Trini Politics

WE WILL RISE
“We will rise…that sounds to me like an advertisement for Viagra.” Does this sound like a statement that should escape the lips of a leader of a political party and incumbent
Prime Minister of a nation during a feature address at a political rally? Unfortunately, this
is exactly the case. Whilst we understand that this is Trinidad and after all there’s no
escaping the wrath of the “political picong,” we also need to understand that as a role
model to many and leader of an entire nation, there are certain things that are better left unsaid, especially on a political platform, addressing citizens.

It appears as if more priority is being given to slandering the character of the opposing
parties and their candidates than the real issues affecting the citizens of Trinidad and
Tobago.

Wait! No! There were a few attempts at addressing the issues. Matters of grave
importance like the fashion do’s and don’ts of the political platform, the “who’s the
weaker leader: Dookie or Kamla?” game and it would be remiss of me if I fail to mention
the most pressing matter of interest: “Which corruption scandal more scandalous: UDECOTT or d airport?”

Now let’s get down to business. In an address, the Prime Minister spoke about the
construction of six new highway systems throughout the country. This is based on the
brilliant idea that no part of Trinidad should be more than one and a half hours away from the other. This, as stated by Mr. Manning, should he regain his position as prime minister come
May 24th, is scheduled to begin before the end of this year. The reality is this: How can
you expect to complete such a massive project when you can’t even complete a simple
stadium in the allotted time period and within the budget! There are existing roads in
Trinidad and Tobago in deplorable conditions! One would find it hard to believe that right
here is the pitch lake! The pitch lake from which asphalt is extracted and exported to
foreign countries, whose roads are in much better condition than ours. The existing
infrastructure should first be repaired and improved before a construction project,
especially one of this magnitude, is undertook. Given the economic state of the country
and by large, the world, is it really wise to spend such a vast amount of money, that most
people cannot even begin to fathom, on a project such as this? Particularly when our oil
and gas reserves are depleting as we speak, our agriculture sector has been
significantly reduced to the point where we can no longer sustain ourselves and must
rely on imports from foreign countries and our crime rate is at an all time high.

Trinidad and Tobago is a multiracial, multicultural society that is admired for the racial
harmony exhibited by its people. However, as a young, ambitious citizen of mixed ethnic
background, I am saddened when at a time as crucial to the well-being and holistic
development of our nation as this, I have to turn on my television only to hear supposedly
educated persons on a platform, making racial slurs at their opponents and the
opponent’s supporters. It is even more disheartening to hear citizens making comments
like “iz Indian for Indian and we for we so I voting for we, I voting PNM”. I honestly thought
that Trinidad and Tobago had matured from the racial political arena and to the kind of
politics that addressed the issues and problems of the people. It is unfortunate that this
is not the case everywhere.

Ethnic background, religious beliefs, economic standings and dress are not the qualities
that form the basis of a good leader. It is about what you bring to the table and what you
have to offer the people of a nation and how you intend to realize your goals. A good
leader is someone who is strong-willed and determined, but not stubborn, confident but
not arrogant, people oriented, compassionate, intelligent, a good listener, someone with
sensible ideas who takes into account the ideas of others. So I urge the people of
Trinidad and Tobago, when you go to the polls on May 24th, 2010 put aside the physical
differences. Think of every candidate as a human being with something to offer to make
Trinidad and Tobago a better place and make your decision based on what each
candidate has to offer you, the citizens, to make your life more comfortable.

By: Samona, age 16
A youth concerned about her future as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.