Looking back at the 60 long years that have passed, there is so much we can give thanks for. We stood the test of time, we proved our worth side by side against the best in the world and on many occasions, they had to stop, sit back and take notice. There isn’t a field, nor sphere that a Trinbagonian hasn’t excelled in. There isn’t a challenge in the world that we haven’t met and proven our worth and value. Do we continue to struggle? Yes, we do. Do we continue to have gaps and shortcomings? Yes, we do. But who doesn’t? Every big player country has been in some sort of pit or drought. What we must be focused on are our navigational skills to manoeuvre the storm. That would prove our real worth, our real leadership and most importantly, our faith and trust in Almighty God. Are we willing to put Him first? Are we willing, as a nation, to step back and hand over to Our Lord and allow him to direct the steps?
Many may disagree with me. Many may say you can’t bring religion into governance. They are quite correct. Because up to this time, I have not spoken religion. Religion is man-made, designed to introduce regulations, dos and don’ts and systems in a Godly atmosphere. Religion is a form of control. What I am speaking about, dear readers, is ‘Relationship’. If our leadership does not take the time out to examine their relationship with Almighty God, we may be very well heading down a slippery slope. Sadly, as we look back at the last 60 years, we must ask ourselves, evaluate ourselves and examine ourselves as a nation, to assess whether we have lost touch with our Creator. Whether we have allowed inflated egos and self-aggrandising to be the predominant factor.
I leave those probing thoughts with you and hope to continue the conversation next week. Because as the sunset of the pomp and ceremony fades to the backdrop of the bugler playing the solemn last post or the naval sunset party piping the still, as the colours are lowered, it would bring an end to a celebrated birthday party. One that could have been better, but we give thanks for the effort.
However, as the reality of tomorrow steps in, the fears of our economic strife and challenging crime situation, the social and health situations facing our citizens, we would all have erased the joy of celebrating 60 years of Independence and begin pushing hard for answers. Why? Because we all stand bewildered on what tomorrow brings. The underlying truth is, survival. What would it take in these trying times ahead?
We survived the last 60 years, maybe we can do it again. Optimistically, I think we can. However, it is going to take more than PR stunts, more than social media mileage and much more than promises. We must be prepared to demand performance and deliverables.
We, as a people, must also up our game. We, as a nation, must be prepared to unite as one people, put foolish ideologies and hidden agendas behind and stick to the plan and dream of our forefathers. Those who laboured to ensure we had an education. Those who bruised their hands to ensure we could survive and take care of the generations to come; more importantly, those who placed family first and who stood on the watchwords, “The family that prays together stays together.”
Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, we can turn this around. Yes, we may be constructing strategies, building on policies and mobilising A Teams to face major tasks in the days and months to come, but if we do not allow “The Lord to Build the House, those who are building will be building in vain.”
We will toil and see no end. We will plant and won’t be able to reap. We will patrol, conduct operations and appear that we are doing so much, but we will never be able to solve the issues before us.
So, quoting from Ras Shorty I, “Idleness and pleasure-seeking having sway on the minds today, as though people forget to pray. Children being left alone without parent or direction, Change Your Attitude, Turn Your Life Around.”
A message for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, as we buckle up for the journey of the next 60 to come.
