A town without pity

I expect that few people will remember a dance called “The Twist” — whatever versions of it have survived today — and fewer still would have heard of Chubby Checker, the man who claims to have “invented” or, at least popularised this “waist-in-motion” dance.

Quite recently, a not-too-humble Chubby Checker claimed that he was really the “father” of “Rock ‘n’ Roll” and demanded that he be given some credit by way of an appropriate bust being set up in a public place in recognition of that claim. Interestingly, Chubby Checker “took in front before in front took him” by advising his supposed fans and diminishing admirers to buck up, “and not wait to send me flowers when I can no longer smell them.” My mind then dwelt for a moment on a number of those who have given yeoman service to their country and countrymen (including women) and, in the winter of their days, (yesterday’s children, as Gypsy called them) are consigned to the vagaries of fortune or misfortune, as the case might be. On our own local scene, I could bring tears to your eyes if I itemised some of the reversals of fortune that have been the lot of honest persons who have once laboured long and hard in the national vineyard. I’m not, here, referring to crooks and conmen who have filled their front pockets, side pockets, back pockets and their nennen and tantie pockets as well and, after eating the choicest foods and drinking the finest wines in the metropolis can truthfully belch, “Thanks to those eternal suckers, I’ll never be poor again!”

I respect the privacy of those who have suffered silently and some who have even departed this life. However, there is one case that I’ve found of some interest and I have no qualms about referring to it publicly, as it is already in the public domain. Sir Arthur Lewis once referred to the case of the late Jamaican Prime Minister and eminent West Indian lawyer Norman Manley now occupying — I understand — a plot in Jamaica’s “Heroes’ burial ground.” Said Sir Arthur, “Norman Manley entered Jamaican politics as a rich lawyer with a thriving practice and left in such spare circumstances that he had to sell the family home “Dumblair” in order to feed himself and his wife.” I wonder how many of the students at the Norman Manley law school are aware that Norman Manley was utterly frustrated at being unable to “kick-start” his legal practice after his long, thankless sojourn in the jungle of Jamaican politics. The late Sir Hugh Wooding had apparently secured his “nest egg” when he accepted the office of TT Chief Justice, and so could quip about his Chief Justice’s salary reminding him of what he once paid in taxes. There was, however, the case of a founding member of the PNM (during Dr Williams’ watch) having the humiliating experience of being sent from pillar to post in search of some pittance due to him, as gratuity and pension, for “long and meritorious service.” You’d probably be surprised to hear that the poor fellow retired as an ambassador and (would you believe?) was a holder of the country’s highest honour, the Trinity Cross. This has almost invariably been a town “with more dollars than sense” and, worse than that, “a town without pity.” But that’s another sad story.

What’s now being publicly promoted as “a hot button” political issue is the case of former President Arthur NR Robinson receiving perquisites — some specified, and others, so far, unspecified — from TT’s cabinet. That should not ordinarily have been a public or political controversy, except for the fact that, on the surface of it, Mr Manning and his government could be seen to be in the former President’s debt for his having passed “the mantle,” as he called it, to Mr Manning in preference to Mr Panday, thereby, in effect giving the former whatever political advantages that accrued to incumbency. Now let me make two things abundantly clear. First, unlike a number of what I characterise as “political infants and intellectual dolts,” I’m convinced that, whatever the former President’s motives or expressed reasons, the country was better served by being given a respite from Basdeo Panday’s political idiocies, idiosyncrasies and patent incapacities — histrionics and vacuous “lyrics” notwithstanding.

My second point is that I hold no brief for Mr Robinson and I’m aware that in his long, chequered, eventful political career, he can be called to account for not a few misjudgments, political sins of commission and/or omission. But like any other politician his political “copy book” must be open to public scrutiny. However, I hasten to add that Panday’s easily anticipated obsession with branding Robinson as “a racist,” pseudo or otherwise, with the tedious regularity of “a stuck record or a recurring decimal” is merely the reflection of the inferiority complexes and neuroses of a punch-drunk politician on the ropes. One fellow, of known anti-Robinson leaning has made heavy weather of “the amount of money the government has spent and is likely to spend to help Robinson maintain a lifestyle that he got accustomed to as president.” Re the two luxury cars: Robinson’s son, David, said that one of the cars was chosen for “functionality concerns” to accommodate the known disabilities of the elderly couple. Whether we like Robinson or not, whatever we might think of his contribution, the fact remains that he has an international profile and is likely (in fact is expected) to play host to eminent international personalities. Should they not be taken around in vehicles that they’re used to and those in keeping with their status?

We should be wary of embarrassing the country, just to get at Robinson or Manning. The country’s image is more important, even those who specialise in tarnishing that image should recognise that. Mr Robinson’s — and arguably, his wife’s — health have been sacrificed at the altar of public service. Remember July 27, 1990? I’m by no means suggesting that the sky should be the limit of dispensations — I don’t favour the word “favours” — accorded the former president nor do I hold the view that we should cater to his every whim and fancy but beyond the personality issue one has to look at the bigger picture and to keep an eye on the presidency as an institution. I’d be very surprised if the UNC (and Panday, in particular) can resist the temptation to beat that issue to a frazzle in an attempt to embarrass Manning and Robinson. What has me taken aback is the suggestion that the matter was leaked by cabinet elements to achieve God-alone-knows-what. I have no problem in the matter, however delicate, being dealt with transparently. However, it might be too much to ask the current political dispensations, on both sides of the aisle, to find a civil and dignified way of doing things. To the cabinet source of the “embarrassing leak,” I hazard the guess that if there’s one item that should find Tobagonians united in response, it would be any perceived shabby treatment of “the native son.” Robbie may still have the last laugh. Drag yuh bow, Mr Fiddler!