The only race is the Human race and T&T is a small democratic Third World country where two races dominate. Here there are two political parties: the Afro-based Peoples National Movement (PNM) and the Indo-based United National Congress (UNC).
This letter is strictly about the PNM base voters.
Let us walk past the history of slavery for the Afro citizens and the indentured labor of the Indos. Both suffered greatly, but the Afro population was grossly under served at the end of slavery.
The proudest achievement of the Afro Trinbagonian is the Peoples National Movement.
In 1956, PNM founder, Doctor Eric Eustace Williams bequeathed an indelible sense of pride in Afro achievement that cannot be removed.
Rich or poor, PNM people are proud to belong to a magnificent political party that led the way for both Afro and Indo citizens escaping the confinement of colonial rule.
Many years later, the UNC, after a few changes of name, emerged as touting the needs of mainly the Indo citizens.
Williams’ PNM was invented with the view of representation for all citizens regardless of race.
But base support cannot be easily eroded. The PNM belongs to every single PNM voter. Each man/woman is equal.
The poorest of the poor are vulnerable to financial, bribery but they are still owners of a magnificent political entity.
So, all who (inclusive of the UNC) want to buy out Laventille, La Horquetta and other poor Afro areas, forget it.
If Afro citizens could survive the slave trade and racial profiling, you can continue to hold on to your pride.
The PNM exists, is constantly changing for the better and remains defender of all citizens..
And for those who would want to cheaply purchase and split the PNM vote? Forget it. The party was invented to endure.