5 Fantastic TEDxPortofSpain Talks you must watch today

By Analise Kandasammy

Feel like getting inspired, motivated or just looking for a feel-good cry? Then look no further. There’s no better way to start your day than with a fresh cup of coffee and a nice TEDxPortofSpain talk to make you feel ready for your day.  Or even watch a few to get through the afternoon slump at work, or take ’em all in later. We guarantee you’ll be in awe!

So sit back, relax and get ready to listen to some of the most courageous and fascinating people in Trinidad and Tobago.

Did we miss one that you love? Share it with us in the comments.

1. Christopher Laird: History and Dreams (and everything in between)

Think you know Caribbean history? Think again! Christopher Laird shows us that a vital part of our history has been removed from our school textbooks. A powerful talk on the origins of Caricom, why it failed the first time and what happens when we are asked to dream other people’s dreams. This talk received a standing O from the audience in 2012.

2. Debrah Lewis: Why fathers should be present at birth

In a world where absent fathers have become somewhat of a norm. Debrah Lewis provides viewers with some very insightful comments into why fathers might be absent throughout the life of their children. In this talk she outlines the role of the father in the childbirth process and the shortcomings of a system that does not offer fathers with opportunities to be fully engaged parents from birth to adulthood. We ask fathers to be involved in the life of their child, but deny them the right to be at the starting line, the birth. This talk asks to rethink the role of masculinity in the childbirth experience.

3. Nzinga Job: Love, rape and sex — confronting the dark places on the journey

Get out the Kleenex, this one is a definite tear jerker. Nzinga’s story is well known as being a victim of rape as a teenager. She courageously speaks out on how that horrific experience shaped her relationships with men, sex life and her self-esteem. But all is not lost; a beautiful story of self love and forgiveness emerges giving us all hope that dark places can be travelled spiritedly.

4. Erle Rahaman-Noronha: Bringing nature home

In this talk Erle Rahaman-Noronha demonstrates our impact on the environment, and how this in turns ‘re-impacts’ us. He also demonstrates how good farming practices can transform our landscapes. His very humble and enduring talk leaves the viewer with pertinent food for thought.

5. Gabrielle Hosein: If I were prime minister — ending sexism and homophobia

This talk encourages us to envision a world of equality by reflecting on our responses to the notions of sexism and homophobia. It inspires you to consider that “you are either for equality for all, or you are not for equality at all”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuvU3-4AEqw&index=8&list=PLx_eLtYz82GkkvNEuWq5UYtdzGet5zYre.