Finding a political middle ground is never an easy task. This time, the indecision to negotiate a solution in Trinidad and Tobago that is workable to both the People's National Movement (PNM) political leader Dr Keith Rowley and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, echoes the theories of political philosophers to save the populace in times of peril and hold the advantage.
Debates preceding general elections are a necessary engagement of the western model of representative democracy. But, the true essence lies in what the opposing insurgent brings to the table vs. the extension of an existing economic action plan to improve the lives of the people of Trinidad and Tobago that serves as a catalyst in the region.
The effects of more of the same opposition antagonism and herdlike popularity, offered as solutions to tackle domestic, regional and global causes, will not make the cut. This campaign will be inspired by a higher level of influence, in order to upstage economic sanctions and bullying tactics from Venezuela against Guyana: the mechanics relating to the opening up of the Cuban market; the implications of low oil prices and the Iranian market; the impact of financial sectors in relation to global developments and, how Trinidad and Tobago will react with policy response.
These complicated matters do not require mimicry, inexperience, and old fashioned gimmicks, but true experience and conviction of action that deliver results. And while the outcome of the general elections will be an act of conscience, it is necessary to understand the challenges to secure opportunities now for future generations.
One essential method is this: success builds success; therefore, it’s a lot better to continue on a level that requires proven leadership ability and experience in light of government priorities; in contrast to the use of fluffy bravado as a means of self-promotion and the promise of dubious significance.
A correction to that approach is needed, in light of the practical example of irresponsibility that is unfolding in Greece, to which Caribbean governments are not immune, and heading into the abyss – selling the people, their resources and future generations.
For too long the play on people’s fantasy has led smooth performers with the flair for the dramatics to win over votes, only to be crowned later as con-artists and whimsical.
For too long the play on people’s fantasy by Robin Hood actors have played a good game, fermented in deception of having fortitude, but repeatedly displaying the lack of guts in decision making and conventional economy theory.
The other parallel of importance is the competence and efficiency to get the job done.
As a whole you can dream grand dreams, think big, promise the world, but it means nothing if you cannot turn that dream into reality, on time and on budget. When this is done, success becomes a benchmark for better management, marketing and market confidence that lead to better value propositions.
This general elections should not be a contest of con-artist, sharp talkers, slick salesmen, merchants of occult practices, money launderers and Jack and Jill, who are capable of putting Trinidad and Tobago and the islands in further trouble and risk the return to colonial statehood.
The study’s results are clear in reporting that general elections in Trinidad and Tobago go beyond domestic concerns. It is the muscle above all to influence and recapture the magic of the region’s economic viability, at a time when regional governments influence is in decline and external forces assert themselves.
In that method, building on the sustained achievements over the years requires new industry, sustain innovation, diversity and a visual testament that deserve status.
The comments of Senator Vasant Bharath, minister of trade, industry, investment and communications and minister in the ministry of finance and the economy, declaring Trinidad and Tobago’s 2015 Trade and Investment Convention (TIC 2015) open for business last week at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, reinforced positive indicators, and the continuance of government’s track record.
And that’s the true essence of what the debates leading to the general election require. The political energy and enthusiasm to unleash a message on what’s at stake and why government is setting the facilities and infrastructure to underpin a vision focused on the future.
And the scale of actionable policy that has global consequences, including innovation and leadership; fostering intra- and extra-regional trade; actionable solutions to work with the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank), and the region’s financial capital. In so doing, develop a strong link to Central and South American companies that attract global linkages to Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region.
In pondering the magnitude of this general election, it is critical to detect political impotence and flashing mirrors. These, you set aside. There’s no productive use to deliver results.
But, when the facts and more enduring solutions point the way forward, to deliver the goods for future generations revives true conviction, then act.
Melanius Alphonse is a management and development consultant. He is an advocate for community development, social justice, economic freedom and equality; the Lucian People’s Movement (LPM) www.lpmstlucia.com critic on youth initiative, infrastructure, economic and business development. He can be reached at malphonse@rogers.com
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