It is all too easy to focus on the things that are wrong in T&T. Indeed, this is a society with a propensity for complaining and criticising, talking at length about the problems but seldom willing to offer solutions.
However, a unique opportunity exists, over the next three and a half weeks, to encourage a more positive, proactive approach to the country's development. This time of year, between Independence Day which was commemorated yesterday and Republic Day which will be observed on September 24, offers an opportunity for more focus on all there is to celebrate about T&T–and there is much to celebrate–with the aim of stoking patriotic fervour and promoting a stronger sense of national identity.
This is not about denying or ignoring the things that are wrong in this country. The truth is, though, that the heavy focus on crime and criminality, as well as economic shortfalls and other societal ills have hardly, if ever, been directed at productive, constructive debate, or about finding ways to move forward. Too often, the national conversations on these matters have been for the purposes of promoting political agendas, or narrow self-interests that yield short-term results, including financial and electoral advantages, for a select few.
This mindset is now at epidemic levels, often influencing the tone and quality of cultural expressions, so that the calypso and soca music which once attracted greater international attention and success, no longer enjoy appeal beyond partisan circles where their shelf life barely extends beyond the Carnival season.
Pessimism and dire warnings make up the bulk of contributions from the regulars on call-in radio programmes, as well as the majority of letters and commentaries submitted to newspapers for publication.
It is easy to forget that this is a nation capable of joyous, often spontaneous celebrations of sporting victories and other national achievements. Such was the case when the Soca Warriors qualified for the World Cup finals in Germany. Within minutes of full time, hundreds of citizens were pouring onto the streets, dancing along with rhythm sections and music trucks well into the night.
There have been other times when all cares were put aside and it seemed like the entire country broke into singing and dancing, waving flags and proudly displaying the red, white and black.
The country's first Olympic gold medalist Hasely Crawford, followed several years later by Keshorn Walcott, delivering gold and bronze medals in consecutive Olympic games, gave us reasons for those types of memorable celebrations. Citizens still recall with pride and joy the accomplishments of Miss Universe 1977 Janelle "Penny" Commissiong, the first to win an international beauty title, followed by Miss World Giselle Laronde and another Miss Universe, Wendy Fitzwilliam.
Cricket superstar Brian Charles Lara may have retired from active participation in that game but he still reigns as the Prince of Port-of-Spain. Dwight Yorke, thanks to his success in the English Premier League, almost single-handedly inspired the large number of Manchester United supporters that reside in these islands. Also, no one can forget the glorious moments brought to this nation courtesy the large numbers of athletes, Hollywood stars, acclaimed writers, scientists and innovators this nation of just 1.3 million people has produced since Independence from Britain.
T&T is still the country that gave the world the steelpan and calypso and yesterday they were the melodies and rhythm for the official parade at the Queen's Park Savannah and the breakaway on the streets of the city as the various detachments made their way back to St James.
So here is the challenge: keep up the patriotic spirit by keeping all the positive about these two islands in the forefront. There are so many reasons to celebrate.