Dear Editor,

Lots have happened lately.

In the United National Congress (UNC), the membership voted to keep many of its previous officials. There is no evidence that it is on a path to change. Meanwhile, the People’s National Movement (PNM) gained a bit more votes than its opponent to win the local government seat in the Moruga Indian Walk area and increase its votes in Morne Diablo. These recent political developments have left several people wondering if the people of Trinidad and Tobago are serious about seeking change. Perhaps we may want to examine whether we are at the level of political and social awareness to understand that introspection and change may be necessary.

In Trinidad and Tobago we have some of the best beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and caves in the world but a very poor tourism sector. We are among the few countries in the world where anyone can simply make a licence plate and place it on their cars. We just cannot understand the need for State-issued plates.

Anyone seeking to learn about water distribution would know that the best, most reliable, and cost-effective system is a gravity-fed system. But in Trinidad and Tobago we are still trying to pump water to every home, thereby destroying our infrastructure. Our government system and management structures discourage entrepreneurs and investors at a time when the rest of the world is passing legislation to attract investors.

One can go on and on about our failure to have structured police patrols and our inability to efficiently utilise machine-readable passports, as we are among the very few countries where citizens and visitors still fill out immigration forms. The reality is that we are not a people who change easily, even when our survival depends on making innovative decisions.

Sadly, as we look at our political environment, we see two major political parties and a plethora of small parties without the financial resources, personnel, leadership, or support base to win an election. They struggle daily for recognition by the media and the population at large.

So what kind of future can one see for Trinidad and Tobago. Where are the plans for food security, for dealing with the challenges of climate change, for diversifying the economy, for dealing with the rising crime and associated poor justice system? If one were to look at the plans put forward, he or she would see a pathway for a better tomorrow for Trinidad and Tobago. But for that to become a reality, the the people of Trinidad and Tobago must rise from their political slumber and embrace change.

Will this be a possibility soon, in time for the 2025 General Election?

Steve Alvarez

bilcoa@hotmail.com