I wish I was an Afro-trini
THE EDITOR: I am calling on the likes of Dr Selwyn Cudjoe, head of the NEAP, Khafra Kambon of the Emancipation Support Committee, Cro Cro, Sugar Aloes and all those who have consistently advocated that our Afro-Trinidadian brothers and sisters are victims of racial bias and abuse, discrimination and rejection. You have used your varying platforms to either chastise other ethnic groups as being preferred or given unfair advantage. In some cases you have offered advice and solutions. You have all been the voice and champion of the so-called ‘oppressed black masses.’ Your principal objective is to "empower the Afro-Trinidadian" so as to level the playing field. In many ways I agree with you. Well, my brother, this is your opportunity to shine. The time is ripe for you to become national icons and follow the footsteps of the great Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Achieving the Trinity Cross is well within your grasp. Now is the time for you to practise what you preach. Just look at what is happening to our Afro-Trinidadian youths, especially in the urban areas of Laventille, Morvant, Maloney etc. They are killing each other wantonly and with impunity. Everyday the headlines scream of our Afro-Trinidadian youths gunning each other down in cold blood. Stray bullets are killing or maiming innocent toddlers and children. You all will understand and appreciate more than many, the anguish, the grief, the trauma of the mothers, sisters, wives etc that now engulf these communities. The evidence is overwhelming. Most of the senseless slayings are concentrated in areas populated by Afro-Trinidadians. Look at the prisoners’ holding bays at the Magistrates Court throughout the country — whether in Port-of-Spain, Chaguanas or Couva. Ninety percent of these prisoners are Afro- Trinidadians. And mind you, this is not a racist statement. These are the hard cold facts. And this is a genuine attempt to understand the root causes and so bring some sanity to these communities and our country. I am fully aware of those Indo-Trinidadians who see everything from a racial standpoint. They have their own agenda which is inconsistent with those of the wider Indo-Trinidadian communities and true national development. We have a different type of criminal roaming there. But that is another issue. It is imperative therefore that you comb the hills of Laventille, get behind the bridge or under the bridge if necessary, and educate your people, guide them away from their current path of self-destruction, instill in them a sense of hope and worth. Come on -empower your people. I know it will take time. But you have the time, if not, make the time. You have great ability, talent and capacity. And, if you ever need assistance, financial or otherwise, go to the Government. You all have many high positioned friends there, seek them out. Demand that they come forward. Forget the $1000.00 emancipation plate at Hilton, forget the Calypso Tent, the Savannah and Skinner Park. My brothers, a golden opportunity lies bare before you. I am a stranger in many ways, I dare not go to those communities, they will surely kill me. But they know you, they march with you, they party with you, they cannot get enough of you. Come on you can be the Caribbean Mandelas and Luther-Kings. Oh, how I wish I was an African. DAVE PERSAD Couva
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"I wish I was an Afro-trini"