Sometime in the mid-1980s (I believe it was 1983,) then Prime Minister George Michael Chambers is reputed to have implored the nation: "Carnival fete over, time to get back to work."One may enquire as to the relevance of this today. Well, it is that, in Mr Chamber's view, T&T was about to face an economic crisis and he was imploring the nation to pull up its bootstraps.
Today, this country faces a somewhat uncertain economic future. It is clear that serious decision-making beckons on the political front in the form of general elections which are now due.I now wish to offer comment in respect of the several political entities which may be offering themselves to the electorate. For obvious reasons, I commence with the present UNC-led administration.
While there is well-nigh nothing which this country can do in respect of the price of oil and gas in the international market, being a relatively very small producer and thus a price-taker, nevertheless our citizens do have today its political future in their hands, and in this regard, the performance of the incumbent People's Partnership Administration must come vigorously and clearly under scrutiny.
First to begin I address the initial composition of the PP Administration as reflective in the Fyzabad Accord and which were to bring to fruition the several policies and projects which had been promised during the May 2010 general elections campaign.
Let me say at the outset that the voter must be made aware that the administration which was chosen in May 2010 is certainly not that which governs the country today not the least being the unusually high number of changes in ministers and portfolios and other key high-profile personnel some of whom are said to have offered questionable "qualifications."
A review of the constituent elements comprising the original (May 2010) administration in comparison with what obtains today reveals the following:
The NJAC
Since its high point in 1970, the fortunes of the NJAC, as a political force, has been constantly on the wane so much so that the organisation is but a shadow of its original self and commanding today no noticeable support among the social groups whose interests it was intended to serve initially. Its nominal presence in the Government may be characterised as window dressing.
The MSJ
Quite early in the life of the administration, the MSJ took its leave from the Partnership. Was Errol Mc Leod a representative of the MSJ? In any event, he has thrown his lot unquestionably within the camp of the UNC.
The TOP
To even the most casual observer, it is clear, at least since the THA elections, that the TOP and its two MPs have lost their way, This writer ventures to suggest that these two MPs are but "hangers-on" to the coat-tails of the UNC.
The COP
Needless to say much was expected of the COP not only by its breathing fresh air into the body politic but also by its making for moderation within the administration. However, one is entitled to enquire as to the fate of the "new politics." Today, the party seems to lack a sense of direction and to be bedevilled with internal wrangling which has seen either loss or perhaps dormancy of several of its original thinkers and stalwarts.
What now seems to be "representative" of the COP are the regular statements from the party robustly declaring unreservedly support for this or that position being proffered by the UNC.
The UNC (itself)
Being, by far, the dominant "Partner" not much needs be said of the UNC in light of the situation described above, suffice it to say that it is not surprising that the UNC has been going along its merry way in full knowledge that its political leader (the Prime Minister) and her inner circle are in full control.
Errol OC Cupid,
Trincity, Tacarigua