First it was emailgate by Dr Keith Rowley, followed by Jack Warner and his situation with US authorities. Then a poll showed 20/21 for the UNC that has only just launched its full slate on Sunday. Recently, alleged sexual harassment showed its ugly head and now murder threats have surfaced that may prompt new gun control laws.
Seriously, who really is behind all of this? And who are the winners and losers?
Politics seems a dangerous business at a time when understanding the challenges that face Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the region needs focused cooperation and solutions on many issues.
Government priorities in Trinidad and Tobago are helping to make a stronger and prosperous country, an important measure to continue the economic action plan, to secure opportunities and to protect citizens for long-term growth and vitality to a secure future.
In fact, this is the fundamental difference between the political parties in this election. The barometer to performance, transparency and candor, though uncomfortable, but necessary to guide actions, beyond the unbelievable distractions that seek to dilute serious discussions on ways to reduce taxes and execute ideas with specific action.
But really, suffice to ask, who do you trust with proficiency and ability; with long-term vitality and strong character to manage the present environment in Trinidad and Tobago with influence in the Caribbean region?
And who is the best suited leader to learn from the past and create opportunities for the future?
These are critically important as citizens and companies remain focused on jobs and economic growth that makes it possible to build new and exciting business.
Entrepreneurs are looking for options to deliver on innovation to help enterprise create jobs and put money in the pockets of first time job seekers, experienced workers and investors.
To win, it is important to produce ideas and execute with distinct thinkers. Acknowledging that challenge and to illuminate the way forward with confidence, it is important to examine among the parties, who is best with that strong touch.
People need to see the grace and confidence of leadership for what the future holds; the courage to lead in the face of adversity and more so, to take the necessary risk to achieve results.
And so, charting the way is ultimately the solution required to extract through adversity, a trial by fire that somehow refines leaders, to earn voters trust, sharpen expansion, and improve what can be done.
At which I refer to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Often, adaptive leadership is what sets great leaders apart with a unique combination of skills, perspective and guided efforts that enable true excellence. And so, in the scheme of things, leaders shouldn’t shy away from the truth but integrate, and be guided by what citizens’ think, and how they want to hear the facts in the political campaign, commonly referred to as the silly season.
Against this backdrop, leaders have to demonstrate acumen to spot the opportunities that will create real competitive advantage from a broad perspective capable of seeing beyond the average eye.
This can get tricky, but otherwise the challenge of leadership builds character. A character that is strong, projecting a cohesive approach and constant conduct in representation of self and others. Through which, integrity and credibility to self is true, with the right players to win.
In this campaign, there are countless examples and test of character, leadership, integrity and loyalty. And so far, early polling numbers reflect that. Equally, with focus on the big picture and to actually ensure resources are adequate and strategies are feasible, has withstood the expected opposition barrage that is relentlessly unsuccessful in blindsiding the desired results of September 7. Therefore, it is unacceptable to take one’s eye off the goal, and the more fulfilling element to empower others.
In modern business and governance the situation demands better skills and ability at a faster pace. In many ways, extraordinary leaders demonstrate courage in the face of adversity; inspiring others to direct consensus and transformation of new capabilities mixed with knowledge and experience leadership that is decisive, with clear direction and without fear of the blame game.
Conversely, this is shaping the Trinidad and Tobago campaign and helping to make a clear distinction on the narrative.
A key lesson in the election cycle is how courageous leadership has turned the negatives of adversity into positives and moved forward with a sense of purpose in the face of fear; in the consistency of distraction and compromise of adversaries.
Friedrich Nietzsche wrote: “To forget one’s purpose is the commonest form of stupidity.”
The purpose on the horizon is to inspire the possibilities and subsequently elevate the people and the region for a better future.
And nothing should be permitted to come in the way. Not fear, not uncertainty and not ambiguity. But a clear strategy that is purposeful, that leaves a definitive trail to the future and set the tone for growth and change, to evolve a future most sought after.
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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