Pro-active Politics required for T&T campaign trail

When there is widespread daily killing of soldiers and civilians alike in Iraq, we are told by the media that it is not ‘war’. 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 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.

We do not demand policies of worth, policies that show the necessary investment to educate our police force to tackle the scourge of crime that exists both within and outside of its own walls. More importantly, I cannot recall any of our so-called leaders defining a carefully laid out plan for the welfare system, NGOs, charities, the aforementioned police and the relevant Ministries to work together to stop this rot of criminal minded individuals being developed in our nation. Our prison system is so blinkered that the view exists that jail is just that and not a correctional facility to re-educate even petty criminals and make them a useful factor in society. With the level of crime as it is, these are the types of areas upon which we should focus. Or perhaps we really do value the lives and welfare of some individuals above others based on social standing, abode and race?

Yes we need to hear about the plans for our economic development via smelters et al but despite the euphoria of our World cup inclusion or the prosperity of a percentage of the population, the nation is in crisis. Perhaps where you live is not currently viewed as such but a perusal of the headlines proves otherwise, unless we have become numb to the daily murder/rape statistic, such is its regularity. Step back from the rat race for a moment and consider that you live in a nation where the wealth is overflowing but the best that a leadership can offer is what amounts to a part time job as it endeavours to further its propaganda with the boast of zero unemployment. Is it any wonder that there is no work ethic instilled? Further consider that though violent crime is an unfortunate common occurrence in this world, you live in a nation where a loved one may not return from a night out and the detection for the perpetrator will be non-existent due to the mismanagement of the security forces and the inability of those at the helm to act as proper managers for this most vital of services.

With a general election on the horizon, ask yourself if you will vote on personality, race, a protest vote against a particular party or on the basis of whimsical promises and which party can best berate the other. Each reason is as bad as the other. Each reason will bring a continuation of the current situation in T&T. Demand that policies are laid out that will promise adequate childcare, proper detection techniques for both criminal and welfare issues, constitution reform that removes ambiguity in our law, cohesive plans for education and training and a real opportunity for progression instead of the dead end schemes that currently exist as vote gaining tools. Yes any number of party representatives will charismatically promise all of the above and more. They will pledge to rid us of crime, traffic congestion, better roads, further education for all etc. but again remove yourself from the melee and ask how do they plan to enact these promises, what is the checkpoint for ascertaining its progress and what is the pre–planned option if it is failing. For example, if those entrusted with the safety of the nation fail to curb the current crime spree by a certain period into their tenure, what action will be taken and who assumes the responsibility? If this is part of the political campaign perhaps we can assume that there is some meaning to the campaign promises and we the public have a yardstick to measure the government's performance, whoever they may be.

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 ruining 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 posses 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.

Sincerely,

Sheldon Waithe