The cause of our discord

THE EDITOR: Our country is in a state of convulsion and it seems to be degenerating rapidly. One if the items causing the impending turmoil is the perpetuation of heinous crimes, including murders, kidnapping and abduction.

The nation is awash with other infringements. Some leaders attribute the blame to weaknesses and flaws in the constitution and are shouting for amendments. They are making no headway. In 1962, with the granting of self-government, some laws were introduced in order to make provisions for the administration to implement home rule in a former Crown Colony base. After forty years of prosperous growth and affluence, parties are calling for more adequate changes in our relevant code of laws. I do not think that patching the constitution is the remedy. Perhaps prudent scrutiny of it will go long way in alleviating our problems. I remember in 1962, at Malborough House, when there was a deadlock in the talks, which were headed by Reginald Maudlin, for home rule. The stalemate was intensifying and growing desperate, Rudranath Capildeo conceded the appointment of Prime Minister to Eric Williams, with the understanding that governing of the nation would be by consultation with the opposition. The talks then came to a successful conclusion.

At home, Dr Williams recanted on this agreement and denied the opposition all participation in government. He dashed to the ground all hopes of peace, unity and harmony. This, and continued disregard for the opposition, were the genesis of discord. Since then, consultation was practiced only casually by the successors of Williams and the key to true goodwill was lost. Today the nation is angered and disturbed by the belligerent conduct of our representatives and have taken grievous ways of showing their resentment. Our leaders, with one another, are always in disagreement. This condition is, by no means, exemplary to the nation — particularly the juveniles at ages now searching for adventure. What is seen in Parliament has a radiating effect on the rest of the Nation. We need to amend ourselves with haste... instead of the Constitution It is not too late and I plead with our brothers and sisters and our Representatives to bury the hatchet for the salvation of our land of the “Blessed Trinity” and, in so doing, I am sure that the Almighty will bless us all. If the PNM had conceded and relegated to legacy the bonds of the Malborough Agreement and friendship, the splintering of fellowship would have disappeared. This growing antagonism, which possesses our offspring today, would not have existed. If our politicians would show mutual love to one another, our future will be glowing. Come on Patriots, show your mettle! Our nation is in need.

SALER AMEERALI
Chaguanas