Dear Editor,

The images are depressingly contrasting. Thousands of boats with high-powered engines on racks or packed in rows in our marinas and yacht clubs; luxury cars, SUVs, and trucks on our nation’s roadways; luxury houses perched on our hills and in gated communities with pools, play areas, and every possible modern appliance filled with more food than is necessary for the occupants; bars filled with a variety of drinks; and recreation areas with surround sound systems and huge television screens.

On the other side of the fence are dilapidated structures balancing on poor foundations unable to withstand any severe weather condition, housing families packed in small rooms, many without proper beds. Family income based on daily endeavours, mainly dependent on employment or grants from Government; the food supply uncertain, sometimes just enough for a week; the general diet unhealthy; and water supply sporadic.

These contrasting life structures exist in a country with poor roads and no structured system of maintenance; poor landscaping that demonstrates a lack of national pride; and communities that are allowed to rummage through the nation’s dumps and have their youth plunge into criminal gangs for survival or service the privileged by washing their car windscreens for a few dollars.

This scenario exists regardless of which of the two major political parties are in service. Promises made at election are quickly forgotten as the people never voted for a plan, they simply voted for their race to be the one in service. The country never ever came close to reaching its best potential. Foreigners simply visited, took control of the energy resources, paid token taxes, and moved on.

Meanwhile, the wealth which emanates from little or no input from the elected officials is spent on mega projects that benefit party financiers.

Will the people ever wake up and recognise the benefits of uniting for a cause rather that a race? Would they recognise that soon the little we have will be gone and there is no plan for survival outside of contributions from foreigners that continually exploit our limited natural resources.

If Trinidad and Tobago is to be saved, we need our best people to come together now. Unite and present a viable alternative to the major political parties that have led us to where we are now. I am calling on all patriots to think about our families, our communities, and our own lives and rid ourselves of the destructive attraction to racial voting patterns. We have the power in our hands to institute real change.

Steve Alvarez

Trinidad and Tobago

bilcoa@hotmail.com