Debating ‘Politics and the People’ at The Writers Centre

What is the relationship between T&T’s elected politicians and the voting public, and how has this changed over time? What can we learn about political leadership from biographies and even works of fiction? What lessons of the political past should we ponder as we imagine the nation’s future directions?

These and similar questions will be on the table in an upcoming “Big Ideas” discussion hosted by the Bocas Lit Fest at The Writers Centre on August 24 from 3.30 pm.

According to a release from the Bocas Lit Fest, Bridget Brereton—Professor Emerita of History at the University of the West Indies in St Augustine, and author of a new biography of T&T’s fourth prime minister, Patrick Manning—will be joined by Independent Senator and Managing Director of the Lloyd Best Institute of the West Indies Sunity Maharaj.

Their conversation will be moderated by Franka Philip, journalist and co-founder of the media company Trini Good Media.

“The month of August begins with commemorations of Emancipation and ends with T&T’s Independence anniversary,” says Nicholas Laughlin, festival and programme director of the Bocas Lit Fest.

“It’s a good moment to consider questions about the state of our governance and democracy, about those we elect to lead us, and we who exercise the power of the ballot box every five years. And, given the importance of books and authors here at The Writers Centre, a crucial part of the conversation must be the role of historical research and writing in shaping our sense of individual and collective leadership.”

“Politics and the People” is a free event, open to all, with an opportunity for audience feedback and input. Paper Based Bookshop, located at The Writers Centre, will be open before, during, and after the event, with copies of Brereton’s biography Manning: Faith & Vision available for purchase, along with other books.

The Writers Centre, 14 Alcazar Street, St Clair, is the home of the Bocas Lit Fest, Paper Based Bookshop, and a branch of Full Bloom Coffee. A regular series of free events celebrating books and writers—including readings, discussions, launches, and workshops, for all ages—runs year-round.

Visit bocaslitfest.com or @bocaslitfest on social media for more information.

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