In Countries with a functional two-party system there is cooperation in times of National crisis.
In the United Stated of America, Democrat and Republican joined against Al Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks. In Britain the opposing Labour and Conservatives parties worked together in helping to defeat Hitler in World War 2.
In Ireland Political parties the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael agreed to enter discussion for the first time ever regarding the Coronavirus COVID-19.
In Grenada, representatives of the two main Political parties held discussion on fostering greater collaboration addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Country and its people. Unfortunately in Trinidad and Tobago, that cooperation does not exist in national emergencies. The opposition must oppose on every issue formulated by the ruling party, the Government in attempt to bring their demise. Why has there not been any consultation with Government and the Opposition?
The Corona Virus – COVID-19 is raging across the world, rampant in Trinidad and Tobago. The present government has presented at least four (4) different vaccines to the population, yet after almost one year less than 50% of the population is vaccinated. After the resounding loss of the Tobago House of Assembly Elections in early December 2021, opposition to a vaccinated society is under threat from all quarters of society, antivaxxers have come out to play.
Mandatory vaccination has existed for decades in Trinidad and Tobago, permission for a child to enter primary school demands that a five year old be vaccinated with a battery of vaccines and their boosters including, Measles, Whopping Cough, Polio, Rubella etc. refusal by parents/guardians to allow their toddlers to be vaccinated prohibits their entry to the Public School System.
Online schooling particularly for 5 to 11-year-olds does not work and is doing more damage than good. Absence from physical school is making them physically and mentally ill.
The idea that children sit for four to six hours is not plausible. In years gone by we chastised parents for allowing children to watch to many hours of Television. Ever wondered why within the last few years the optical business has been flourishing.
The COVID-19 pandemic and it’s variant relatives has ravaged the earth with more than five (5) million deaths, pandemic fatigue, brain fog has caused us after nearly two (2) years to be uncaring, no longer horrified, shocked by the death of love ones, it’s as though we have surrendered.
In 1972, Trinidad and Tobago was threatened by Polio, Prime Minister Eric Williams took the drastic step of postponing Carnival, protests were plenty, Dr. Williams declared, Carnival postponed, “Mas in May”.
Carnival originated directly from the Christian religion, centuries ago Italians of the Catholic Church began holding costume festivals/Parties before the onset of the Lenten Season, there is abstention of meat consumption, and this period was referred to as CARNEVALE.
Carnevale began spreading throughout Catholic countries in Europe. When the European explorers began to Colonize the world they brought the tradition of Carnevale with them.
Carnival as it is known today was introduced to Trinidad by French Settlers around 1783.
The wealthy farmers/planters took part in fancy festivals, dancing the nights away. Over the many hundreds of years Trinidad Carnival has evolved public opinion is divided for better or worse.
Indentured labourers from India began arriving in Trinidad in 1845 bringing with them their Religion and Culture. One of the anticipated days in Hinduism is Shiva Raatri.
Shiva Raatri is observed on the fourteenth day of the lunar month of Phalgun, in the dark half of the moon phase. In 2022 Shiva Raatri observance will be on Monday 28th February. The Carnival period for 2022 is 28th February and 1st March with Ash Wednesday being 2nd March, the first day of lent starting approximately six (6) weeks of fasting and penance before Easter.
It is difficult to imagine two events with such marked contrast being close together. Carnival, an event over two days appealing the nature of humans beings, while Shiva Raatri appeals to the Religious behaviour, a night celebration, this solemn event remembering Shiva with prayers, fasting and meditating over a twelve hour period.
As the world struggles to respond to the coronavirus COVID 19, deaths is around every corner, we are left to wonder, are our leaders in Trinidad and Tobago working together to defeat this common enemy.
Can we not now refer to the phase Survival Of The Fittest (Darwinian evolutionary theory) now appropriately be referred to as “Survival of the Vaccinated”?