Time the people demand good governance from our leaders

The adage that a people gets the government they deserve holds true in our political landscape. For years we the people have continued to abdicate our fundamental rights by putting men and women literally to run the business of our nation by mere whim and fancy, believing that all we have to do is vote them into power and then sit back and allow them to do as they please without a single objection.
Jack Warner, despite relevant protests by some, insists that transportation problems in this country will be alleviated by legalising “PH taxis.”

Warner has travelled all over the world. Why can’t this nation enjoy a transport system on par with other developing nations? Why must we settle for this backward Third World ideology? What is so wrong with a rail system? Okay, the previous government was spending money too freely, but couldn’t Warner, with knowledgeable advice, modify what was proposed and come up with a better idea than this crazy plan he is forcing down our throats? Then he says he will allow more maxi-taxis to be accessible to drivers.

Well why not let the PH drivers become new maxi owners? Since they want to serve the travelling public, let them participate within the laws that govern the system. How in God’s name can an illegal act be made legal and be termed good governance? Is this move the forerunner of things to come? As we slumber in lethargy and apathy, our fundamental rights are being subtly eroded and we are none the wiser. Every day legislation after legislation is being presented, some to our good and some to our detriment. And we do nothing, say nothing, until it is too late.

Warner knows nothing about the pain experienced by young girls who have been raped by PH drivers. They use their flashy cars, loaded with loud filthy music, to prey on our school population. They exploit passengers by demanding money higher than the normal fare when travelling with them is the only option at that time. We must change our position as a people and begin to tell politicians we are not taking that. We must begin to let our voices be heard. We are not cattle. We are intelligent people who have the right to say yes or no. We have a say in the governance of our nation. We must demand good governance from our leaders now.

Karen Lucas
Arouca