Massa day done

It seems that everyone (those with Economics 101 or just casual common sense) can see and understand that the government’s spending spree (on some very wasteful, unwanted and dangerous projects) is helping to drive up the costs of building anything in the country and is creating a shortage for some critical building supplies and on labour resources.

As was stated by the PM some months ago, the “PNM is on an election footing” and he warned everyone “to look out for the bell to ring.” (a signal that he is calling an early election). As with all politicians, the PM is prepared to use this “timing” to his and his party’s advantage. That is the reason for this mad rush to build everything like crazy. This is supposed to show the population that the government is taking care of them.

But in the meanwhile, the basics are not there. The infrastructure of the country is “falling down” like London Bridge. All one has to do is walk or drive through Port-of-Spain to observe the decay that has been allowed to fester and how shabby the place looks. As an example, the sidewalks along Wrightson Road with manhole covers missing or broken (a safety hazard for those walking along the roadway); garbage and dirty sidewalks along the major streets and thoroughfares of the city and its outskirts; dilapidated fire stations and police stations, courthouses; fire hydrants that don’t work; inadequate water supplies, poor health care system, broken, rotted or missing street signage and a multiplicity of other basic infrastructure that are in gross disrepair.

How can we be the “Gem of the Caribbean” when “our shine and sparkle is false?” We have all these new buildings and a new waterfront and 300 feet from those, our dirty underwear is showing and in some cases, smelling.

It is time that the government begins to “listen to the people” and see what we see and begin to address our needs and concerns and not “their ideas” of grandiose and bulging egos. Many of the things I mentioned above, if initiated, can bring much employment to our disadvantaged youths and most of all help spruce up the country, without all these mega projects and inflation contributors. These are basic simple things that can make a big difference in people’s quality of life in the country.

Over to you, Mr Prime Minister! If not, over to you people! Remember, that bell will soon ring and you will have a chance to determine yours and your children’s future by using the ballot box! The time for blind allegiance to our political parties is over with.

We must choose representatives and leaders (not by ethnic or racial criteria) but people who will listen to and respect our opinions and views and not have minds of their own and disrespect ours. People who will work for us! Let all the parties be put on notice that “Massa Day done!” and we are not politically “children” any more. This is a new day. We have grown up and our politics has grown up and we must be respected as a people and as individuals.

KELVIN C JAMES, Sr

Port-of-Spain