AVOIDING BREACH OF TRUST

The peoples of former European colonies and other so-called Third World countries have been conditioned to think that it is only in such countries politicians and persons in authority are wont to be corrupt and liars in high places and low, that our politicians are always on the “make and take,” corrupt and self-serving. England, from whom we inherited our parliamentary system and laws, in 1695 passed a resolution in the House of Commons specifying: “The offer of money or any advantage to any member of parliament for the promoting of any matter whatsoever depending or to be transacted in parliament, is a high crime and misdemeanour and tends to the subversion of the English constitution.”

In the 80s and 90s of the last century there were numerous incidents in England when Members of Parliament misled the House of Commons and became ensnared in a web of corruption. It is dangerous for persons in public office to accept gifts or favours for their personal benefit given to them only because of the office they hold and the benefit which may thereby accrue to the donor. To fail to declare such gifts or benefits makes it look unappetizing and/or suspicious. The editor of the Guardian (England) pondered on the crazy libel laws which tempt so many bent politicians to try their luck. The notorious case of former MP, Neil Hamilton, should be a warning to persons who hold high public office who may accept gifts or favours and forget to declare them. Others may not forget.

Hamilton’s ruin and downfall began with a greedy binge at the Ritz Hotel, Paris, owned by Mohammed Al Fayed. Hamilton was one of several who over the years, got caught in sleaze and lost their public office, or in lying to Parliament, or in not declaring benefits received. Why in Trinidad and Tobago do we have to mimic our yesteryear’s masters? We must drive in a certain kind of motorcar, we must stash away ill-gotten gains in banks abroad, we must confer patronage on the chosen few, or grant handouts to supporters to the exclusion of others? Alain Juppe, the right hand man of President Chirac, has just paid the price for this kind of political nepotism, ie CEPEP, in France. Those who hold public office are public servants of all the citizens of the nation.

It is amazing how in a land like ours made up predominantly of the descendants of slaves and indenture workers, we who have escaped the bonds of serfdom, cannot now live together in harmony and unity. We allow politicians for their own selfish ends to divide and rule us. The grand claim of democracy is but a mask politicians put on while each side strives to climb unto the saddle and thereafter ignore the needs of the common man and woman, the medical needs of the people, especially the poor, the misery of the unemployed, the dire need for a proper system of education for our children. The criminals are also the victim of society. If we do not care for them, then society as a whole will pay the price as we are. The people of Laventille are such victims. Their fathers and mothers were brought to be used as political tools, a means of voter padding. Many flooded in as illegal immigrants. Having been used, their children have grown up without adequate education, without proper housing, with no prospects of meaningful employment.

They do not break stones in Carrera. They paint stones for CEPEP or take up the gun and a life of crime. They live without hope. Those who brought, used and abandoned them or their parents, are responsible for the explosion of serious crimes in our fair land. It was an idea conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity by the so-called ‘father of the nation’ after his defeat in the Federal Elections in 1958. Meanwhile, our politicians preen their feathers as they kow-tow or hobnob with kings and presidents and fly about in private jets provided by those who wish to do business with us, who want a slice of our cake. In the business world something is not given without expectation of something in return. What are we expected to give in return? We must not take gifts from others when we can afford to buy what we want. We are rich enough in natural resources. We can afford to buy our own ambulances and build our schools or whatever else we need. The conduct of those in high political office must not only be right, it must be seen to be impeccably right and correct. Amnesia is no excuse.

Those who want contracts with us to provide services or to get chunks of the natural resources of our country, must deal with us on equal terms. Our politicians owe a duty not to put us under obligation to those who seek eagerly to deal with us. We must be able to tell them “Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.” “I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts.” When we were colonies European nations ravished and plundered our natural resources, or sent explorers to murder the natives of our land. But we have grown up. Or have we? Our members of Parliament are vested with power — what whey have power over is not their patrimony. They hold power in trust for all the people, to manage the resources of our country and govern our people and lead them so that we shall leave this country a better place for our children. Our children do not inherit our country from us. We hold it on trust for them. We cannot be remiss in the performance of our duty or be forgetful to declare our action when we act on behalf of the People.