In this unitary state of T&T there is a lot of ambiguity in what people think, say and do. Sometimes the duality leaves people bewildered.
OWTU, through its mouthpiece, claims that it is the guardian of the working class, a minority group? Isn’t the Government in charge of the security of the state, the all-inclusive group? It seems that Mr Roget is really concerned about the elite of the working class, that is, those workers who are members of the OWTU and they receive above-average wages. And who did he call on to support the “rest and reflect” action, but lesser mortals.
Way back when the Government of the day saw it fit to cut public servants’ salaries by 10 per cent to avert economic disaster, were the untouchables affected? This section of the working class continued their feast, priding themselves with being the highest earners of foreign exchange, justifying their meaty salaries.
Which section of the working class was called upon to make the sacrifice to keep T&T afloat?
Please be reminded that we do not elect governments by revolution but by a majority of votes. The defeated minority is never justified in disrupting the flow of life in the society. Regardless of political suasion, we are all committed to following the rule of law as a civil society. As a matter of fact, the state is run by the tyranny of the majority. The late Dr Eric Williams had a saying “if you don’t like it …” Inciting even civil disobedience is similar to a five-year-old throwing tantrums.
The electorate has authorised the Government to make certain decisions to manage T&T. Some we like, others may hit us where they hurt the most but we have to toe the line. At the end of the day, they have to consider all citizens and not just an ethnic group or religious organisation or economic class. Trinis like dey skin and any drastic changes we allow the electoral process to take its course, not bloodshed or any lesser discomfort.
Your claimed protection must be displayed by action and good intent. What has changed from Butler to McLeod? So stop pissing in the wind and calling it rain.
Remove Dr Rowley and his party and replace them with the current opposition? Six of one, half of a dozen of the other. Same khaki pants. Is Dr Rowley acting on behalf of the all; the majority or the minority? Is the trade union movement concerned with the all; the majority or the minority?
Come on Mr Roget and company, stop being spoiled brats. Why does the country have to raise these questions about Petrotrin at this hour? The party is over and time to increase productivity amidst the belt-tightening.
Historically, it is the working class that has been called upon to make governments look good. Let’s continue that peaceful tradition in the absence of trade unions’ willingness to join the business class.
Nature abhors a vacuum and the late Bob Marley in his wisdom advised that “when one door is closed, many more will open”. So bring on the counter-proposal to convince the population about Petrotrin. Fear not, there has always been a silver lining behind every dark cloud and when opposites are in conflict there has always been progress.
Lennox Francis is a retired teacher.