I regret that I didn't immediately write about my trip to Port of Spain where I attended my first Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) meeting. Because it was also about World Press Freedom, it was an instant lure for me.
While the meeting didn't go as anticipated, I did get to listen to a bit of what was said between people, as in this conversation.
Most of us were late for whatever reason, but once a small group coagulated a lot of things were discussed that I found interesting. Everyone but myself, it seemed, was used to dealing with the brick and mortar institutions of media in Trinidad and Tobago. Because of that, the discussion centered around those issues. While out of my depth, I found it interesting to get to see an exposed underbelly of traditional media in Trinidad and Tobago. It seemed to me that the issues were rather normal for any bureaucracy, and that one of the thrusts of the MATT would have to be dealing with some of those issues. The topic of web media is difficult to ignore, perhaps more so with myself in the room, but it was not the focus. This appealed to me. Understanding the problems others have with their profession is always interesting to me - while it may not apply to me, ever, it is always good to get a feel for the ground when discussing things with others.
And the other reason, of course, is that I like to think over ways to make things better. I didn't have much to offer in that regard, and I expect that I won't, but still - very interesting and thought-provoking.
Now that I'm a member of MATT - I believe I am a 'Temporary Member' under the present Constitution -I'll be participating as much as I can. The new media that is evolving even as I type this has a lot to do within the framework of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the blue ball of water our land masses reside in.
And to put it all in perspective, as I walked outside the meeting I saw a policeman with an MP5 directing someone to move along in his old blue car while his partner was in the periphery.
I live in a country where automatic submachine guns are carried during the directing of traffic... highlighting a need for a free press, professional - and amateur.
Props to Tillah Willah for the outstanding directions in getting there...
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