Trinidad and Tobago has been on the receiving end of some not too good publicity in recent time, and some might say it’s all good, after all, as the saying goes, ‘all publicity is good publicity,’ but, is it really? Do we want our nation to be viewed by prospective visitors in a negative way? How’s this for a slogan: “Come to Trinidad and Tobago. Nicki Minaj’s Cousin’s Friend Experienced Swollen Testicles Here after Being Vaccinated!”

There are some things that really aren’t worthy of International recognition. Wouldn’t you agree? We could really do without that kind of publicity. 

Well, as if the Nicki Minaj debacle weren’t enough a couple weeks ago, Trinidad James – another Trinidad and Tobago born international rapper, on launching his brand new sneaker line and showcasing it via social media, told fans that the sneaker’s sorrel red colour was inspired by “the hibiscus, which is the national flower of Trinidad and Tobago.” He got that so wrong. Folks, in case you didn’t already know Trinidad and Tobago’s national flower is The Chaconia. The rapper admitted to his blunder and light heartedly said, “I appreciate a Trinidadian because a Trinidadian will hold yuh accountable for your mess, or when you are acting an ass.”

James went on to state that the sneaker’s creation had nothing do with the Chaconia but rather, because of his love for Trinidad’s sorrel drink, there was indeed some inspiration from the Hibiscus, as that’s the flower from which the drink is made. Now, while we refer to the sorrel plant as simply, Sorrel in T&T, the plant is actually named, Roselle and it is a species of Hibiscus that is native to Africa. It was in the 16th and early 17th century that it spread to the West Indies and Asia, respectively.

So, out of all of this, many of us may have learnt a little something. The Sorrel is indeed a member of the Hibiscus family and despite his blunder about our National flower, Trinidad James may not have done us too bad in his effort to rep for his country, Trinidad and Tobago in the delivery of his new sneaker collab with Saucony, created by his company, HOMMEWRK.