Trinidad and Tobago’s first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams. in his introduction to the London edition of the History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago wrote in Page V11 that the History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago will, it is hoped, explain to people the policy, simply stated, “to remove the vestiges of colonialism and change the colonial pattern and mentality in every sphere”.
Today, 60 years after Independence on August 31, 1962, one can say that the colonial system really served the populace well, when considering that at the time of Independence on opening the water pipe, one was sure of a glass of clean, clear water, to take a Phensic costing four cents, or a Cafenol costing five cents, but today one will be very lucky to get a glass of water to take a Panadol.
After probably trillions of dollars spent on WASA, there is no hope as the entire country keeps complaining about the lack of water. Our road system is in a deplorable, very deplorable condition with potholes, craters, depressions, broken bridges with no railings, landslides and only promises are made but we will not see any action, probably not in this generation. Floods throughout the country continue to torment the landscapes.
A valid suggestion for the Minister of Tourism is that when tourists visit our shores as a tourism destination, they should be taken to see the bad and irreparable road system, and then lead them to Trinidad Asphalt to show them that pitch from this venue paves the world over. For example, the Brasso Caparo Road is a danger spot in need of urgent repair works.
The Environmental Management Agency remains sleepy; reports to that agency remains unattended, despite glossy TV ads highlighting its virtues. Crimes, in all fashions, are the talk of the town. There is an urgent need for continuous discussions, talks, snd meetings with the citizens
The whole system of governance is not fully geared to maintain its independence as proclaimed by the founding father of our nation in 1962. Health, national security also needs serious attention.
The future of Trinidad and Tobago is not in capable hands as this government has not kept up to its promises in their manifesto. There should be a law to charge all political leaders with contempt for failing to edict their promises. Accountability must become the hallmark of our politicians.
Probably, there should be a commission of inquiry in the whole gamut of governance. The omens are visible to see. These omens do not give us hope but only gloom. The country is in total disrepair, and all we get are promises, promises and more promises.
What would our leaders tell our school children, from kindergarten to tertiary. Governance of a country is abusing the opposition and the citizens! It is being responsible by solving the problems confronting the nation.
Our leaders must reflect on the pathway our nation is traversing before it is overly late. They have all the power and authority in their hands. If this is not done, we all would become a nation of people submerged with lack of integrity and faith in our leaders. As it stands, we are heading into the abysmal precipice. Constant conversations with the populace would help, not talking down to the populace with foul and unparliamentary words.
Are we waiting on the Second Coming of an Avatar?