Cudjoe’s ‘major problem’ is a major distraction

If we are to believe the professor, it would seem that every Indo-Trinbagonian, from Penal through Chaguanas and all the way to St James, lives to be part of a grand scheme to “dominate” non-Indians, and in particular, Africans.

It cannot be denied, the treacherous mischief carried out by persons purporting to speak on behalf of the Indo-Trinbagonian community. There are those who do the same in the name of Afro-Trinibagonians.

Indeed, such persons, on both sides of the ethnic divide, by their actions constitute a major problem in this country — though not “the” major problem. It is the provocative rantings of these elements, that raise tensions between the major ethnic groups that really pose a problem.

Cudjoe advocates an African reaction to his perceived East Indian thrust to dominance. Similarly, GOPIO, the Maha Sabha and others have been attempting to agitate Indo-Trinibagonians against an “African problem.” And so the dispossessed masses of Caroni and Laventille continue to be pitted against each other.

Ironically, the division of the national pie largely excludes the said masses. This has been the historical reality and continues to be so today.

The lion’s share of the wealth generated in this country is transferred abroad under the auspices of BP Amoco, Repsol, British Gas and company.

None of these companies are owned by Africans or Indians. And most of what remains, according to the CSO’s income distribution statistics, accrues to those locals of lighter skin colour.

How can this be lost on the enlightened professor, or the spokespersons for GOPIO? How could they fail to see that “the major problem” is in fact the continuing plunder of the labour and natural resources of African and Indian people by others?

It is really Cudjoe and his counterparts at GOPIO that pose a problem, for their utterances are calculated to distract from what is really “the major problem” of neo-colonial domination and exploitation.

A fine service they perform on behalf of those who really dominate.

TERRENCE REGIS

Trou Macaque