The PNM is overdue for overhaul

After remaining leader for a protracted period of time in a political party or government, the leaders are inadvertently extolled as the “owner” of the government or party by their supporters, and not as the leaders. Even the late Dr Eric Williams, TT’s most revered leader, found himself mired in this predicament.

The die-hard supporters of both major political parties of TT, are well aware of the tribalism — which is another name for racism; that is pervasive in TT politics. Consequently, I am not advocating for the dismantling of the PNM party, just a restructuring of the rank and file and ultimately the leadership.

When a political party or government loses its way, the most fitting remedy is a change of leadership; which is the outcry of the US and UK, even as we speak. I look forward to the day, when the PM hands back his “preacher’s robe,” and settles down to being a politician.

Whenever, the question of a change in leadership in the PNM, comes up in TT; one hears the over-used mantra, “Who we go put?” Unbeknown to us the country runs itself, and there is a saying, “If you don’t know where you going any road can take you there.”

Just to note a few of the PM’s blunders: His involvement in CSME is a major blunder. What plan is there, to keep a check and balance on the influx of immigrants that will come to TT seeking employment? This will be the make-over, of the Mexican-immigrant problem, now being experienced in the US, incarnated in TT.

His invitation to Scotland Yard to come in and police TT - is unprecedented. Scotland Yard is not the UN. TT is a sovereign country, unto itself, chaotic, but certainly not a Banana Republic.

The only leader in the nation’s history, who had an idea where to take the country was the late Dr Eric Williams, so in hind-sight, we should not be overly critical of Patrick Manning for his ineptitude — he has big shoes to fill. But at this juncture, a change is not only necessary it is inevitable. We all have an option — to be a voice or to be silent.

No one questions the PM’s patriotism, or his dedication to his job as Prime Minister. It’s his ability to govern effectively that is under scrutiny.