The recent discovery of an 18-foot anaconda in Caroni, now nicknamed Sarp, has captured the imagination of all our citizens. All of us are either awed by the majesty of the creature, or horrified that such a beast has been lurking in our backyards.
Now, everyone is suddenly a zoologist, offering advice on whether or not Sarp should be kept in the zoo or returned to the wild. These opinions are either motivated by genuine concern for the creature or paranoia that she, or other snakes like her, will gobble us up when we are not looking.
Sarp bears testimony to the wonderful ecology we sustain in T&T, and reminds us that these islands are not only our homes, but are homes of many other living creatures. For many years, before most of our ancestors came here, our forests and swamps were already their homes. We need to be mindful of this and be considerate to our environment, even as we try to improve our infrastructure.
While there is valid concern as this snake was found close to a residential area, this is a rare occurrence. The number of snake attacks in this country is extremely low when compared to how human beings behave toward each other. Our crime statistics are testimony to this. Why then are our attitudes to humans different?
Mahatma Gandhi wisely advised, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated." Men will always treat those superior or equal to them with respect, because the consequences of not doing so may be significant.
But when we have power over someone, or something, the door is wide open to abuse. Animals cannot fight back, they cannot speak, and therein lies the possibility for the negative tendencies that exist in all of us to manifest themselves. How well we can control these negative tendencies will be measured by our association with those who possess less power than us. By Gandhi's words therefore, we as a nation, may find ourselves wanting.
Vedavid Manick
Sangre Grande