PERTINENT QUESTIONS On Varied Issues in Trinidad & Tobago
Could it be possible that our government including the opposition are more interested in their personal image than improving the quality of life for all our citizens? Is it possible that some of our other politicians aiming to replace the government are similarly minded? Perhaps the best way to determine the answer is to question why the simple things that can positively impact our quality of life is ignored.
One can remember the government’s response to State engraved number plates for vehicles in response to security issues raised after the death of Andrea Bharath. They agreed it was needed and would prevent criminals from placing false plates on their cars. Many citizens including my good self, indicated that the technology is used in every developed country in the world including some in the Caribbean and these plates can be made available in weeks. To date nothing has been done in that regard. Why would any government, aware of the availability of these plates, the effectiveness of secure plates in identifying criminals delay the procurement of these plates?
Why would a government aware of the need for citizens to protect themselves from bandits delay the acquisition of pepper spray? Why would any government aware of the statistics of law-abiding citizens owning firearms not encourage citizens to access same as police patrols and the justice system seems to be ineffective in preventing criminal activity?
Why would a government institution amid a rainy dry season impose water restrictions on citizens? Why is there not a sense of urgency in fixing the leaking water distribution system? Why is it not common place for the roadway to be restored after plumbing repairs? Why is the system of approvals for building and land development, getting licenses for business activities and paying government fees so burdensome, complicated, and bureaucratic?
Why should it take decades to access justice in a land with a plethora of legal personnel and a population of less than 1.5 million people?
Why is there more development planned for the western peninsula and nothing in way of an additional roadway in and out of an area that houses the headquarters of our country’s defence services?
Why would any government agree to shut down the country’s main agricultural sector without an alternative plan for food security?
Why would a government aware of the depleting energy reserves not expeditiously invest in alternative sources of long-term income while energy remains the major source of income?
Why would a government aware of the positive impact of tourism, not improve our tourism products especially when we have some of the best attractions in the world?
These and many questions can only lead us to believe that the government and opposition are more interested in political bacchanal rather than issues that concerns the citizens of Trinidad & Tobago.
This leads to the biggest question of all. Why do we the people continue to support them?
God Bless Our Nation.
Steve Alvarez
