2020 here we come

THE EDITOR: To hear the unending litany of woes streaming ceaselessly from our homegrown prophets of doom and gloom one might believe that this land of ours is hell. Their lack of vision imperils the progress of those they would lead. These alarmists deliberately walk in darkness: they refuse to see the light. There are none so blind as they who would not see. Prime Minister Patrick Manning in his address to an LNG Ministerial Summit in Washington, DC noted facts, which our professional pessimists should take to heart. Mr Manning assured his audience that his administration is dedicated to using the rich national endowment of LNG and other assets to generate real economic, social and human benefits for all the citizens of our country.

He did not stop there. He had the magnanimity and perspicacity to recognise, with fraternal concern, the plight of regional neighbours living sometimes in squalour and indescribable poverty. He averred, “We have a responsibility to be our brothers’ keepers.” This is an ethical consideration that has no value in the morally deficient practice of another type of politician. They might not dare attack it openly but in their equivocation they are sure to raise an impenetrable wall of provisos. The basic economic perspectives presented by our prime minister must inspire confidence not only in his Washington audience, but in all of us, “true, true Trinis,” wherever we are. Indeed we are led by a man of vision, a practical man who can, with capable colleagues, lead his country to achieve the goal of social and economic prosperity. His government’s vision and action in the spheres of education, health, housing, social security, small business development and community enhancement emphasise the attainability of the 2020 objective. It inspires those who share the dream to move forward with confidence, inspired by our national motto: “Together we aspire, together we achieve.” We are with you Mr Prime Minister. We share your vision — 2020 here we come!

GEORGE DAMIAN
Arima