One little Hindu woman from Siparia broke the backs of the two most powerful men in politics in our country, writing all over the walls of history in a relatively short space of time. Having already acquired many firsts in her career including first female Attorney General, she was still treated as second class by her peers in a male dominated field; her triumphs mere knickknacks in the world of real accomplishments. "That which you have you do not take, but wait politely until given." Destiny would have another say in that matter in a relatively short space of time. The politics of the country had taken on a sideshow quality about it, with allegations and revelations from both sides on a daily basis causing the population to reel and roll from one blow to the next. Condemned to live out this masquerade of representation, they watched as these demigods flung themselves into useless displays of power on both sides of the aisle while the people literally writhed in agony.
It cannot be understated how entrenched these men were in there respective positions; one, in his fortieth year in unbroken Parliamentary politics, the incumbent Prime Minister, Lord of all he surveyed; High on the backs of a Parliamentary majority, Patrick Manning was the living symbol of power. His opponent, the leader of the party in opposition, was also its creator and to most, its de facto owner. Never to be questioned as leader through divine right of the Opposition, Basdeo Panday was deemed a god among his people. There is a saying, "those the Gods will destroy, They first make mad."
The people cried out for change, and for change to come, something would have to go. The momentum was building and the first crack in the facade of the corridors of power was a break in the Opposition party that forced an internal election. The purpose of this is not to focus on the details, but to take a step back and take it all in as it were.
Basdeo Panday mounted his high horse in full regalia to take on all comers, and was met on the battlefield by his faithful deputy now adversary, one little hindu woman from Siparia. As is his trademark, he ridiculed her and treated her with scorn and derision on the platform and she smiled at him. How the mighty have fallen the people would say, watching in shock and amazement as she emerged victorious; the leader had to surrender his place, his history over; her own about to be written. That she was elevated to the post of first female leader of a major political party was a testimony to her fortitude and obvious strength, but the people were never given the opportunity to fully grasp its significance as it was almost immediately overshadowed by an even greater accolade, first female Leader of the Opposition. Had this been the end of her story, her place in history would have been guaranteed, but that was not to be.
Inspired by what could only be remembered as tragic hubris, Patrick Manning decided he would take a turn at this "charming lady" as he called her, and sensing disorganisation and weakness in the ranks of the Opposition, called a "snap" election halfway into the electoral term. Again focussing on that which is sacred in the feminine, the gentle touch, Mr Manning made the exact mistake Mr Panday did, and either overestimated his own importance or underestimated the winds of change gathering momentum (when enough deliberation time passes we will be better able to determine his reasoning). Leaving the people in shock once again, this little hindu woman from Siparia emerged victorious into her new role as Prime Minister, first female Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago.
Phillip Edward Alexander
Via e-mail