More important issues than the Red House

THE EDITOR: Having bought in to the Government’s vision — developed country status by 2020 — I’m disheartened by our leadership’s failure to follow through. Nothing is improving.

Blessed with the highest per capita income in the region, Trinidad and Tobago’s state apparatus has been at the door of decay for some time — education is crisis, so too the health sector, national security continues to be under-resourced, our road network is horribly inadequate, public transport is chaotic ... you name it. And nothing is getting better. We are now anticipating significant increases in revenue, and there are very real possibilities for us to achieve measurable improvements in people’s standard of living — a very unique opportunity. Few countries will ever be so fortunate. And what do our leaders do? They announce plans to relocate the Houses of Parliament. What madness ...

I’m not saying the Red House is adequate or that Whitehall is suitable for Prime Minister Patrick Manning. But, there are far more important issues to be addressed before we get to the Red House. If we want to talk about buildings, let’s talk about hospitals, health centres, police stations, courthouses, community facilities, housing ... Look around you Mr Manning. Look at the state of this rich nation: there is real work to be done! What about training teachers: what about refurbishing and equipping health facilities; what about retooling our security services; what about upgrading our infrastructure; what about our state institutions — they all need new technology, improved work processes, and enhanced human resource capability. Unemployment and social relief programmes are a must, but they need to be linked to some form of education/training initiative, and aligned with the country’s development plan. Development isn’t about money; it’s a state of mind. Come on Mr Manning, think! Living in hope.

ANDREW DOUGLAS
Diego Martin