TT, A legendary Canaan

THE EDITOR: The election tumult for local polls is around the bend and approaching at top speed. I am hoping that it will greet us on July 14, ready to tell the country the state of the nation.

In 1962, after intense agitation, we were rewarded with self-government. The trend of political growth continued until 1976 when we were made a Republic. As a self-governed country, the nation rapidly developed a noticeable state of escalating affluence. Throughout the nation, wealth and expansion continued. New dwelling houses mushroomed by the thousands, new roads appeared continuously and motor vehicles are now over-crowding the highways. New state buildings also joined the trend; a modern national library is among these.

The rapid growth of the country seems to have influenced a rise in criminal activities. Kidnapping, robberies and abductions are the atrocious offences being committed on a daily basis. I have searched my mental archives and have discovered that Trinidad is a legendary Canaan from the Bible. We must cease to be self-centred. As a small country, we are flourishing in assets. Oil and asphalt are holding world markets and liquid gas is joining the group of exports. We must not let anything hinder our progress. Elections, in this country, have always awakened dormant racial intolerance and inflamed it to high levels. Loyalty to nation must transcend party allegiance.

When you candidates are writing your classic speeches for election audiences, I solicit that you preface your masterpieces with the following excerpts: “To thine own self be true;” “Love thy neighbour as thyself;” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you;” “Differences must not be mended by the court but simply by Jesus Christ;” “You must love one another as I have loved you;” “Those who live in glass houses must not throw stones.” All denominations have accepted these philosophical citations in one form or another and all will benefit from their strategic use. If we place ourselves at the mercy of God, help will be our reward. Let us never forget our patriotic duty. We all know that elections aggravate racial polarisation — but couldn’t we, for the nation’s sake, strive to rise above pettiness and do better?

SALER  AMEERALI
Chaguanas