"Did you see Paolo's 'apology'?"
"I think it was deliberate...He knows the damage is done and few will bother with the apology. No wonder he was given a board appt under the UNC."
"Eat ah food journalist, don't expect anything else from him."
That was just a little taste of the online comments that persisted, notwithstanding last week's mea culpa in my column. While it wasn't written on condition of acceptance, my contrition predictably fuelled the hate-mongering and attacks. Certain radio talk show hosts shouted themselves hoarse, pausing only to allow callers their turn at the Pallo bobolee. Naturally, I don't take such comments seriously.
They do, however, allow a convenient segue into the recent brouhaha surrounding board appointments; specifically that of former Independent Senator Helen Drayton. Political hounds lunged on their leashes. "Look another political appointee! De same ting dey was accusin' de PP of!" It took me back to when I was asked to serve on the board of the Environmental Management Authority under the chairmanship of the late Professor Julian Kenny. I was mercilessly derided as a PP appointee.
Back then, one radio talk show host droned on about "Pallo is ah nex jornaliss who get a wuk unda de guvament" Let me pause here to give you an appreciation of what it means to be a board member. Contrary to ill-informed opinion, the stipend paid to board directors is paltry. If you mean to participate meaningfully at board meetings, you must digest voluminous documents and carve several days out of every month to perform this duty.
Board members are also required to file their personal, financial information with the Integrity Commission which is an extremely onerous burden. Failure to do so could result in a fine in excess of $100,000. Oh, and to make it even more attractive, board members are also personally liable for decisions made on behalf of the companies or state agencies they are serving. Yes, you can be sued!
I am sure that, for Helen Drayton, acceptance of the chairmanship of the board of CNMG was predicated on her belief that she could make a contribution. This was the same thought process that guided my hand in agreeing to serve on the EMA board. Back then I was vilified by PNM supporters for eating ah food; Mrs Drayton is now excoriated by UNC supporters under the same pretext. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.
This lack of sophistication in our society has grave implications for this country's future. Just imagine how many talented and experienced citizens withhold their expertise for fear of having their name dragged through the mud. Granted, under this new administration, there is a fair amount of back-slapping going around (a curious double standard mind you) and a lot of "congrats, you are the best person for the job!" I'm sure the government has made several excellent choices for state boards. With hundreds of positions to fill, however, finding qualified AND willing citizens will be a challenge.
In this intellectually-primitive country, many harbour the view that everyone in public life is a slave to self-centred ambition and greed. Anyone who asks "so why he in dis ting if nut fuh he self" should look more within than at others. Banker Richard Young, Former Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs, Businessman Richard Lewis–all of them served on boards under the previous administration. None of these names is readily associated with a political party. Were they also gluttons at the PP banquet?
Or were they simply citizens of T&T willing to give of their time and knowledge to contribute to this country? In this fetid environment rife with demagoguery, surely the best and brightest among us will balk at the prospect of serving a nation of snarling ingrates.
Who then does that leave, if not individuals who will endure the risks to their reputations only for the rich rewards of self-aggrandisement?
Additionally, we rubbish the characters of people who've done work for the state without realising that the government is a major driver (if not the main) of economic activity in this country. Anyone who delivers services to a PNM or UNC-led government is dismissed as a political hack.
By that definition car dealerships and furniture suppliers providing vehicles and chairs for government ministries are also "eatin' ah food." The principle objective of any business enterprise is profit and the government is as good a client as any. Business people aren't obligated to vote for the government for whom they provide services, and it is unlikely they would turn away opportunities from a government they don't support.
Our myopia and political immaturity perpetuates victimisation among people. The "seek and destroy" nature of our tribal political culture will only further isolate those whose hearts and minds are governed purely by patriotism. It is now difficult for me to sit in judgment of decent folk who decline to serve in any state capacity and abandon the country to its own devices.