By Swami
In Trinidad and Tobago, it seems that no matter what the government does, there is always someone ready to complain. Every measured, practical, or forward-looking decision somehow becomes a source of outrage.
The government takes steps to protect the nation and its citizens: collaborating with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking, installing radar systems to monitor airspace, empowering citizens legally against home invasions, controlling noise pollution during Carnival, and revisiting long-delayed national development plans. Public servants receive fair wage adjustments, and measures are introduced to protect national security online. Investments are pursued abroad, and housing irregularities are exposed to protect transparency.
Yet, for every one of these actions, the response is predictable: criticism. Too much secrecy, too little consultation, too bold, too cautious…sometimes, it’s hard to even keep track.
The reality is simple: effective governance is not about pleasing everyone all the time. It is about taking decisive, practical steps that protect and advance the nation. When the previous administration distributed empty promises or symbolic gestures, complaints were fewer. Today, when tangible measures are implemented, there is outrage at every turn.
Citizens will enjoy the benefits of sound policy whether they approve or not. But public discourse must move beyond reflexive criticism. A country cannot legislate against ignorance, short-sightedness, or contrarianism—but it can, and must, act in the best interest of its people.
If we continue to focus on trivial objections rather than the substance of policy, we risk undermining progress for the sake of appearances. It’s time we measured governance by its results, not by how loudly we can complain about it.