Your slip is showing, Mr PM!

THE EDITOR: National interest was obviously not the PM’s main concern in the following ten months when our Parliamentary system was suspended in limbo. Once more, unfortunately, ego comes before national interest on the issue of Mr Mandela’s visit to TT. Did we miss something? More to the point, did Mr Mandela miss something — like Mr Manning’s invitation for a State visit. Just a few short months ago ,the reigning monarch of Britain’s spouse travelled to Barbados to open a new hospitality business venture on the tastefully renovated burnt out site of the British garrison hospital in that country at the invitation of the owners.

At no time did that nation hear Mr Arthur griping about “protocol” being breached, nor was Prince Philip subjected to any embarrassment surrounding the “protocol” to be observed on his visit, from meet and greet onwards. In addition, true to PNM form confusion comes on the very eve of Mr Mandela’s arrival. Is this what “mature consideration” is all about? No wonder the PNM can’t get a handle on the spiralling crime in the nation — now spread to our sister isle Tobago. Sitting on things, like a broody hen on her eggs can only incubate trouble for our nation. However, if  our Go-vernment cannot deal expeditiously with the “niceties” of life, why should we expect them to cope with the non niceties — the realities of murder and lawlessness for starters.

They should understand that time waits on no man and that the time for effectiveness is now and not in 2020 as they are so fond of spewing. Obviously with the largest ever administration in our nation’s history, “consideration” — mature or otherwise — is a lengthy process. Puts one in mind of the old adage of too many cooks spoiling the broth! Is Mr Manning perhaps disturbed that Mr Panday exhibits some of the traits of Mr Mandela?

None can deny that Mr Panday is committed to his cause, without violence, nor is he held in contempt by the majority of our citizens either. Not even an impending court case can shake him from his course. Thanks to Mr Warner and CONCACAF, however, citizens of TT will still be able to avail themselves of this once in a lifetime opportunity, even if they have to feel ashamed of the behaviour of their Government. On behalf of the man in the street I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Mr Warner and CONCACAF. I would also take this opportunity to remind Mr Manning of his recent advice to the leader of the Opposition to put the good of the country first. Set the example, Mr PM.  Don’t deprive your own 29 plus, as well as everyone else involved, of this opportunity.

Virginia Verity
Port-of-Spain