Dear Editor,

Politics is very volatile and unpredictable.

Who would have expected Syria to fall without much of a battle? Who would have expected Donald Trump’s victory to be so overwhelming? The political pundits and polls seem to not be able to say what is happening on the ground. Why? One possibility is that so many people are invested in one sect or another that they are unable to see what is happening around them. Then there is the hope that if one were to say that the grass is blue, eventually one would get the people to believe that the grass is blue when it is in fact green.

Perhaps it is time to look and listen to what the ground is saying. The people of Trinidad and Tobago are currently saying that they are very unhappy with the present Government and their management of the country. But they also say that such displeasure is not enough for them to vote for the Opposition. There is widespread belief that while change is desired there are many people representing the Opposition who cannot attract their vote.

The ground is also saying that the safe seats will remain safe as party loyalists are not inclined to vote outside of their traditional seats unless there is a very attractive alternative. The marginal seats, as they stand, will remain where they are.

The ground is saying that there is a tremendous appetite for change across the entire country but that would require a well-structured and managed campaign with very attractive representatives, people with integrity and a desire and determination to be different from the two major parties. The ground, while still loyal to party and race, is willing to change if there is a viable alternative.

What are the requirements that can inspire a change in the voting patterns of Trinidad and Tobago? The first thing is leadership. There must be a leader who symbolises unity, competence, some degree of charisma, and sincerity. He or she must be accompanied by a team that speaks to honesty, integrity, racial equity and a sincere desire to serve the people and not self.

The fact that such a team is not gaining traction may be a sign that people with these qualities are not available in Trinidad and Tobago at this time. Alternatively, the people who can do this are afraid of victimisation. There is also the possibility that there is no leader available to galvanise the ground towards what can be an overwhelming victory.

Over the next few weeks, the people who can change the Government must come forward and work in every community under the leadership of a very competent leader or the serving Government will not only win the next election but gain political ground. So says the ground.

Steve Alvarez

Trinidad and Tobago

bilcoa@hotmail.com