Greatest danger is our politics

THE EDITOR: Do we benefit from elections, or do we just like to vote? Ironically, we talk about elections, with the belief that they will mitigate all our personal problems and all the social ills that beset us in TT. Unfortunately, in doing so, we never call on any of our ruling Governments, PNM or UNC, to address essential issues like: pipe-borne domestic gas, at the disposal of every home in the country; since we are blessed with an abundance of it.

Next in order of priority is Nationalised Health Insurance — every national in TT should be able to walk into any government health facility, and receive quality health care free of charge; without being asked: who is paying for the “MRI?” Next in line are road facilities: in order to curtail this recklessness that is commonplace on our roads, unwarranted fatal accidents which no amount of police surveillance is able to curb. The only recourse would be a primitive measure — (Singapore style) “governing down” of all vehicles to the max of 50 to 60 (MPH) which is not new to TT. It was implemented in the distant past and is now necessary today. Anyone caught infringing the law should be faced with permanent seizure of his or her vehicle. This could ultimately lead to less vehicles on our roads, if the laws are enforced to the hilt. Draconian action, at this point in time, is what is needed to “rein in” our unrepentant “road hogs.” There is a saying that a country gets the government it deserves; which in common everyday parlance really means: that if we live in a democracy, which I believe we do. It is our responsibility to place in Government socially-committed, dedicated, honest people with integrity to govern us. Not any glib person with a “pulse,” with influential friends, with enormous treasure chests. As a matter of fact, it is about time we put this party loyalty nonsense to rest and start voting with our conscience. If I unintentionally confuse anyone, just take a casual trip to Point Fortin in the rural south and get a “bird’s eye view” of what disadvantaged poor people are experiencing at the hands of ALNG, with full endorsement from the current Government.

The only lobbyist heralding the cause of the people affected by the ALNG is the FFOS. All we are getting from the Government is an occasional extempo calypso rendition, from the elected Point Fortin Government representative. This is for all the residents of Point Fortin to bear in mind, during the next general election. Governments are to serve the needs of the people not the other way around. The greatest danger facing us in TT today with all our prosperity and affluence is our politics. There is certainly too much politics to go around, which is self-defeating. Just to illustrate how politicking has taken over, as a result complicating our lives: If someone is murdered as a result of gang-warfare in Laventille the Minister of National Security and the CoP are called on to resign.  If an Indo businessman is kidnapped in Central; it is viewed as a conspiracy against Indian businessmen. In like manner if doctors decide to call “a sick-out,” there is a hue and cry for the resignation of the Minister of Health. The Minister of Education and the AG share the same fate for all situations even beyond their control as long as they fall under their purview. No Minister is called upon to address problems in his or her Ministry; the clarion call is only for forthwith resignation from their respective Ministries.

Where does this acrimony, insensitivity, indifference and lack of goodwill stem from? Are we really serious? Our coffers are bursting at the seams with revenue, yet we continue to hold the posture of beggars. We are blessed with enormous human resources; yet we continue to experience acute problems in our work-force; needless to say: the World Bank and IMF dictate how best to run our government. Parents as a rule, have delegated the responsibilities of running the home to their children but continue to blame the Government for all that go wrong in our schools and the society; with regards to decadent behaviour, disrespect and flagrant disregard for authority.The local election is now history, so where do we go from here, back to the complacency and dependency awaiting the next election or are we demanding that our politicians seek our interests, not their own interests which is a lust for power.

ULRIC GUY
Point Fortin