Of Prime Ministers and Printer's Devils.

Oftentimes, publishers or editors are forced to back-back on something published or broadcast. Why? Because of some error, some slip-up, which, mysteriously, took place twixt the originator of a story item and the print room and which results in the wrong headline, caption, spelling appearing in what is seen -or heard- by the intended audience.

Most of those oftentimes, rather than pinpointing the culpable human, these publishers or editors seek refuge from punishment by explaining away the whatever blooper as having been conjured by an invisible imp. Whom, aptly, they insist is "The Printer's Devil". Whatever!

Considering his modus operandi -never seen, except for his footprint-blooper which flabbergasts everyone- it's safe to proclaim that this Printer's Devil, in turn, is moved by some spirit. Or, as Trinbagonians say: "by vaps".

Just as the Prime Minister is. Yes! The Prime Minister!

Didn't he so fess-up on Thursday Nov 6, 2008, when commenting on his stormy Oct 25, 2008 visit to the 94.1FM head office? Isn't that the only inference from his justifying his behaviour -past and future- by using the words "If the spirit moves me" ? (See "Manning mad at media...PM: I'll go to the courts if aggrieved" by Kyle Jeremiah: Trinidad Guardian, Nov 7, 2008)

What "spirit", Mr. Manning? One like those seen with Benny-Hinnlike eyes? Or, one like those produced by Angostura? Tut! Tut!

It's interesting that the lead-in to Kyle's article was this Trinidad Guardian front page:

At the same time, it's comforting to note that, indeed, that is what it was. For, if the Devil had caught a vaps that day, the below is what, in all probability, instead, it would have been:

Damn good thing, then, that Mr. Jombee didn't breeze through, for his non-appearance spares the Prime Minister the embarrassment of having the courts tell him that, sometimes, the impish Printer's Devil can be right on target.