We TV

I did not intend to write about Deborah, but I could not let her passing go unmentioned.

The news hit hard, but caused a stream of thought starting with her quiet strength, progressing to the importance of solid journalism, and finally to the meaning of media for our nation.

So, I smiled when I heard that TTT will be revived, because the issue of local television is part of that flow of ideas; it is part of the history, ideology and sense of purpose that are bound up with Deborah. In 2016, I wrote that “I have always thought that it was a strategic error to get rid of brand TTT … a limited vision for what it could mean for our society, effectively neutralised a serious weapon in our social defence.” But what are we supposed to be defending? Over the past two weeks, in our Theatre and Carnival Arts camp, we explored local cultural forms as part of our quest to better understand who we are.

The young people were exposed to games, stories and play. In one session, even the grown-ups were singing Miss Mary had Some Fine Young Ladies, Brown Girl in the Ring, Do you know Mr John Boulay? and Allé muen ka al lé.

However, for many of the young people, the games, the stories, the “Crick Crack!” were alien concepts, while the knowledge about Carnival beyond bikinis and feathers was limited.

For two weeks we worked with them, eventually getting them to put down their tablets and other electronic devices and move outside their comfort zones.

But after the camp, they will go back to their solitary entertainment centres and virtual worlds.

An institution like TTT should be at the forefront of penetrating these worlds, infusing them with engaging and easily accessible local alternatives.

We talked about all of this with Deborah, the need for a clear vision and philosophy for how media should impact and drive nation building. The concepts of vision and philosophy are critical, because even though TTT and then CNMG were supposed to champion images of “we,” it may be argued that the people at the helm lost their way.

Yes, there was some local content like the early iconic programmes with personalities like Aunty Hazel, Allyson Hennessy and Sham Mohammed, and later with the rebranded station; but the mandate to enlighten and empower did not capture the imagination of the people as it did in those early post-independence days.

So, how to do this, how to harness our talent and resources and use the media to inspire? The name is an important start.

It goes to the core business of the station, that is, creating television for the people of TT.

Local films are being made and smart phones are used to create commentary on everything from the environment to labour issues.

There is a growing animation capability, live performances, and across communities people continue with their festivals and indigenous events. So, in 2017, the content is there.

In her own quiet way, Deborah was a fighter, with her sharp mind and peaceful smile. She is no longer in pain, but I feel sure that she is still smiling, in anticipation of what is to come.

Dara Healy is a performance a r t i s t a n d founder of the N G O , the Ind i g e - n o u s Creative A r t s Network – ICAN