Isiah 58: 1-2 makes clear the standard for believers in the Lord, should they want to satisfy their God. In light of this dictum, I am duty bound to respond to Rev Dr Winston Cuffie's deposit on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. I sincerely want to believe in his congratulations extended to Dr Keith Rowley and the PNM team for their resounding victory at the polls.
However, it will be remiss of me not to engage the obvious undertone of the gentleman's submission under the rubric "Respect the Results; Respect Dr Rowley as Prime Minister."
The first observation is his acknowledgement of "tough economic times." He did not explain why or what were the reasons for this season. Is it due to profligate spending and mismanagement of the country's finances under the stewardship of the very "performer" he spoke of as the best?
Secondly, the drift from his self-styled "sticking with facts and reality." He ignored the advice made in James 1:19 to be "quick to listen and slow..." Had he done this, the revelation of the EBC will not have rebuked him for his utterance. In fact, Dr Rowley and his team did win both the prime ministership and the affection of the country by way of the popular vote.
Thirdly, and most importantly to this citizen's mind, is his assertion/undertone of using the doctrinal position of God's "perfect and permissive will." This concept is usually distilled in the story of Saul and David, on which this space does not allow elucidation. But suffice it to say, I shudder to think Rev Cuffie is suggesting that the former prime minister is God's perfect will. Romans 13 distills God's mind on leadership and ranking in the affairs of men.
It seems that Dr Rowley and his Cabinet have both an exacting and exciting journey ahead. It is my view, that all of T&T should heed the clarion call of our leader, by holding him up like Aaron and Hur, confronting him where required, like Paul to Peter and standing in support, like Jonathan to David, because our very peace and lives depend on it.
We as a nation have a golden opportunity to set things right, not just for us, but for generations to come. It is a time to rededicate ourselves to the watchwords "discipline, tolerance and production." Let us ensure the inalienable rights guaranteed in our constitution, with the strongest of conviction that "every creed and race find an equal place, and may God bless our nation."
Wade Patrice
Couva