Nation at crisis point

No, the war is long over; we are advised that it is just a battle against “a few insurgents”. Similarly, we are led to believe that Trinidad and Tobago is not a nation in crisis, oh no, it is a country on its way to developed nation status on the back of oil revenue that is so abundant that it permeates to certain levels of society despite the political bungling of myopic regimes both past and present. So are we as a nation still swallowing the propaganda that we are an island paradise? Can we steadfastly believe that we are truly on the way to the much touted Vision 2020, in our efforts to mimic the larger nations that have got their policies wrong, lest we forget, by concentrating on the economic matter but neglecting the welfare factors?

The latest realisation of the weak foundations that we, as a country, have laid is the coming to light of the state of neglected, abused and now murdered infants in our nation. Yet again, preliminary investigations point to Bills that should have been passed, Acts that benefit no one and the age old pattern that we do not implement anything meaningful nor in its entirety. This pattern has existed in every Trinbagonians memory whether it is an incomplete hospital, racing complex, criminal enquiries that are listed as “Cpl Smith is investigating” to no avail or the lack of ability to make the protective and welfare forces an effective unit.

Abandoned or late projects are bricks and mortar, though the funds that can be directed elsewhere, but neglect of an abused child is unforgivable and in our supposedly modern society, inconceivable. And these are just the reported cases. But we are moving forward as a nation, right?

Add the murder rate that currently outnumbers the days of the year and it is very clear that it is a nation in crisis.

But we have Vision 2020 and the bacchanalian politics that we so love to keep us occupied and provide distraction from the issues that are never resolved. It also keeps those in power from addressing these issues in any meaningful manner as our focus on the soap opera-like actions of our elected employees, not leaders, as we do not meaningfully demand appropriate action from them.

After 44 years as a nation it is time for proactive politics. If you the reader really want to make a difference and are as fed up as you all claim to be, demand this type of cohesive planning to better the nation. Demand the changes that will show the necessary accountability and transparency; the election trail is your opportunity to do so. Sadly, if you vote on an issue such as race, you are part of the same ignorance that is running this potential paradise.

We cannot have an overhaul for overhaul’s sake. Change has to be meaningful. Policies have to be all encompassing. Policies have to be at the forefront, not insults of rival parties or self praise for past political achievements. Remember this when the campaign furore begins.

There is not a quick fix solution to our many problems, there has to be careful thought and the willingness to understand the past mistakes cannot be rectified overnight. A realistic and cohesive party will preach this rather than the thought that a half a century of negligence can be rectified in a 5-year term.

A party will have to possess a lot of courage to preach this meaningful truth; it is whether you the public have the patience and the willingness to listen. Lest we forget, the situation for our children and our nation has reached crisis point.