N Touch

What price freedom?

TODAY is Independence Day but, as it falls on a Sunday, the country will observe the national holiday tomorrow. Now 41 years after we “gained our freedom” from the British colonial power what, as a nation, do we really have to celebrate? What real progress have we made in the process of building a nation? We would like to pose that question to every single citizen of our country since, in our view, the true test of nationhood does not lie simply in geography or politics or economics or sovereignty but, more meaningfully, it resides in the hearts and minds of the people themselves. The strength of a nation, as we see it, is best measured by the citizens’ deep-seated and enduring consciousness of it, their respect for the land of their birth, its natural beauty and endowments, the rights of fellow citizens, its civil authority and, above all, how committed and willing we are to seek the interest of the whole country above that of the individual or group; in other words to put nation before self.

Superficially, of course, we may compliment ourselves and claim that we have done fairly well. For more than four decades we have permitted the politically-generated tensions of ethnicity to have their democratic play without ruffling the basic stability of our country. The sad fact, however, is that the race problem and accusations of discrimination embitter the nation’s politics now more than ever before without the establishment of independent agencies designed to resolve these kinds of disputes and grievances and to ensure that equal opportunities exist for all our citizens. Tracing our politics since 1962, in fact, is a somewhat dismal exercise. Where the country should be gaining its inspiration, its hope, its standards of service and ethical practice, its examples of national pride and commitment, it has been troubled instead by instinctive and disruptive confrontation, a determination to place partisan interests and agendas above the progress of the country. Looking back, one cannot avoid the gloomy observation that the “nation’s” politics has been perhaps its most serious hindrance, retarding the development of a united spirit among our people and the engendering a love for the country as a whole.

Economically, it seems that we have made great strides in exploiting the country’s abundant natural assets. In this effort, we now appear to be making a great leap forward in the monetising of our oil and gas resources. Still the country’s economy remains lop-sided, its unemployment problem and the level of poverty among the population unacceptably high. How wisely TT’s wealth will be used to address these matters, of course, will be another test of the maturity of our nationhood. But the evidence of how far we still have to go to achieve, mentally and emotionally speaking, some semblance of true nationhood may be seen in many other areas of our “national” life. This newspaper continues to receive letters from citizens grieving about the destruction and pollution of the country’s environment, the littering of our beaches, the disposal of waste in our rivers, the decimation of our wildlife, the fires that destroy our mountain side vegetation, the general lack of pride in our heritage. It may also be seen in the recklessness and carnage on our roads, in the destructiveness and indiscipline of our young people and in the high rate of crime. After four decades, it may still be said of us that a people has been freed but a nation is yet to be formed. But what do we expect when we ignore the fact that nation building takes a positive effort? We have no institutions to inculcate pride in our country and its history, and fostering a love for country in our youth is something that nobody cares about.

Forty-one years have passed

My elder daughter was born in mid-June 1962.  She has always claimed to be an Independence Baby.  It was, of course, just weeks before Independence, and we were learning the words of our new anthem, the colours of our new flag and Dr Williams’ watchwords — “Discipline, Production and Tolerance.” 

Of course, among my peers at the time — other statements by Dr Williams were repeated with foreboding: “Massa Day Done”, “We going to bulldoze St Clair”.  I, born, raised and then working and living in an oil-camp enclave, did not accept that Independence was the end of Trinidad for white people — and I am vindicated now — forty-one years later, as I have been every year. I was “on duty” over Independence, so I did not go to Port-of-Spain for all the ritual, and we had not bought a TV set — that newest of Independence status symbols, so I celebrated at Beach Camp Club with the English and the wannabe English.  My wife and I bought red shirts, with the black and white band printed on like a sash, from Leong Pois’ at Palo Seco junction, and we wore these to the club.  Senior management, sipping gin and tonic and toasting the Queen, muttered surprised comments like: “I say there O’Connor, rather well done!”  But the younger Brits, you know those supercilious idiots who were sent out here, were scathing.  Quaffing their Allsops, they mocked us: “You don’t wear it, old chap, you fly it on a pole.”  Well, we were the trendsetters — for the British do now wear their flag, as shirts, hats, shorts, underwear or bikinis, at sports events everywhere!  Take that!  I wish I was more observant then, for the Independence celebration at Beach Camp Club must have been something that Graham Greene would have written about. But I digress.  My daughter and my country are now forty-one years old.  My daughter has matured but my country has not.  My daughter has become a woman, but my country has not yet become a nation and, sadly, shows no signs of growing up, becoming responsible and fostering any form of Discipline, Productivity or Tolerance among her children — her citizens.  Looking back, can any of us feel proud of what our country has achieved?  We can love her (although we don’t understand this), we can excuse her (as we excuse everything) but there is not much to admire, to feel proud about — is there?

In truth, we have failed.  Our leaders have failed us and we have failed ourselves.  We have failed our children, and we continue to fail our country. Indeed we hardly recognise “country” as the centrepiece to whom and what we are.  In this regard, our poor relations — Jamaica and Barbados — are so much better off than we are.  Economically poorer, they are so much richer in their sense of nationhood, pride and maturity than we are.  Maybe it was because we were born “rich”, compared to the other island nations.  We had oil — so we never developed ambition — and while we were quick to bawl “struggle” for every inconvenience, we never seriously “caught our tail” in the way Jamaica or Guyana did. While other islands seriously struggled against poverty, our oil, and later our oil and gas, gave us a cushion to lay upon and allowed us to create the programme Special Works which morphed in DEWD, URP and finally CEPEP.  Programmes, which trained no one, built nothing and were always avenues for corruption. The Government, especially the PNM, was always like a rich and stupid parent.  Rather than educating and encouraging its children to invest, it kept doling out money for nothing and a “ten days” was (and still is) the limit of ambition for too many. In business too, goodies were doled out to favoured sons, in the form of the Negative List, rather than making them work.  While the favoured sons got rich, we had to live with shoddy, locally manufactured products for years.

In almost every facet of our lives things are worse — considerably worse – than they were forty-one years ago.  We were never able to keep pace in growing with our wealth, so now our roads (many of them built since Independence) are woefully inadequate — clogged with traffic and becoming more congested every day. Our environment is abused — forested mountains being burnt then cut away, causing flooding like we never saw in the sixties.  Our personal filth clogs drains and despoils our beaches, rivers and parks. Crime is a runaway demon.  People in every urban and suburban community live in fear and this situation is getting worse. Our hospitals are in chaos.  Morale among health professionals has never been lower.  Education is faltering and children are leaving schools  illiterate. Sport continually demonstrates our potential but also exposes our total inability to sustain excellence, so we have occasional peaks of near greatness, only to fall away because of a lack of commitment.  New hope springs however from Bovell, Brown and the resurgent Brian Lara. But yet, for all our failings as an overindulged child, we never sank into the chaos that overcame many others, even though we had all of the ingredients for strife — many races, many religions and the unfair distribution of the country’s natural wealth.  So any disappointments can be tempered with the knowledge that we can still, after forty-one years begin meaningful development as a nation.  If we mature, we may yet do it! So — how you feel?

Sugar museum for Brechin Castle

THE EDITOR: This is in response to a suggestion from Mr James Cummings of Maraval that TT should construct a sugar museum. I am pleased to inform Mr Cummings that there is a community group from the Couva/California area who is seeking to have such a project established in the Brechin Castle area.

We are going under the name, “Interest group for the establishment of a Sugar and Energy Museum and Science Centre and Heritage Park.” We meet at the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology in Esperanza and will now share with the nation what we have identified as the primary purpose of this group.
To seek:
(1) to capture the changing face of the sugar industry, recording it for future generations.
(2) Preserve a heritage of how lives and whole villages were/are affected by the sugar industry from slavery days to present day and continuing.
(3) Capturing the change from sugar to energy on a continuing basis.
(4) A place to capture the history of Trinidad and Tobago as affected by circumstances/life in central and south Trinidad in particular.
(5) A learning centre for historians, future scientists, teachers, students, the general public.
(6) A pavilion for artists.
(7) To offer recreational facilities for citizens and tourists,  a place for shows and festivals.
(8) The need to keep alive villages which fed from/off the Brechin Castle sugar factory.


SITES IDENTIFIED — Proposing to have these sites declared part of a Heritage Park
(1) Sevilla House and grounds — to be used as a museum and art gallery. Sevilla and Sevilla house is of great historical significance to the sugar industry.
(2) Building that now houses the Environmental office at Sevilla to be used for collections and research projects of the Museum and Heritage Park.
(3) Basta Hall Hill — Establishment of Science Centre and Theatre for the performing arts and Interpretive Museum (typical old sugarcane village set up for example a barrack and a couple mud huts, a potter’s house).
We have indicated our interest by letter dated June 23, 2003 to the Estate Management and Business Development Company Ltd in having the aforementioned properties set aside for this purpose. We are awaiting a response from the committee. In the meantime though, it would be interesting to hear from the citizens how important they feel such a project is to the country. Please write to newspapers and call in to the talk shows if you support such a project. We will publish an e-mail address after our next meeting.


NOREEN BRATHWAITE
Chairperson Pro Tem
Balmain Gardens, Couva

Mr Snaggs must be confirmed as CoP now

THE EDITOR: Since the beginning of Mr Snaggs’ tenure as the new officer in charge of the Police Service, I have been heartened by many of the actions taken, but also bewildered by the amount of negativity many writers attribute to programmes being implemented to stem the proliferation of crime.

Everyone is entitled, as I am, to opine about the routes which should be taken to arrive at a relatively safe environment. With regard to the appointment of a Commissioner of Police, if “sources” are correct, it is ludicrous for the administration to advance the theory that if Mr Snaggs is kept dangling in an acting capacity he will be inspired to perform at a higher level than if he were appointed now, because he will be inspired to prove his worthiness. Balderdash! How in heaven’s name can intelligent people, especially those entrusted with running a country, make the ridiculous assumption that insecurity can engender efficiently and creativity? In order to motivate managers, confidence must first be placed in them. That will allow them to make tough and perhaps drastic changes in operations relying on the convictions inherent in being “in charge.” In March this year, I used this forum to advocate greater police presence and cited the effectiveness of the show of force at the last Carnival celebrations. I also suggested “Establishment of a pilot programme utilising mobile offices (site trailers) … These modular structures would serve as ‘depots’ and allow manpower to be more readily available where needed.” Needless to say, I was delighted to learn of plans to use mobile units. I make no assumptions that this project emanated from my suggestions. It is interesting to review some of the critiques. For example, deeming petty the crackdown on dark tinted auto windows; condemning roadblocks and helicopter surveillance as a ploy; suggesting that it is wasting valuable time by arresting drug addicts.

My view is that having overlooked “small crimes” for all these years, the impression was conveyed that the state was blind to enforcement. Such a perception fostered anarchic behaviour. There is an apt cliche “Give them an inch and they will take a mile.”  When one person illegally erected a tent in one area of Port-of-Spain, some would have considered it petty to dismantle it. One squatter was joined by another, then yet another and now that it has become a “shanty town” it is likely that some of the same people who would have considered eviction of one “trivial” are among those screaming to rid the city of the eyesore; for years police failed to patrol the highways adequately and to make a serious attempt to curtail speeding. Now that vehicular accidents are claiming lives at an alarming rate, the public, who had hitherto assumed that defective vehicles, drunk drivers and reckless driving was “no big thing,” now expect a solution overnight. When the “differently able people” began their protest outside the compound of the National Flour Mills to highlight their just cause for employment consideration, instead of the matter being dealt with quickly and some concession made to satisfy their plight, the Flour Mills were neglectful and allowed it to become a cause celebre which exacerbated the problems for the police. Surely, as a state entity, someone in government should have been astute enough to rise to a higher level of responsibility. These references should make it clear that when problems are ignored in their embryonic stages, they develop into uncontrollable monsters. The CoP must draw from his experience and ingenuity to devise strategies which would seem workable. It would be naive to expect that success will attend every effort but to criticise him for being innovative is beyond fairness. If there were no criticisms there would be no improvement but it would be helpful to hear possible solutions as well.

In addition to the game plan already publicised, and in deference to those who have espoused similar ideas, following are imperatives:
(1) Highway patrols. I had posed previously that during the day “motorcyclists can be assigned to travel in opposite directions, turning at designated points, crossing each other at frequent intervals, with short stops at vantage locations for surveillance.” At nights patrol cars with flashing roof lights should be used. At least for starters, this could be done on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, which seems to be one of the main arteries on which fatalities occur, and from which logistical projections can be determined. In the USA, speeding is curtailed because of the spectre of State Troopers/City Police and everyone knows that they are ever present.
(2) Establish, immediately, an Internal Affairs Unit, or whatever name might be appropriate. It is absolutely necessary to have an elite division to “police the police.” From what I read, almost daily, many members of the public are convinced that their are pockets in the Police Service that aid and abet the lawbreakers, therefore, citizens deserve the commitment that something tangible is being done to allay their fears. The division must have a degree of autonomy otherwise the members of the team could be compromised too easily. For those who would argue that “you can’t trust anyone” I resort to my admonition “you are not the only honest person in the world.”
(3) Borrow a page from the New York City Department, as established by Commissioner Bratton under Guiliani as Mayor, to hold all division heads accountable. The system of COMSTAT worked so well for New York City that it is being embraced by most of the states. I am sure that the CoP is aware of this programme and I urge that every effort be made to embrace it.
(4) Give the Police Department the technology necessary.
(5) Last but most important, the Prime Minister must demonstrate his commitment to the people whom he swore to protect and defend, maybe in words paraphrased, by ensuring that the necessary funding is allocated to accomplish the task at hand. Forget about all the frivolous excuses that budgets must be approved because I am sure that the system under which the country operates can take care of whatever monetary contingencies are necessary.

It is time for elected leaders to shed their self-woven cloaks of infallibility and condescension akin to noblesse oblige and commit themselves to empower law enforcement agencies to attack the task at hand. This government is in charge because the electorate believed they could do a better job than their predecessors. Failure to make manifest a valiant effort to do so will only prove that “talk is cheap.”


SELWYN P NIMBLETT
Brooklyn, NY

Taking advantage of granny

THE EDITOR: With reference to the letter “We must be disciplined in order to discipline” by Ulric Guy Newsday August 26, I would like to reply to this goodly gentleman and ask that he review his condemnation of the grandmother of the child in question.

It seems to me that many grandmothers in this country are taken for granted and are related numerous which are not theirs to accomplish. When they have already laboured with one generation, their own children, they are asked to labour again for their grandchildren. Is that fair? A grandmother’s role should not be one of standing in long lines for long periods to pay any bills and in addition having to baby sit restless, playful children! Where was the father of that child, may I ask? Even if the parents were at work they can easily pay someone to look after the child or register it in the many camps that are open to children at vacation time. Society seems to be harping a lot about children’s rights these days, but what about responsibility? Under UNICEF, children’s rights are accompanied by their responsibilities. They need to be taught obedience and respect for the elderly.


PHILLIPPA ALLARD-PERSAD
San Fernando

Dogathon success

THE EDITOR: The German Shepherd Breed Club of Trinidad and Tobago would like to express our sincerest and deepest appreciation to all those who made our first annual Dogathon such a tremendous success.

We would like to thank all of our kind sponsors and all our participants who supported us in the walk of man and their best friend against crime on Sunday August 24, 2003. This was the first time ever that all of the dog food companies were elated to support such an event. We do look forward to your continued kind patronage in our upcoming grand event “Every Dog Has its Day,” and would appreciate any input as to ways to improve this event. Look forward to our annual Dogathon to be held on the Sunday after Great Race. Please feel free to contact us.


KAREN BOODOO
Port-of-Spain

Fragrant thief at Piarco

THE EDITOR: There’s a thief among the Tobago Express baggage crew at Piarco International Airport. Please Mr Editor, I am appealing to you to use your good office in order to bring about improved security at the airport.

I have reported the theft of my belonging to the Airports Authority, Tobago Express Airline, Crown Point Police and Piarco Airport Police Station. I got no satisfaction from the airline — they have said they cannot help. In the meantime, the thief continues to be employed.
Thursday August 28, 2003, I checked in my luggage for the 10.45 am flight #1528 bound for Tobago. I had a bottle of perfume in the zipped end of my bag, it was there just before I checked in the bag, as I made sure it was there. When I arrived in Tobago, the zipped portion of the bag was opened. I made a report to the airline, but they said that they could do nothing about it. Therefore, in the meantime, the fragrant thief continues his trade. I have heard of complaints from other persons who have lost several items between Piarco and Crown Point Airports. The authorities seem reluctant to investigate these thefts. What is the role of the Airports Security? Anyhow, I hope my complaint would alert the authorities to do something about the situation.


TRUEMAN BRAITHWAITE
Port-of-Spain

Challenge yourself to greater life

THE EDITOR: Doesn’t the comfort zone feel great? It is so secure and safe, with no risks of failure or bigger demands on us. However, do you think that staying in this zone forever will lead to excitement, growth and a great life? Most certainly not. As much as it is important to have contentment, it is doubly important to test your abilities and discover your potential.

The only way for us to know what we are made of is to step out of the comfort zone. This takes strength, discipline and effort. But if you want to live your life to the fullest, then you must challenge yourself.
Real growth does not happen, but rather is created. Successful people all share one thing in common. They are risk-takers. They take risks on themselves by dreaming big and taking massive action. They know that success is the fruit of dedication, diligence and most importantly the willingness to grow and challenge oneself. We all have something to offer. Let us not waste our lives away by just being content with our present situations. We can be so much more, if we allow it.

Make a commitment today (do not wait for the year 2004) to stretch yourself. Learn something new, re-visit your present career, take up an exercise programme, pursue you dream, make new relationships and build present ones, discover your spirit, etc. I know you have such great potential that is currently under-utilised. Please do not let yourself waste away by just being happy with “okay.” Life is meant to be ecstatic and wonderful and exciting. But the first step (once you determine a goal) is to step out of your comfort zone and take action to achieve your goals and dreams. Make your life meaningful. Set an example for others. Leave a legacy. All it takes is commitment and dedication.


RAVI MAHARAJ
Tunapuna

Under-19 cricketers do it

GEORGETOWN:  Trinidad and Tobago completed an historic double, winning  the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge three-day series.

Two weeks ago they won the one-day title. The Trinidadians took the league championship by virtue of first innings points over Windward Islands, at Bourda here yesterday. Set a victory target of 283 runs, the Windwards reached 25 for two wickets in their second innings in seven overs. Scores: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 250 and 207 for four wickets vs WINDWARDS 175 and 25 for two. Resuming on seven runs for one wicket yesterday, the Trinidadians with an 82-run first innings lead, had a 67-run second wicket partnership between opening batsman Tishan Maraj who made 31, and Petrock Nicholas, 74. Another stand over 50 was produced by the Nicholas-Lendl Simmons tandem.  They put together 81 runs for the third wicket which for all purposes put the match beyond the reach of the Windwards. Trinidad and Tobago then declared  their second innings on  207 for four wickets, with Simmons unbeaten on 70. Best Windward bowler in the second innings was Pascal who took two wickets for 36 runs. And after scven overs, the umpires decided to call off  the encounter, leaving Trinidad and Tobago winners on first innings.

Now Mayaro blank Defence Force 4-3

MAYARO SPURS recorded their first victory in the inaugural All Sport National Super League when they overcame Defence Force 4-3 at the Mayaro Recreation Ground yesterday.

The Army-Coast Guard combination came from behind to level the scores at three apiece at the half. But Sharlon Hagley completed his hat-trick with a 50th minute strike to seal full points for the southerners. Defence Force trailed as early as the fourth minute through an own goal by defender Sherwin Russell, and went further behind when Hagley opened his account in the 16th. The Teteron squad responded in the 21st courtesy Desmond James before Hagley netted his second three minutes later. Mayaro lost their way in the latter stages of the first half, conceding two quick goals —- an own goal in the 34th and the equaliser by David Streete in the 38th. But the Spurs regrouped during the halftime break and Hagley’s third consigned Defence Force to their third straight defeat.

BiWater Stokely Vale notched their third win in as many matches with a comfortable 3-1 whipping of Crab Connection in the first match of a doubleheader at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago. Stephen Vincent Pierre was the hero for WASA Clean and White, scoring after 30 minutes as the Eastern Football Association (EFA) powerhouse edged Caroni 1-0 at Gilbert Park, Couva. Police also walked away with full points, defeating fellow Southern Football Association (SFA) rivals Club Sando 1-0. Brent Lyons found the back of the net in the 39th to send their fans at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella into a frenzy. But supporters were left fuming in disgust at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground as the Tamana United-TCL Samba Boys encounter was postponed due to an unfit ground. League leaders Maraval Youth Academy were eyeing their fifth successive win against St Clair Coaching School in the second match of a doubleheader at Bacolet.