Dear Editor,
The images are depressingly contrasting. Thousands of boats with high powered engines on racks or packed in rows in our marinas and yacht clubs. Luxury cars, SUVs, and trucks on our nation’s roadways. Luxury houses perched on our hills and in gated communities with pools, play areas and every possible modern appliance filled with more food than is necessary for the occupants. Bars filled with a variety of drinks and recreation areas with surround sound systems and huge television screens.
On the other side of the fence are dilapidated structures balancing on poor foundations, unable to withstand any severe weather condition, families packed in small rooms, many without proper beds. Family income based on daily endeavours, mainly dependent on employment or grants from government. The food supply uncertain, sometimes, just enough for a week. The general diet unhealthy. Water supply sporadic.
These contrasting life structures exist in a country with poor roads with no structured system of maintenance. Poor landscaping, that demonstrates a lack of national pride. Communities that are allowed to rummage through the nation’s dumps and have their youths plunge into criminal gangs for survival or service the privileged by washing their car windscreens for a few dollars.
This scenario existed regardless of which of the two major political parties were in service. Promises made at election are quickly forgotten as the people never voted for a plan, they simply voted for their race to be the one in service. The Country never ever came close to reaching its best potential. Foreigners simply visited, took control of the energy resources, pay token taxes, and move on. Meanwhile, that wealth that emanated from little or no input from the elected officials is spent on mega projects that benefit party financiers and token grants and payments to party supporters through dehumanizing projects like CEPEP and URP.
Will the people ever wake up to recognizing the benefits of uniting for a cause rather that a race? Would they recognize that soon the little we have would be gone and there is no plan for survival outside of contributions from foreigners that continually exploit our limited natural resources.
Recently Angostura boasted of limited rum for sale at approximately $20,000TT per bottle. Yet no one ever thought that past governments destroyed our sugar industry and consequently our unique rum industry. Like puppets on a string, we simply shake our heads in agreement with decisions that are destroying our country.
If Trinidad & Tobago is to be saved, we need our best people to come together now. Unite and present a viable alternative to the major political parties that has led us to where we are now. I am calling on all our patriots to think about our families, our communities and our own lives and rid ourselves of the destructive attraction to racial voting patterns. We have the power in our hands to institute real change.
God Bless Our Nation.
Steve Alvarez
