In the twinkling of an eye, disaster struck in Westmoorings. A tornado tore through the community, ripping roofs off their structures and sending them into the sky, cutting power to over 150 homes, and scattering debris across the streets and properties. Millions of dollars in property damage were left in its wake, along with shocked and traumatised residents.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Khadijah Ameen, quickly arrived on the scene, offering direction and comfort to affected citizens.
The sudden chaos brought to mind a scene from the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, where a tornado whisks young Dorothy (played by 16-year-old Judy Garland) and her dog Toto away to the land of Oz. While often seen as a children’s fantasy, the story is known for its rich allegory—exploring themes of self-discovery, courage, compassion, intelligence, oppression, freedom, and the value of home—themes still deeply relevant in today’s world.
In the film, Dorothy’s house lands on and kills the Wicked Witch of the East, freeing the Munchkins—small in stature, but symbolic of something much greater. These were ordinary people who had lived in fear, silenced and oppressed. In many ways, they represent citizens who feel voiceless or invisible—trapped under the weight of crime, inequality, and economic hardship, waiting for something—or someone—to change their circumstances.
Her adventure begins when she follows the Yellow Brick Road to seek help from the grand Wizard. Her journey is perilous, as she has to fend off the Wicked Witch of the West.
This witch is more than just a villain. She symbolises fear, oppression, and the abuse of power. Today, she might represent the crime that terrorises our communities, the corruption that erodes trust, leaders who defy the rule of law, or the systemic failures that breed hopelessness.
Then there’s the Wizard—grand and imposing at first glance, but ultimately revealed to be just a man behind a curtain. All theatrics, no real solutions. We’ve seen versions of this before: leaders who speak loudly, promise change, and yet deliver very little. Entire systems held together by illusion rather than substance.
Along her journey, Dorothy meets three companions—each of whom believes they are missing something:
• The Scarecrow thinks he has no brain, yet shows creativity and wisdom.
• The Tin Man believes he has no heart, yet proves to be one of the kindest.
• The Cowardly Lion seeks courage, yet time and again, acts bravely.
They teach us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s action in spite of it. And that the power to overcome adversity often lies within us.
We, too, can face our challenges—if we unite.
In Trinidad and Tobago, we already have the brains—our youth, our creatives, our thinkers. We have heart—seen in our culture, our community spirit, and our deep resilience. And we have courage—shown by those who stand up, protect, and push for better, even when the road is hard.
Yes, the road is difficult. Many feel the urge to migrate, believing that “somewhere over the rainbow” lies a better land. But Dorothy had to walk a long, hard road to discover a simple truth: “There’s no place like home.”
As a nation, we too are on a difficult journey—through crime, economic struggle, and political illusion. But we cannot be passive. We must be the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion—and yes, Dorothy. We must show heart, speak truth, take action, and find the courage to confront our own wizards and witches to rebuild our paradise.
Because if we don’t protect and restore our home, no one else will.
“There’s no place like home”—and no people more capable of rebuilding it than us.
We already have the brains to rebuild this nation.
Now, let’s find the heart, strength, and courage to do so.
Let’s find it within ourselves—before the next storm hits.
