Metamorphosis of Laventille East/Morvant MP

THE EDITOR: Whatever the characterisation that may be ascribed to the Parliamentary Representative for Laventille East-Morvant the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, no one can, with any certainty doubt his sincerity and commitment to fundamental principles of decency and high moral standards in public life. Principles which seem to have long outstripped the consciences of many of our contemporary politicians. Indeed, the principle of “Situational Ethics” appears to be the order of the day, in which greed, self-aggrandisement and blatant opportunist dispositions blossom.

By the same token, one will have difficulty in questioning the political maturity of Mr Hinds, having moved from being described as an “enigma” by the Honourable Prime Minister, and at one stage displaying ambivalence in respect of his own position in the body party politics, as was exemplified by his refusal of the junior ministerial post in the Ministry of National Security when it was offered to him. I am certain that he has recognised how ill-advised this decision was, and is now prepared to conform to metaphysical and higher forces which deal the hands on one’s life station as the river of life flows.

Mr Hinds’ dedication to his constituents is nestled in his conviction that residents must face the harsh reality of their circumstances and deploy their God-given attributes to improving their socio-economic situation. Of course one will always hear him speak of the centrifugal role of those spiritual and educational imperatives which make up the total human being, and prepare him/her for life’s challenges. A position which is readily understood by constituents, but is however resisted at this time as relevant components for the future and sustainable development of Laventille and satellite communities. It is unfortunate that people, especially in poor/depressed conditions prefer to listen to the vapid and banal that at best merely satisfy an illusive and emotionally charged psyche. An unwholesome position indeed.

The political growth of Mr Hinds is best reflected in his leadership and proactive role in solving the St Barb’s Government Primary School problem which had all the ingredients of a potentially explosive debacle, at community, government and political levels. In this case he made all the right moves and made all the responses that quelled the situation to the point of amicability. He made personal presentations to the key players: The Parliamentary Representative for Laventille West, the authorised/recognised civil society organisation for the area “The Council of Elders of Laventille,” the current PTA and shakers and movers on the blocks surrounding the St Barb’s Government Primary School. It was a display at pure genius in human relations at work.

Further to the above, he ensured that examination practice test papers were delivered and available to students taking the SEA examination at the school. this was tied to a negotiated regime of extra lessons devised with the input/commitment of teachers, parents and students. A gesture widely viewed as “beyond the call of duty” as a Parliamentarian. This genuine concern for the development of the poor, surely merits a calibration as excellence as far as the performance of Mr Hinds is concerned. Indeed, this instance cannot be deemed as a fluke or exception, since in recent times Mr Hinds is seen actively participating in meetings, debates and seminars all in the interest of residents all over Laventille. What a testimony to his maturity and transformation; a far cry from the abstract impersonal and non-intrusive approach which formally branded him as insensitive and wholly misunderstood by constituents.

Of course his high moral and ethical standards have not been compromised by his new dispensation. what we suspect however, is that he has evolved from a pure abstract moralist to a pragmatic proactive individual and politician who has taken cognisance of the realitiy that is Laventille. He is therefore better prepared to make the necessary interventions, in conjunction with proven legitimate Laventille-centric individuals and organisations in the long journey for a socio-economic and psycho-culturally transformed Laventille. The Prime Minister I am sure is taking note of Mr Hinds’ metamorphosis, and it is therefore hoped that opportunities for facilitating his ability to deliver to the people of Laventille will now move exponentially apace, as promised.

ALFRED GEORGE
Trou Maque, Laventille