By the ripe, seasoned and tested true age of 57, a developing country and its people would still be in their prime - and have learned a thing or two.
How much have T&T’s managers—the politicians—learned about themselves, their public, their job and their developmental challenge, 57 years after Independence? You’ll know how much - and how much more they all still have to go—when you notice that:
The best way to enjoy (or endure) politicians is to treat them the same way the National Security Ministry has advised the public to handle those fireworks tonight:
• You should visit displays put on by professionals who know how to handle things. Ensure aspiring politicos seek your permission to become legal in your area.
• No-one ever attends political meetings near dry grass: political platform heat might ignite it.
• Bottled water must always be nearby. You’ll need a drink after some upcoming allegations.
• You should stand several feet away from politicos in full cry. If you’re uncomfortable about their statements—investigate. Don’t only depend on media alone to throw cold water on them. Or Carlton Dennie.
• It’s absolutely necessary to remember directions and warnings about politicians. If background on them isn’t available, pull brakes.
• Children must be supervised around them. Some talk just isn’t fit to hear - even if Channel 11 keeps the $%^#&* in check.
• Pets should be kept away from canvassing politicos. Animals are sensitive. The person Sparky growls at, may not be the best for Cabinet.
• If politicians still have a way to go, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley didn’t hesitate to “call it” last Thursday at Whitehall’s reopening when he (truthfully) said men seem to be absent when you need them and they’re under-performing.
• Even though Rowley’s decried “doomsters” and clearly prefers seeing things sunny side up in synch with his new society thrust, he’s honed his news analysis enough to understand big figures (like Whitehall’s $32m repair cost) will invariably be the focus rather than big talk.
• ... He’s also politically savvy enough to know that if you can release a book entitled “From Mason Hall to Whitehalll” in September 2016 you better ensure, Whitehall’s in shape to be in, so the book title can stand up.
• Never mind Thursday’s reopening function was more of a paean to him and his legacy in completing the project, than Whitehall itself.
• Even as Udecott chairman Noel Garcia says 1,450 jobs were created with the renovation of Government’s five Heritage projects - Whitehall to Red House - he must expect Opposition mathematicians to weigh this with Red House cost ($400m including $38m for roof) and Whitehall’s ($32m) and other project costs.
• In case of $$$ nitpicking, Garcia says, no new Parliament broadcast equipment is being bought, and there’ll be no ceremony when the Red House is handed over mid-September.
• Politicos pronouncing on the sudden removal of a chairman, describe their work as “fantastic.” That’s the cue to keep looking for something that might not have been as “fantastic” as all that.
•… Especially when OWTU sends ex-Petrotrin chairman Wilfred Espinet a “Welcome to the Club” card.
• PNM’s Marlene McDonald’s wardrobe for the upcoming Parliamentary session includes a selection of chic court clothes; a definite Must Not-Have for political aspirants.
• There’s no word yet from MM on where those chips—which her boss always said would fall where they may—are landing. Some folks believe most are dropping on top of her.
• ...Nonetheless, Opposition members are also gazing upward. And nobody’s looking out for rain.
• A significant number of people are fed-up to want change happen NOW. And that might see more politicians debuting ahead after EBC completes their paperwork.
• Until then, the coming year to August 2020, will test the best—sedition notwithstanding—politicians also included.
• Trick in the situation is to understand that everything going forward is just campaign talk and what will really matter is what takes place after the campaign talk is over.