Many aspire, but few perspire

For example, ANR Robinson championed the cause of self governance for Tobago, Panday raised the living standards of sugar workers in the 1970s and Dr Eric Williams piloted TT to Independence. All three men through their respective “struggles” (I know that this word offends some, like an outgoing UNC Senator) built strong political bases in post Independence TT.

Williams’ base was the urban black vote, Panday the grass roots Indian base and Robinson the Tobago/DAC vote. Manning by inheriting the PNM inherited Williams’ base. The Robinson base in Tobago has reverted to PNM. Panday held on firmly to his base which at its lowest ebb in 1981 manifested eight parliamentary seats and its zenith in 2000 won 19 seats and the 2000 general election.

My question to all three of you is what is your record of service? What have you done? I believe Stephen Cadiz and Anand Ramlogan have more claim to politics than you three. I respect your rights as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution to form a political party but please note that as a citizen I have an equal right to ask that you present your qualifications.

In this country, many aspire and few perspire. Political careers and fly by night parties in the Caribbean are built largely on ego and therein resides a large weakness of our Caribbean body politic. Finally, I humbly submit that you call your new Party CAN (Charles, Alvarez and Nicholas) since you seem to have little or no support beyond yourselves.