Third World mentality in TT

THE EDITOR: On Sunday January 23, 2005, I witnessed a scene that was reminiscent of pre-civilisation days. Upon reaching the Queen’s Park Savannah at 2.30 pm to attend the Panorama semi-finals, I realised the gates were closed. I thought to myself that, obviously the North Stand was overcrowded and probably there was a risk factor involved. However, it begs the question, why sell more tickets than the North Stand can accommodate? Something is rotten in the state of culture.

As well, what I could not understand was that information was not being disseminated to the people who had tickets and were waiting to enter. When these patrons approached to enquire, they were exposed to the dreadful fact that we are still in and will continue to be a third world country because of the primitive and moronic attitude of a select few in authority. Perched upon a magnificent beast was another, but not as magnificent. With whip in hand, this alleged police officer, whose motto is to protect and serve, proceeded to charge into the crowd of enquiring patrons whipping everyone in his path, including a few women.

He chased a young man right through the car park as a dog would chase his plaything. Everyone who witnessed this incident was appalled and quite angry, and quite understandably, on the verge of rioting. But I was ashamed, ashamed that this is my country and this is the state to which we have degenerated. The many tourists who witnessed the scene stood by, gasping and amazed. If that mounted policeman could use one fifth of the effort he used in whipping these bonafide patrons towards curbing the crime situation, we would certainly have a better country. To the authorities involved in organising the Panorama competition, please get your act together, otherwise you will have no act to follow and law suits will be the order of the day.

GREG COURTNEY
Eastern Main Road