Dear Editor,

The carnival is over and reality hits you in the face without compromise — the absence of long-term reliable natural gas and its effect on the economy; the absence of a strategic plan to not only transform the economy but position the country to deal with the changing economic realities; the daily display of deadly belligerence in our society; and the failure of our justice system. These and so many other realities tell us that as a nation Trinidad and Tobago has failed to elect appropriate personnel to form its Government.

There is widespread feeling that if a general election were to be called tomorrow the breakdown of seats will very likely remain as they are today as the leadership of the main Opposition party cannot motivate those dissatisfied with the Government to vote for its party.

What does this say for a country with so many brilliant minds? Are those with a vision and a desire to see better governance in Trinidad and Tobago doomed to be commentators and letter writers? There are no concerted efforts to highlight national issues and to seek interventions to preserve what is left of law and order in our society.

We know what is required for our economic sustenance and for safe and secure communities. The commentaries on solutions have been aplenty. We know that the problem is the political will to deal with the solutions. We know that the answer is political. Why then are we unable to take the necessary steps to make the changes required? The answer is simply ego.

As a person who has been actively asking our politicians to unite and focus on that which is best for Trinidad and Tobago, I can say without contradiction that words like ‘narcissism’, ‘egocentric’, ‘arrogance’, ‘self-importance’, and ‘love for power’ describe most of the potential leaders in our society. Humility, selflessness, love, compassion, and patriotism are absent.

Until our leaders find the strength and conviction to put aside their desire for personal advancement in the interest of country, the problems we face will continue.

Almost every day I speak to potential leaders who are so consumed with who they are and stories of their personal achievements they are convinced that they alone can fix Trinidad and Tobago. They cannot bring themselves to recognise the value of other leaders.

Until these people realise the power of the many, the strength of togetherness, the greatness of humility, and the knowledge in knowing that there is so much one doesn’t know, then all hope for a better tomorrow may end in despair.

Steve Alvarez

Trinidad and Tobago

bilcoa@hotmail.com