Dear Editor,

There is a general belief that the choice is between who is the less evil, who is less corrupt,or in general, the better of the bad.

But what about the good? Is that not a choice? Many will say yes, that is the right choice, but there are too few to make an impact, so we must choose from among the people who steal but throw some of the bounty for the followers to survive on.

Making the right choice, choosing good over evil, is usually the more difficult choice. It requires taking a course of action that can leave one feeling as an outcast, as not being part of the group, and in many cases causes some degree of economic adjustment.

In both major political parties in Trinidad and Tobago, taking a position can lead to one being seen as betraying his/her race and putting oneself outside the loop for financial and employment gains associated with political loyalty.

The right choice requires one to see country ahead of race, party, or political benefits. It requires one to think not only of oneself but of the children seeking a brighter future. It requires one to strive to see an end to the monopoly of gangs on communities. It sees improvement in education, in social welfare, in government services, and in infrastructure. Making the right choice requires strength.

When sitting Members of Parliament take a position that they and many in their party see as beneficial to the country, the few that are beneficiaries of the leadership saw them as outcasts. It took a lot of personal strength and political conviction to take such a stand. What was perhaps very disappointing was how few supported their initiative.

Trinidad and Tobago is calling all its citizens, all its patriots, all who care for their family, all who put country ahead of their political prowess to join with the few that had the courage to stand up for country and make that movement the new political force. Not a third force but a first force.

First should be the people united by love and not race. The race-based parties can then be seen as second and third. First should be a people seeking a better country with improved infrastructure, a sound economy, and a modern approach to governance. First should be a party committed to safe communities, to caring for the elderly, and moulding our children to be the gems of a developed nation.

Today is the day to start a new first party, not a third force, a first party in which everyone can be proud that they took the time, strength, and political will to put country first.

Steve Alvarez

Trinidad and Tobago

bilcoa@hotmail.com