This seem to be a season where leaders are resigning or being changed for reasons beyond their control. Societies are hoping that the next leader will be the answer to their problems. In Trinidad & Tobago there seem to be the view of some that if we change the present leadership things will get better. I sometime wonder if the era of social media and unrestricted communication has led us to believe that among us are superheroes capable of turning things around and making our lives better. I do not subscribe to that school of thought.
I think of myself as the kind of leader that would allow the best from among us to realize their ultimate potential, which would unite our communities into areas of self-reliant competence that would improve the economies, infrastructure and essentially the quality of life for every citizen. The leadership challenges that we face in Trinidad & Tobago are not much different from that in other countries. The failure of leaders comes from levels of narcissism, self-importance, and a deep hunger for power. That kind of leadership is exceedingly autocratic and results in large numbers of people feeling dis-enfranchised.
Trinidad and Tobago must do a major clean-up of its environment. There is an urgent need to ensure that every community, every street is a safe place for all our people to walk safely. Our youths must be inspired with new hope that allows for economic development in a very safe environment. That would require new opportunities for sustainable employment, aggressive development in sports, an elimination of the drugs and gun culture and the peaceful interaction with youths in other communities.
Another major challenge are our infrastructure inefficiencies. Water management, road maintenance, maintenance of public buildings and a major initiative in public landscaping.
There is the challenge of intrenched corruption and illegal activities. From squatting and illegal quarrying to public servants impeding justice. There are bribes and payback to major public officials for opportunities to access State services.
Then of course there are the economic challenges. The need for a strategic long-term plan for restructuring the economy. These would need to incorporate novel approaches to agriculture, tourism, sports, health services, education, technology, and modern business practices.
Any one person who feels that he can fix all this by him or herself is not facing reality and election to office of persons with such claims can lead to social disorder. Trinidad & Tobago has the personnel to lead us in every field thar requires levels of expertise to excel.
Some of these persons reside locally and others live abroad. It is incumbent of the next leader of this Nation, whom I hope would be me, to gather our most significant resource, our people, together to execute our rescue and development plan. Every village, every town, every creed, and every race must live the dream and ensure a better tomorrow for all.
God Bless Our Nation.
Steve Alvarez