Let’s go back to living as one people

THE EDITOR: I read our national newspapers daily and it is apalling to see how our entire infrastructure is falling apart because of stupid leaders and all those charged with leading our country.  First we have the nigger/coolie syndrome promoting differences amongst Trinbagonains.  We are all one people in Trinidad and Tobago and should treat people as individuals and let them be held accountable based on that and not because of their ethnic background.  Simply put, if you behave deviant, attribute that to the person and not to his or her ethnicity.

I live in New York and I hear the same racist nigger/coolie nonsense by our native people living here with their fake accents.  However, when I meet Trinbagonian whites out here they “big up TT” and speak with the real Trini accent.  We need to forget these politicians and go back to living as one people. Another issue is the Jammat’s relationship with Basdeo and Patrick.  Everyone knows about this group’s involvement in criminal activity, yet they have been involved with government contracts under both regimes.  I guess crime does pay. Then there is the issue of former New York Mayor R Guiliani coming to help set up COMPSTAT.  This system is good but before we reach that stage there are a few things to be done. We must get rid of that old police uniform.  Get updated uniforms such as wrinkle free ones used here in the states.  Let Guliani bring some and sell that to the government.  Let officers be fully outfitted with utility belts, badges and proper boots, not these hard sole uncomfortable ones they wear now.  Increase officers’ pay, enhance the information system infrastructure, get vehicles that are reinforced for policing with stronger chasis, more durable engines and please let them do the paint job anywhere but Trinidad.  This way they won’t rot after two months.  Cut out the contractors, the government must deal directly with the companies that provide vehicles for police departments.  Do public relations, organisational training and development with officers and remember change starts from top to bottom. If we have good leaders their subordinates will follow.

We have an excellent defence force, but they can’t really be used for external aggression (because there is none, or who will be invading TT?), instead how about if we use them on a larger scale side by side with the police.  They really need that manpower and support from their comrades. The school system needs to be revamped, teachers need to be better trained in the psychology of learning and understanding our children. Teaching is more than just the lesson, it involves nuturing and changing behaviour.  If we can focus on the people at earlier stages in their life maybe we can correct behaviours and be successful at steering some away from deviant behaviour. Our economy is still good and if you ask anyone the largest issue in Trinidad and Tobago is crime which has escalated due to corrupt officials and those who don’t function in their capacity. Remember, Trinidad and Tobago has not reached critical stage as yet and we can still save our country and not end up like some of our neighbours.

WENDELL MOHAMMED
New York