MANY citizens are unaware of the reasons T&T moved from Independence in 1962 to Republican status in 1976.
How can the ignored, downtrodden, exploited and victims of crime feel part of our Republican nation? Can the marginalised and forgotten believe they are equal citizens?
In 2023 there is need for introspection. Any politician who sells or neglects our assets does not deserve to hold political office. The duty of a government is to ensure a country’s heritage is protected and secured for the next generation. Additionally, the security and safety of its citizens is of paramount importance
The Treasury is not the personal piggy bank of a government. Unfortunately, governments have paid lip service to corruption, wastage and pollution. Governments that ignore exploitation of its resources and give token support to the underprivileged create a banana republic.
These weaknesses in governance did not emerge in the 21st century. Since the onset of foreign rule, it has been the monkey on our backs. And it seems the monkey, which likes bananas, still exists and has transformed T&T into a banana republic.
Some with political blinkers may want to blindly defend ‘sweet T&T’ and claim to be ‘trini to the bone’. However, there are deficiencies. One of the most glaring is an absence of meritocracy which contributes to inefficiency.
A few of us have lost faith in the Parliament that has been reduced to a glamorised debating society. Conversations on social media, radio talk shows and letters to the editor are often shallow and reflect distorted views.
Educated persons who are supposed to be enlightened have been spouting political propaganda and outdated ideas. If we are to be on the path of a real republic, then we need to question religious intolerance, the rehashing of racist ideas and biased opinions. These only serve to pollute the minds of the next generation and create a polarized republic.
A Real Republic?
By Jerome Teelucksingh
MANY citizens are unaware of the reasons T&T moved from Independence in 1962 to Republican status in 1976.
How can the ignored, downtrodden, exploited and victims of crime feel part of our Republican nation? Can the marginalised and forgotten believe they are equal citizens?
In 2023 there is need for introspection. Any politician who sells or neglects our assets does not deserve to hold political office. The duty of a government is to ensure a country’s heritage is protected and secured for the next generation. Additionally, the security and safety of its citizens is of paramount importance
The Treasury is not the personal piggy bank of a government. Unfortunately, governments have paid lip service to corruption, wastage and pollution. Governments that ignore exploitation of its resources and give token support to the underprivileged create a banana republic.
These weaknesses in governance did not emerge in the 21st century. Since the onset of foreign rule, it has been the monkey on our backs. And it seems the monkey, which likes bananas, still exists and has transformed T&T into a banana republic.
Some with political blinkers may want to blindly defend ‘sweet T&T’ and claim to be ‘trini to the bone’. However, there are deficiencies. One of the most glaring is an absence of meritocracy which contributes to inefficiency.
Dr Jerome Teelucksingh is an activist. He initiated the inaugural observances of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men and Boys (January 31) and World Day of the Boy Child (May 16). He has made academic presentations at tertiary institutions including Harvard University and Oxford University.
See other articles by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh on AZP News:
Can we Eradicate Underachievement?
A Quiet Pandemic: Male Underachievement
Marcus Garvey and CLR James
CLR James and Pan-Africanism
The Blackest Thing in Slavery wasn’t Slaves
The Importance of Emancipation Day
A Failed Embargo on Cuba
An Old Drug Trade
Early Elections in Tobago
Muslim Camp on Nelson Island
Tobago’s Working Class in the 1920s, 1930s
Missing that Sweet Sugar
Can We End Poverty?
Movie Madness
Are Humble Caring Fathers Champions?
Influencing West Indian Masculinity
Defining Caribbean Masculinity
Is Monogamy Encouraged in the Caribbean
Media: Women as Sex Objects?
Hollywood Hustlers
Naps Girls: From Humble Beginnings to Excellence
US Media Creates Cultural Dependency in the Caribbean
Bloodless Revolution to Save Lives in Developing Countries
The Need for a Social and Moral Revolution
Protecting Tribal Groups
Religion and Racism
The Law of Supply and Demand in Developing Countries
The Irony of Monetary Aid
End the Dependency for Developing Countries
T&T Carnival and the Emperor’s New Clothes
Migration to Promised Lands
The Influence of Labour on Caribbean Integration
The illusion of political Unity
Presbyterians in Trinidad: Humble Missionaries, Local Workers
Sports and Caribbean Unity
Religious Plurality: Curse or Blessing
Caribbean Youth Need Optimism, Patriotism
Rethinking Identities in Caribbean, Latin America
November 19: All Inclusive International Men’s Day
Attempts at Caribbean Unity
Reverse gender discrimination
Should International Agencies be Blamed for Unemployment
Hiding Unemployment
A Need to Observe Word Unemployment Day
An Ideology for the Trade Union Movement
The Man who Couldn’t be Prime Minister
Social Outburst vs Social Revolution
Challenges of the Men’s Movement
If George Floyd was Denied Parole
Fathers Under Attack!
Should we Save the Boy Child
The Meaning of Indian Arrival Day in T&T
International Men’s Day – A Way of Life
Wounds that cause school violence
The Forgotten Massacres 1884
May Day: A Time for Solidarity, Strength
Who Coined the Term ‘Black Power’
Indians in Black Power
The illusion of political Unity
Presbyterians in Trinidad: Humble Missionaries, Local Workers
Sports and Caribbean Unity
Religious Plurality: Curse or Blessing
Caribbean Youth Need Optimism, Patriotism
Rethinking Identities in Caribbean, Latin America
November 19: All Inclusive International Men’s Day
Attempts at Caribbean Unity
Reverse gender discrimination
Should International Agencies be Blamed for Unemployment
Hiding Unemployment
A Need to Observe Word Unemployment Day
An Ideology for the Trade Union Movement
The Man who Couldn’t be Prime Minister
Social Outburst vs Social Revolution
Challenges of the Men’s Movement
If George Floyd was Denied Parole
Fathers Under Attack!
Should we Save the Boy Child
The Meaning of Indian Arrival Day in T&T
International Men’s Day – A Way of Life
Wounds that cause school violence
The Forgotten Massacres 1884
May Day: A Time for Solidarity, Strength
Who Coined the Term ‘Black Power’
Indians in Black Power