AS we celebrate 60 years of Independence, it is worthwhile to reflect on the last six decades and look forward to more. This reflection would naturally lead to a few questions: what have we accomplished? and where are we headed?
Trinidad and Tobago has had many highs and lows over our 60-year journey. Our accomplishments and challenges are well known. Without going into details T&T seems to be a paradox. We have topped the global happiness index and homicide rankings simultaneously.
Some will argue that for a nation of 1.4 million we have done well, producing world-class professionals, athletes and entertainers. Others may point to our leaders, saying they have mismanaged many aspects of our economy and we, like many “resource-rich” nations, have suffered the consequences of corruption and mismanagement. Yet the business minded may point to our relatively high per capita GDP as an indicator of success.
Macroeconomic indicators may say one thing but what is the reality for the average citizen on the street? Are our citizens prosperous and safe? Have we produced the “Model Nation” that the Mighty Sparrow once sang about? Your opinion may vary based on which side of the political divide you find yourself in.
When measuring our progress, we are often compared to our Caricom brothers, particularly Jamaica. While this comparison is understandable, it is more fitting to compare T&T to Mauritius- an island republic in the Indian ocean. Mauritius has similar demographics to us (1.3 million), similar ethnic diversity and even a popular street food similar to “Doubles”. In a nutshell, Mauritius has modern infrastructure, vibrant tourism and financial service sectors, better public health care and lower crime rates than us.
T&T outshines Mauritius in terms of annual and per capita GDP, and global cultural influence. More Trinibagoians are in positions of global influence than Mauritians. With this comparison made clear, it is our people, our creativity, and the nation’s human resource that makes us unique. Comparisons aside, I hope we can focus on maximising our collective human potential rather than simply justifying our state of affairs.
Our people are talented and have mastered the art of enjoying life. But is this misdirected or underappreciated?
“Once ah Trini reach in yuh fete is niceness”. These lyrics rings true, whether you are a partier or not. Our light-hearted approach to life allows us to live in harmony with each other. In my opinion, this is one of our greatest strengths but also one of our greatest weaknesses. “We don’t take anything seriously”, “everything is ah joke for Trinis” these comments are often echoed across social media both in times of disaster and humour.
“Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve.” But what exactly are we aspiring to achieve as a nation? As the Biblical proverb says “without a vision, the people perish.” So, humbly I ask, what are our national goals, (political manifestos aside) what is the vision for this nation?
So where are we headed as a nation? Honestly, it is unclear. A modern vision and united purpose for this nation have not been clearly expressed and implemented. Vision should be communicated by leaders but let us not forget that leaders are people and not a separate species, if they fail, we as a nation have failed.
Ultimately, with independence comes responsibility, we all as citizens (private or public) are responsible for the development of our nation. T&T belongs to all of us and we must own it, all of it. The challenge for each citizen is to contribute to the advancement of a “Disciplined, Tolerant and Productive” society.
We have within our people skills and talents that are worth more than our oil and gas resources.
Let us work together to chart a path forward, individually and as a nation to tap into this human potential and build a brighter future.
To become proud of our nation again, and again and build a “Model Nation” is still possible, as long as our people can believe it is. Happy Independence T&T!
Nigel Gangadeen is the CEO of Goldan Corporation, a US-based technology company. He also served as a youth minister at the Tabernacle of Prayer organisation.
T&T: A Paradox, But People Worth More Than Oil, Gas
AS we celebrate 60 years of Independence, it is worthwhile to reflect on the last six decades and look forward to more. This reflection would naturally lead to a few questions: what have we accomplished? and where are we headed?
Trinidad and Tobago has had many highs and lows over our 60-year journey. Our accomplishments and challenges are well known. Without going into details T&T seems to be a paradox. We have topped the global happiness index and homicide rankings simultaneously.
Some will argue that for a nation of 1.4 million we have done well, producing world-class professionals, athletes and entertainers. Others may point to our leaders, saying they have mismanaged many aspects of our economy and we, like many “resource-rich” nations, have suffered the consequences of corruption and mismanagement. Yet the business minded may point to our relatively high per capita GDP as an indicator of success.
Macroeconomic indicators may say one thing but what is the reality for the average citizen on the street? Are our citizens prosperous and safe? Have we produced the “Model Nation” that the Mighty Sparrow once sang about? Your opinion may vary based on which side of the political divide you find yourself in.
When measuring our progress, we are often compared to our Caricom brothers, particularly Jamaica. While this comparison is understandable, it is more fitting to compare T&T to Mauritius- an island republic in the Indian ocean. Mauritius has similar demographics to us (1.3 million), similar ethnic diversity and even a popular street food similar to “Doubles”. In a nutshell, Mauritius has modern infrastructure, vibrant tourism and financial service sectors, better public health care and lower crime rates than us.
T&T outshines Mauritius in terms of annual and per capita GDP, and global cultural influence. More Trinibagoians are in positions of global influence than Mauritians. With this comparison made clear, it is our people, our creativity, and the nation’s human resource that makes us unique. Comparisons aside, I hope we can focus on maximising our collective human potential rather than simply justifying our state of affairs.
Our people are talented and have mastered the art of enjoying life. But is this misdirected or underappreciated?
“Once ah Trini reach in yuh fete is niceness”. These lyrics rings true, whether you are a partier or not. Our light-hearted approach to life allows us to live in harmony with each other. In my opinion, this is one of our greatest strengths but also one of our greatest weaknesses. “We don’t take anything seriously”, “everything is ah joke for Trinis” these comments are often echoed across social media both in times of disaster and humour.
“Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve.” But what exactly are we aspiring to achieve as a nation? As the Biblical proverb says “without a vision, the people perish.” So, humbly I ask, what are our national goals, (political manifestos aside) what is the vision for this nation?
So where are we headed as a nation? Honestly, it is unclear. A modern vision and united purpose for this nation have not been clearly expressed and implemented. Vision should be communicated by leaders but let us not forget that leaders are people and not a separate species, if they fail, we as a nation have failed.
Ultimately, with independence comes responsibility, we all as citizens (private or public) are responsible for the development of our nation. T&T belongs to all of us and we must own it, all of it. The challenge for each citizen is to contribute to the advancement of a “Disciplined, Tolerant and Productive” society.
We have within our people skills and talents that are worth more than our oil and gas resources.
Let us work together to chart a path forward, individually and as a nation to tap into this human potential and build a brighter future.
To become proud of our nation again, and again and build a “Model Nation” is still possible, as long as our people can believe it is. Happy Independence T&T!
Nigel Gangadeen is the CEO of Goldan Corporation, a US-based technology company. He also served as a youth minister at the Tabernacle of Prayer organisation.