Dismiss all this racial talk

GOPIO is particularly irked by the appointment of Dr Norbert Masson as Chairman, claiming that this will cause racial imbalance on the board. The letter, according to reports, goes on to say that there is only one Commissioner of East Indian descent on the Board, and that this imbalance is cause for national concern.

This suggestion is as absurd as the suggestion that the name of our national football team should be changed to the Chutney Soca Warriors.

Let me say clearly that I am a citizen of this country, and of East Indian descent, and that I am not in the least bit concerned by the racial composition of the board of the EBC.

My concern is that the new board of the EBC has a huge job to do in order to put things in place to prepare the electorate for the next local or general election, especially as there had been so much criticism directed at the body over the years. The new Board must get on with the job.

My other concern, is that there are still people in this country who see race and racial division in just about every facet of life in Trinidad and Tobago, and that organisations like GOPIO and its equivalent positioned at persons of African descent are attempting to foment further strife and dissent.

There is one light shining in the wilderness which I hope will become brighter. I firmly believe that our younger citizens are by and large rejecting racial intolerance and hysteria, possibly risking the ire of the elders in their families in some instances.

With regards to the allegations made against the new Chairman of the EBC, and his alleged political connections: I seem to recall that Dr Norbert Masson was Principal of the John Donald Technical Institute. He was also a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education at one time. Dr Masson has also served on several Commissions of Enquiry and on the boards of a number of local companies. Does this mean that he is politically tainted?

I read that he is the author of two textbooks on Applied Mechanics for aspirants seeking chartered professional status as engineers and who are preparing to take examinations set by the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom.

Again, according to media reports, unlike previous Chairmen, Dr Masson intends to work full-time at the office of the EBC. In an effort to streamline its operation.

President Richards should ignore the absurd diatribe of GOPIO and others who may make similar representations to him in the future.

MONICA GOPAUL

Curepe