at him) turned sportscaster Robert Dumas.
The only person we would expect that type of attitude from is Paolo Kernahan of Gayelle, based on his off-beat personality and the nature of his newscasts (including Skews).
We realise you probably think you've hit the media jackpot by moving from midday news to the big lights at 7pm, but as we've advised your colleague James Saunders, tone it down a bit.
By the way Mrs Dass-Clarke, you are not off the hook, as we hope for 2009 that you will no longer, in the words of another blogger, "toss your hair, bat your eyes, and make a lot of (useless) hand gestures (with pen in hand)."
We also hope to see less media musical chairs this year. Reporters hopping from one station/newspaper to the next then trying to high-tail it back to their original place of abode. Neil Beekhee (formerly of CNC 3) did not last long at C News (he actually didn't make much of an impact either); so where is he now? Hema Ramkissoon is no longer at CNC 3. Where is she now?
Managers, we know the talent pool in the local media is limited, but if you offer training and palatable salaries and working conditions to journalists, the musical chairs will be kept to a minimum. You also need to rein in producers/editors who feel the need to put undue pressure on good journalists.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
NEW-LOOK ONLINE GUARDIAN 2
Here's the first comment on the new shape of the online Guardian.
"Hey Martine,
"The new look online Guardian is very impressive. Too bad the quality of the paper is still at an all time low.
I hope the good folks over there at the Guardian are not only superficially revamping their image, but also focusing on finally beating the Express or Newsday (i.e. by better journalism). Anyway...seeing as we have this new look, would it even matter if the Guardian has no stories to place on the website?
I just confirmed that Kyle Jeremiah (who covers politics) left the Guardian. That makes what ....100 resignations in one year?
"We have seen by-lines from Carol Matroo, Indarjit Seuraj, Ms Urvashi Tiwarie (think that's her first name), Jada Loutoo, Anthony Milne, Siewdath Persad and even Cordielle Street, also of the Guardian's sister station CNC3. (We won't even go into how many resignations they have had recently).
"Staff retention guys......is that so hard? Oh and I haven't been seeing Ms Geisha Kowlessar's name for a while. No one I know can seem to confirm whether she left or not. The Guardian is still lucky to have veterans like Francis Joseph and Gail Alexander on its payroll - they should be able to whip up some copy for the new site.
Cheers."
"(KML)"
"Hey Martine,
"The new look online Guardian is very impressive. Too bad the quality of the paper is still at an all time low.
I hope the good folks over there at the Guardian are not only superficially revamping their image, but also focusing on finally beating the Express or Newsday (i.e. by better journalism). Anyway...seeing as we have this new look, would it even matter if the Guardian has no stories to place on the website?
I just confirmed that Kyle Jeremiah (who covers politics) left the Guardian. That makes what ....100 resignations in one year?
"We have seen by-lines from Carol Matroo, Indarjit Seuraj, Ms Urvashi Tiwarie (think that's her first name), Jada Loutoo, Anthony Milne, Siewdath Persad and even Cordielle Street, also of the Guardian's sister station CNC3. (We won't even go into how many resignations they have had recently).
"Staff retention guys......is that so hard? Oh and I haven't been seeing Ms Geisha Kowlessar's name for a while. No one I know can seem to confirm whether she left or not. The Guardian is still lucky to have veterans like Francis Joseph and Gail Alexander on its payroll - they should be able to whip up some copy for the new site.
Cheers."
"(KML)"
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