By Michael De Gale
Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, we live in a society where race, unfortunately, is an increasingly divisive issue. Whether we inherited this from our colonial past or we are just too damn stupid to appreciate its negative impact on the society as a whole, the fact remains that race is a cause for much concern in T&T. It is because of this that the recently created Congress of the People must do everything in its power not to be perceived as an “Indian Party” if it hopes to wrestles the reigns of power from the current administration.
Like most Trinbagonians, I too am concerned about the mismanagement of our oil rich economy, intellectual bankruptcy, incompetence, the disconnect between the political elite and the people, and the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon the citizenry. These and a long list of other social, economic and political problems which are strangling the society, are issues that must be addressed with a great deal of urgency. It is said that, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Without a doubt, after more than 30 years in power, the PNM administration has given credence to this adage. The time has come to bid them adieu before they run the country into the ground by squandering our resources and throwing away our chance for genuine national development.
Although the need for political change is unquestionable, we must also zealously guard against the risk of jumping from the frying pan to the fire. From all appearances, the Congress of the People could pose a formidable threat to the present administration. However, I am deeply concerned about the racial composition of this party, which to my mind is not sufficiently representative of the diversity of the population.
It is not my intention to question Mr. Dookeran’s genuine desire to rule in the national interest. As a man perceived to be imbued with integrity and high moral principles, I expect nothing less. However, in its current manifestation, it is difficult not to view this party as primarily an “Indian Party” when the executives, for the most part, appear to be dominated by one ethnic group. Added to that, most of its executives were previously affiliated with the UNC. This alone is cause for concern. To increase his creditability as a potential national leader, Dooks will be well advised to “mix it up”.
Mr. Dookeran is presented with a unique opportunity to elevate the political discourse in the country by moving away from race and focusing on issue based politics. This is his opportunity to display political maturity and to demonstrate true statesmanship. He must forcefully resist the temptation both inside and outside the party to play the race card. For this, history will remember him kindly. Failure to take this initiative however will diminish him in the eyes of the electorate and keep the nation in a third world holding pattern, where strong men and dictators rule the roost by encouraging division much to the detriment of the nation.
Given the discontent that is prevalent throughout the society, I am certain that if Mr. Dookeran’s party should reflect the nation’s diversity and he surrounds himself with men and women of intelligence, vision and nationalistic pride, he will have no problem winning the upcoming election by a landslide victory. If on the other hand, he fails to grasp the opportunity to set an agenda that is inclusive and beneficial to the nation as a whole, his party will crash and burn before it ever sees the corridors of power, taking with it the aspirations of a nation.
Unfortunately, in its present form, the Congress of the People will not get my vote. However, I will be more inclined to lend my support if its executives reflect the richness of T&T in all its diversity as it encompasses the hopes and dreams of the nation. In essence, Mr. Dookeran must create a party of the people and for the people if he wants to increase his political currency.
I appreciate very much some of the issues raised in your article. Yes T&T needs a party of the people and for the people. But my question is this: Why is it that Afro-Trinis always tend to percieve that a party led by someone of Indian descent is an Indian party. The PNM has always been led by someone of African descent.When Eric passed away the two most senior Deputy Leaders(Errol and Kamal) were bypassed primarily because there race.Indians never protested that. Also a lot of people are saying Panday is a crook .What about when Cartey declared “All ah we(PNM) tief. Manning was there too.How is it none was prosecuted?(Please reply).
Your article has some substance which I agree with but did you see the composition of the people who attended the grand meeting at the center of excellence. I do not agree with about this being an Indian party. I read your articles and if you really care about the future of our beloved Country you will see different.
Mr. Sooklal,
I would have to be daft or intellectually challenged to suggest that a party led by a person of a particular race makes it a party of that race. However, it cannot be denied that race has historically been a determining factor in T&Ts politics rather than the more substantive “issues” of national significance. It is for this reason that the incumbent Gov’t have remained in power despite their pathetic performance over the years. Race is also the reason why Mr. Panday’s support comes from primarily Indian-Trinibagonians and Mr. Manning gets his support from the Africans even as he fails to improve grassroots living standards. How else would you explain the 18/18 split which led to a decision that favoured the PNM? Look at the areas in which these seats were won and tell me if issues or race were the determining factors. You may choose to live in denial but who have eyes to see will see. In fact, your very response to my article suggests that race is definitely a divisive issue in T&T politics.
My article suggest that it is time we move away from race based politics and embrace a more mature approach which focuses on issues that affect Trinbagonians regardless of race or who is in charge. To achieve this, it is imperative that political parties reflect the society as a whole and any perception of race affiliation must be dispensed with, with promptitude. This would be a step toward political maturity whereby the issues you raised in your response, could be addressed for what they were and the perpetrators be held accountable despite their racial origin.
The historical mistrust between T&Ts’ formally enslaved/indentured and largest populations must cease if T&T is to become the paradise and model nation we know it is capable of becoming. Indians and Africans are not each others natural enemy. Your oppressor is neither the former slave nor the indentured servant. If there are natural enemies, it is those who profited from your labour and whose progeny now wield economic power and have established themselves as model citizens. It is the local political/economic elite, who in conjunction with multi-national corporations deprive us of more than a fair share of the profits from our natural resources to line their pockets and fuel foreign economies. It is the importers of drugs and guns that kill our children wholesale. These are the issues that must be addressed in addition to the litany of others with which we are too intimately familiar. It is past time we escalate the political debate to focus on real issues and not be mired in racial mistrust. Creating a party that is not perceived as a race based party will enable us to address the real issues as we embark on our journey to achieve first world status. Thanks for your response.
PS: Peter,
The mixture of people who attended the “grand meeting” at the COE is what I would like to see represented at the executive level. People are desperate and want change but in desperation they should be careful not to jump from the frying pan to the fire. Can you honestly say that diversity is reflected in the executive? There is a mile of difference between diversity and tokenism.
I suggest that the real challenge is what Mr. Dookeran does provided that he has the opportunity to do so. It has to do with what becomes available. For example, the present state of affairs would suggest that prominent , competent and well respected individuals across all racial spheres of influence, would gravitate toward the Congress of the people. If they do and Mr. Dookeran fails to embrace the ethnic and racial vitality of our people we can then say that he failed the test. Trust me, given the opportunity he will not fail us. It is now up to the people.
Those who do not want COP to be an Indian party please join and participate . Then judge for yourself so you can make a decision as to the commitment of the party .
I have just joined this thread and I do agree with the point Michael has made.
The fact is for any party to do well and beat out the rest it must consist, or be made up of, all our ethnic groups. The COP has some credible people but the fact remains perceptions are very much a reality with most of our people, once they see that the members of a group are only of one race they come to a decision before they even hear what the person has to say.
So as Michael has noted there is a need for COP to incorporate as many elements if it is serious about a truly representative of “THE PEOPLE”. I for one will give them my support once I see a true rainbow mission and vision emerge.
I look with interest at the politics of TNT, I don’t belong to any political party nor support any. I feel that TNT does not have place for a third party, to defeat the PNM you have to muster all and sundry. i.e. all forces must be on board.
To win an election the election machinery must be well oiled on election day; Its is my humble view that the next election would be a fight between two parties between COP and UNC for their survival;they cannot seriously provide a fight for the PNM.
Race will always be a factor in TNT politics, it can never change its part of the culture in this twin island state in the mean time TNT will continue to fall and fall fast under the hopeless PNM.
When we have an executive president well your guess is good as mine’s
I know this might not sound too intelligent to a lot of you, but here it goes anyway. Twelve years ago my husband and I adopted two children from TNT. They are our joy! One just happens to be African and the other Indian. Throughout their lives they have pooped, cried, and laughed just like every other race I have seen. They need to be loved and adored and we as caucasian provide them with plenty of that. They walk down the street in Seattle with caucasian, African, Indian, and Asian and don’t realize that they have broken many old molds.
Anotherwards we all dream the same thing, want the same thing, came from the same God, and especially deserve the same thing. I don’t know your political leaders, but we teach our children to love their birth land. So…give them something to be proud about. Choose the best no matter the color of their skin, which happens to look just alike in my eyes.
Although very insightful in some aspects, in a country where race is an issue – how many people of a different race would work for another when there is such a great rift between them? Pressure is something you can’t take for granted when such division exists. How do you know he did not try to create a diverse party representative of the country. The idealistic views you hold for such a leader – few are as strong, even so it’s so unrealistic it’s almost laughable. You suggest much of what this new party should possess, but even the current government falls short of many of those fine attributes. Actually, based on their history, they can’t live up to one. Yet, who would you vote for?
When we see the state of the politics in developed nations, it makes it hard to believe that our situation can be changed in the short term. The use of fear, terror and abuses of truth to smear opponents in the US mid-term elections is indicative that the political system is evolving and becoming evermore effective in what it does best…getting votes. Sad but true, what we need in Trinidad is an amateur and when Patos laughs at Dooks for lacking the slick skills to out-smear him…it tells me there may be something to be said for the simple hinest guy who stil actually gives a damm.
Mr. Dookeran and his Congress should remember
there is no room in Trinidad for a third Political party.
He has a very short memory, Remember the ONR in 1981,
lots of vote no seats
In 1991 the NAR in Government but still not a single seat even,
Mr Dookeran lost his Chaguanas seat!!
Trinidad political is mostly tribal; I am no political pundit
I can see that the COP would not win a single seat.
Split votes and a PNM landslide
Welcome Manning the first Executive President
I know i’ll hear the same diatribe from the diehards that polls dont win elections, but why was the ansa mcal poll results downplayed when for the first time, the COP was the party which garnered the greatest support to the question of which party do you support!
and for those who dont remember or choose not to… the results were 17% for COP 16% for PNM and 9% for the UNC with the rest being undecided and others. So the idiocy and incompetence of messers Manning and Panday is finally awakening the sleeping masses who are quietly supporting the movement for a change to the nasty, racial, corrupt politics of the past…
The COP faces not just an issue of race but that of class. Mnay still believe that this is an elite group and not “grassroot” enough to win an election. I do believe that perception in politics is a dilema constantly faced by leaders. Questions as to who to put where. Unfortunately and regrettably, we have a fiercely tribal electorate and the challenge now for the COP is to dispel both the issues of race and class. I have hope that they can do it.
People seem to forget that COP is no ONR. ONR was not supported by the grassroot indians because it did not have an indian leader. Today, the COP can get that grassroot base that previously did not support the ONR, as well as the anti-panday votes (which are MANY, and especially in the marginal seats). Futhermore, COP can get anti-PNM voters whom are dissatified with their performance, as well as the “dougla and white votes.” Meanwhile, who can the UNC and PNM get?….Do pro-panday supporters honestly believe that the UNC ( especailly under panday leadership ) can get any new votes…other than the die-hard grassroot base? and do pro-PNM supporters honestly believe that the PNM can gain any new support….or are they just going to continue to build houses in marginal seats and try to steal the election???
The COP does have grassroots support, from disillusioned PNM and UNC supporters. I can’t trust the COP, they seem to be filled wih all of the UNC has-beens
The COP is as honest as you get , no badmouthing of other politcal opponents. Very brilliant and educated candidates of the COP . Keep up the good work and fight the good fight of FAITH.NO GOOD THING WILL GOD UPHOLD FROM THEM WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY . BELIEVE AND VOTE IN FAITH COP.GOD BLESS US TO VOTE COP FOR CHANGE FOR A BETTER FUTURE.
I agree with Ram fully. All three parties seem to have a reasonable representtion of ‘the other side’ so there may be no need to discuss the race issue to any extent. However, Mr Dookeran must realise that he has become very divisive and will be handing the government on a platter to Manning if he does not take up the offer that is continuously being extended to him and re-join the UNC. They could then sit down and select the best candidates from both sides and withdraw the surplus, that way they will have a real chance of winning the elections. Unite! Because divided we fall! Swallow your pride, Dooks.I suggest 4 PM’s” Dooks, Kamla, Bas & Jack each serving 1 year. What a perfect alternative to a dictatorship.
I have faith in the COP. However, whilst I feel that they are gaining support I wonder whether it will be concentrated enough for them to gain seats. I have always put my country first and I urge all citizens of this beloved country to do the same and give the COP the chance they deserve to put our country in line with the first world countries.
Mr. Dookeran and the COP is just what our nation needs.He is the ultimate figure of integrity,intellegence, leadership and honesty; a breath of fresh air that we so badly need.He is the only party leader who has the country’s interest at heart. Panday and the Emporer have the support of the die hards in Caroni and Lavantille, but the COP has the rest of us who are intelligent,capable of crossing racial barriers,not in need of business favours and do not need the police force in our pockets.
I think they deserve a chance to prove that Trinidad can once again be Paradise….anything is better than what we have now.
Maybe COP will not get a single seat but numbers do count. It is time for people in this country to put their trust into a party with integrity and stop voting for race. If that is done COP will not just get numbers but seats. We want Tabaquite first. Show Ramesh who has power, it is you, the voters. I moving with COP
People wake up the real issue is whether we want real change, we have to vote for what we want,that is ,Congress of the People government.If everyone can get this in there head. Trinidad and Tobago will be a better pace,safe for our children and theirs’s.
GOD FORBID IF THE unc GETS IN POWER THE TYPE OF INSTABILITY WE WILL HAVE, THEY CANNOT AGREE AMONGST THEMSELVES. BASDOE PANDAY IS NO SACRE3D COW IN THE POLITICS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO.
SUPPORT THE CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE…. PLEASE, PLEASE. ..
People please….realize..its not about removing the PNM from power alone. The UNC…they have basically insulted everyone in this country and they are trying to play us for fools.I agree with Gail. If COP doesnt win a seat, at least i’ll know i tried for something better for my country. I am going to do what i know is right and vote for the COP. At the end of the day at least i’ll know that I have tried.I am not going to settle for a mediocre government, because of numbers, when i know that there is a chance for change.
SUPPORT THE CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE…. PLEASE, PLEASE.
Pray tell, why should people support a political organization that appears on on its face to be a coalition of homogeneous ethnic activists. This would indeed be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. If this organization cannot even summon up consciousness over the troubling disposition of its ranks, those who do not see their faces represented could be opening to doors to let the boogie man into their houses. I am always suspicious of those whose sensitivity flows in only one direction. The sensisitivity of the Congress of the people appear to be doing so.
People, feel no fear, don’t let the numbers fool you, the COP does have a lot of support. Vote with your conscience for a future for our children in sweet TnT
Cop offered itself as an”issue based” party, but it soon degenerated into another mud-slinging party at a time when the PNM was very careful not to do so. To you young supporters of the COP, having ideals, hopes and dreams are necessary for your development. However, do not be fooled by all the media hype, do some proper research to find the real reason why some COP endorsers etc were dismissed from the party. The much hated “Basdeo Panday” will call them neekharaam but will never publically recall the events, as to do so will be a blight on ALL indian people.
Gail – Unfortunately, in its present form, the Congress of the People will not get my vote. However, I will be more inclined to lend my support if its executives reflect the richness of T&T in all its diversity as it encompasses the hopes and dreams of the nation. In essence, Mr. Dookeran must create a party of the people and for the people if he wants to increase his political currency.
Priya – agree with Gail. If COP doesnt win a seat, at least i’ll know i tried for something better for my country. I am going to do what i know is right and vote for the COP.
Gail is very clear in his position here. He said he cannot vote for COP in its current composition, and neither will I, or any of my family members and friends. No indian would suppost a party with that kind of composition if it was African. In a nation like T&T with the kind of ethnic uncertainty and division that informs attitudes and behaviour it behoves any authentic political body to at least make an effort to be representative. Cops, by ignoring the blatant appearance in its composition is very frightening to me. Better the devil I know than the one I don’t
The elections are over. It is tragic what has happened to the COP and its supporters. No group of people, especially that large should be disenfranchised. That is the real change that this country needs. Everyone should have a voice not just the largest or larger group. What if this were a militant group?
Mr. Dookeran is a seasoned politician and could have adopted a different strategy if he were genuinely interested in change. He knows how our political system works. He knows that popular votes do not make you a Prime Minister. It is all about winning seats. He refused to acknowledge what the polls were saying; he dismissed anyone who was not showering him with praises. The party’s executive did not appreciate that the illiterate drunk lying in the gutter had the same voting power as the well-healed, well-known voter.
It is sad to note that our election results were based on race and not what mattered economical, spiritually or the like. We should take notice of the troubled world where race, ethnic origin have been a force that cause hurt and division among its people. Is T&T yearning to be another statistic. We should all learn lessons from what is happening in places like Israel and Palestine. Move forward with our motto where every creed and race find an equal place.
Is the Author of this article blind? The answer will have to be a resounding Yes. He is blinded by his own racial bias. Dookeran has “mixed it up” Ethnically speaking. What Ethnic Backgroundi is Miss Gopaul-McNichol? Is She of Indian Decent? What about Miss Lee Yuen? and She has had a high position in the Congress of the People. Enough of this nonsense. Integrity and competence is what it is all about. Anyone Thinkining anything else is not worthy of the honour of choosing the government. I question whether such an individual should be allowed to hold any position of authority at all. If you don’t like it I don’t care.
This article was written almost three years ago and what has changed besides the increase in the level of negativity by the current administration such as trips, vehicles, crime, corruption, global posturing and pandering for example?
I think that a problem concerning the mistrust of a person of Indian heritage being the face of the nation is that many do not believe that such an individual would not be able to represent the best interest of all Trinibagonians without expanding an Indian conquest of the Caribbean.
I believe that any leader for the people needs to be removed from these self inflicted “traditions” that continue to separate every Trinibagonian from one another. I find it ridiculous how the majority of Trinibagonians have never lived in Europe, Africa, or Asia, but are so eager to represent countries on those continents as if that’s who they are. NO! NO! NO! You are born a Trinibagonian, you were brought up a Trinibagonian and you live as a Trinibagonian then guess what? You are a Trinibagonian first.
Trinibagonians need to remember with all of their diversity, that they are unified in Trinidad and Tobago first. If people want to be members of other nations, then they should migrate to those nations. Shame on all of those who would put foreign nations before the one in which they live. Shame on any current or proposed leadership that would not represent the values of all of the people as best they could for the sole purpose of making Trinidad and Tobago a better place for all of it’s citizens. That party and leader has to have a transparent vision and plan that represents the best interest of Trinibagonians with the capability to lead the country further away from the past and further into a productive, creative, prosperous, and most important, unified future.
The only way to break down this mistrust of one another is to stop separating each other and assimilating to a social norm that is Trinibagonian. Even if these groups wanted to, Africans can’t become Asians, Asians can’t become Europeans, and Europeans cannot become, Africans. However, they can all be Trinibagonians.