Leadership that is visionary

THE EDITOR: As a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, I am proud to be living here and making my little contribution towards our country, a country in which all of my fellow citizens should be proud. I am happy when I wake up and can share a friendly good morning or evening with my neighbours who may be East Indians, Africans or Chinese. We greet each other with brotherly love, even though as individuals we differ in our likes and dislikes. As a matter of fact, even in our politics we may not share the same views, but that does not affect our neighbourliness. With respect to some of our leaders, I long for the day when they would avoid the use of ethnicity while speaking, and put more emphasis on “our people, and our nation,” a nation with one destiny — a nation which can be very successful because of the richness of our culture, our diversity and the energy and commitment of our people.

Years ago, when I was a young adult I remember Mr Uriah Buzz Butler visiting Chaguanas to support the Sinanan brothers (Ashford and Mitra) in their election bid. He spoke in Felicity and Chaguanas and was well received by all . . . every creed and race found an equal place. I believe that Trinidad and Tobago can achieve great heights in its social, economic and technological areas of activity. However, we need effective leadership at all levels and areas of activity. Trinidad and Tobago needs leaders who can help our people share, identify with, and be committed to a vision, which will push us all forward to victory. Victory in achieving goals we understand, appreciate and are prepared to work hard for the common good. Yes, a leadership that will help take our people to great heights of accomplishments, accomplishments that we would never have expected to achieve.

It is time that our people be given an opportunity to share in a vision which will encourage and harness the energy and enthusiasm of all people — all our people; the young and old, rich and poor, intellectual and technocrats. We need as a people, to understand where we are going and how we are going to get there. We are a people with tremendous potential. All we need is inspiring leadership, which will motivate us, to put country first, and nothing else. Trinidad and Tobago needs a type of leadership, which is visionary, a leadership that exemplifies characteristics such as integrity, vision, interpersonal excellence, courage, compassion and motivation among them.

Such virtues, demonstrated through skillful leadership, are desperately needed in today’s volatile, ethics-deficient, scandal-plagued world. Our first commitment must be to our country. To the building up and the protection of our society. And in order to promote this culture, our schools, church and NGOs must play a pivotal role in preparing our young minds to see themselves as meaningful and worthy contributors to nation building. Trinidad is at the crossroads. We can either sink or swim free to build and grow. It is time for our leaders not only to talk the talk, but also walk the talk, by putting in place mechanisms to facilitate more meaningful contribution of every citizen of this beautiful land of ours. God bless your nation.

COLVIN BLAIZE
Chaguanas