As we approach the 50th year of this nation's independence, it may be an opportune time for the People's Partnership Government (PP) to examine and realistically assess where this nation is heading. Very careful, critical and sober reflections must take into account the disenchantment of the population and the individual Oath of Affirmation of government representatives. This may be one way of redeeming their time in governance.
The PP should adopt a course of action aimed at genuinely implementing the tenets of good governance, transparency and equality of treatment. If ever there was an occasion to revisit the Oath of Affirmation, and uphold the noble ethical, moral and principled values expected of elected representatives, it is now.
Failure to capture the significance of these principles and implement them for the benefit of the public may serve only to heighten the rather antagonistic and hostile sentiments of the population. Let us examine the contents of the Oath of Affirmation. This is what is expressed under Section 84:Oath of Affirmation
Form of oath (affirmation) for a minister or parliamentary secretary:
I, A. B., do swear by ................. (solemnly affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago and will uphold the Constitution and the law, that I will conscientiously, impartially and to the best of my ability discharge my duties as ................. and do right to all manner of people without fear or favours, affection or ill-will.
The depth of the solemn oath
Note the scope, intent, motive and principled direction of some of these key words, "I," "true faith and allegiance," "uphold the Constitution," and "do right to all manner of people without fear or favour." Have all of our Cabinet ministers really understood the depth of this solemn oath?
In the presentation of Cabinet ministers, as well as when there may be a Cabinet reshuffle, ministers generally swear, by the Holy Bible, Bhagavad Gita, Qur'an, or some other religious book in the public domain, to uphold, promote and foster these principled ideals. That decision shows a testament of force to ensure that good governance prevails.
Now all that is sound theoretically, but the harsh reality of political life in Trinidad and Tobago may suggest otherwise. In light of the many disturbing government decisions relative to security, employment, and procurement of contracts, how many Cabinet ministers can face the nation and honestly state that they have upheld the tenets of this oath, and have not attempted to enrich themselves, friends, family and all those closely connected?
How many can publicly declare that they have never received a kickback or laundered monies? How many can state that they have not trampled upon the due process of law, abrogated procurement practices or practiced employment discrimination for friends and families?
Should the Government persist in their current course of conduct of the public's affairs, they may very well shorten their term in office, and create the breeding ground to foment social and political unrest. The Government must not take the people for granted nor believe that all is well.
When the public sees the type of luxury vehicles ministers are driving, when only their families, relatives and friends can benefit overnight from the state coffers and they are disenfranchised, you have an emerging and dangerous chord of human nature that is ready to explode.
'PP has little time to redeem itself'
We only have to examine the social and political instability that emerged during 1970 and 1990. We must not forget those lessons nor be lulled into the dangerous pit of thinking that it cannot happen here again. Look at what's happening in Syria today.
When one reviews the potentially-flawed decisions made under the ambit of collective Cabinet responsibility, the adverse impact on the public and the gradual erosion of public confidence, there is a little time left for the PP Government to redeem themselves.
The PP needs to rediscover that early touch, and get back to the ground level, serve all the people, not only PP supporters, make the correct and appropriate decisions, undo the public wrongs, come and reason with the public. Collective Cabinet responsibility has brought a series of adverse public reaction and damaged the credibility of the PP Government.
However, it is not beyond repair. The time has come for the PP to embark on the true path of governance, with full transparency, accountability and integrity in public affairs. It may be prudent to allow a period of time to make proper and correct decisions after consulting widely with the public. At some point in time, the PP will have to ask for the opportunity to lead again.
They now have this opportunity. Do not waste it. A good example is that of National Security Minister Jack Warner. Minister Warner is certainly seeking to tap the national goodwill and resources despite one's political persuasion. This is a positive step in the right direction.
Next week...Minister Warner's approach to crime and national security