As I was scrolling through newsfeeds across various social media platforms I came across a lovely photo of a group of Trinidadian professionals. The group consisted of different ages and both genders and at a glance everyone exuded such a positive aura. I felt proud at this sight and I thought to myself this is really a fine group of persons. We need more support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, a cause I and so many others unrelentingly support.
The group, noticeably all Afro-Trinidadians, I thought, would do well in furthering the burgeoning of new ideals and eliminating the fetid mindsets that still unfortunately exist amongst us. Who better to connect us to the authentic experiences of the black community? It was really a pleasing and encouraging sight. At this point I had not even paid attention to the caption of the photograph or the attached article. I just looked at the photo and began mentally assimilating.
Perhaps I should not have done this. Upon reading the article and captioned photograph as I should have initially done, I learnt that this group was not a direct representation of the BLM Movement. It was in fact a hand picked team of the Honourable Prime Minister. This was in fact the Community Recovery Programme Team for all of Trinidad and Tobago.
This group has to evaluate and design a path forward for communities in need. I do sincerely wish them all the best because they do have a challenging journey ahead and it is a most laudable cause. Perhaps I’m not as informed, but wouldn’t it have served us well to have a more inclusive and diverse team to better represent all our communities in need? Maybe my simplistic questioning might be considered base or unnecessary. I just thought when we move forward we do so as one unit and one people. Silly me.
Robin M
Diego Martin
via email