Money and common sense...worlds apart

Imagine for a moment, a multi-billion dollar company changing its successful key personnel every five years for no other reason but to give someone else a job. Whether that new person is as competent as his or her predecessor, does not matter.

That kind of development may seem insane to many.

In TT , after almost every general election many of our senior managers, directors and executives in major institutions like the Central Bank, Unit Trust Corporation, Petrotrin, the National Gas Company and other State enterprises are replaced.

Would it not make sense to ensure these institutions are operated by non-political professionals whose only interest is the longterm development and sustainability of these enterprises? Many may agree that Tobago is largely dependent on tourism for its sustainability. If that is so, isn’t it strange some people in Tobago are saying no to a hotel chain that can transform that sector in Tobago for the better? Sandals has an international reputation for high quality, one that attracts many foreigners to its resorts.

Wouldn’t Tobago benefit from increased tourists to its shores? What is the logic behind saying no to Sandals? Our labour unions traditionally get funds from its members, who get their funds from wages.

One can safely assume that unions will be very happy to see increased employment opportunities as it indirectly leads to increased membership and funding.

If there is any truth to a suggestion that one percent of our population controls our wealth and consequent employment opportunities, what is the wisdom in calling for a boycott of that one percent? Is there a change in the objectives of unions from seeking the best employment package and gainful employment for its members to having them retrenched? Shouldn’t unions be encouraging investors and supporting business growth as it ultimately means increased income for them as well? Perhaps in TT ’s economy, like most things, is not subject to the fundamentals of economics and common sense. After all, for $5 million, one can build a five-bedroom luxury house with a swimming pool and all the modern appliances. But if one were to attempt to build a concrete bridge, eight feet wide across our roadway for pedestrian crossing, suddenly $5 million cannot pay for the foundation.

If we were to dream of building a few concrete structures on Maracas beach then one automatically enters the realm of tens or hundreds of millions.

Why invest in buying our own boat for Tobago when we can rent one for millions and enrich others? In this land, money and common sense seems to be worlds apart. God Bless Our Nation.

Steve Alvarez Via email