FOMO and a Railing at a State Funeral ^{CEFR B2}

FOMO — the fear of missing out — is now a familiar idea in Trinidad and Tobago. The writer first encountered it after visiting the DDI, where an energetic toddler stayed awake to avoid missing any activity. Health experts say adult FOMO often comes from the belief that others are enjoying themselves more, and that anxiety can prompt people to take conspicuous actions to avoid exclusion.

On Monday January 9, at the state funeral of a former prime minister, a former finance minister climbed over a railing at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts and spoke to reporters as she did so. A clip later showed another politician following her and scaling the barrier. Footage did not show them as visibly grief-stricken, and observers asked whether such behaviour suits solemn occasions.

Commentators debated motive and manners, noting that social status affects public reaction. The woman has recent political history: she challenged party leadership in December 2022, resigned from the party in August 2023 saying democracy was "under threat," and later joined the other politician's fledgling party. The incident generated many memes and questions about whether uninvited people should attend family-approved state events, or whether quieter responses — for example leaving and sending a sympathy card — would be better.

• Questions about protocol and security arose
• Online reactions ranged from criticism to humour
• Organisers have not announced changes to guest lists