What exactly is happening in Trinidad and Tobago with respect to NGO’s ?I could not help but notice a plea of desperation for help by the Director of Networks of NGO’s for the Advancement of women, Dr.Kris Rampersad. The good doctor was forced to put into the question the levels of commitments of the country’s government to democracy. The assumption is that the government is simply giving lip service to support of civil society in the country. Now we all know that in desperation, an organization is to do and sometimes say things that can rattle and where possible inveigle actions where necessary.

The fact is that the role of NGO’s and civil societies generally are very critical in enhancing social and economic development. The interest of government, business may not always coincide. It requires meaningful collaborations, foresight and patience. NGO’s themselves need certain levels of transparency, to be clear in their vision and ensure that accountability is maintain at cost. I am not sure about the state of affairs of such matters presently and can only depend on the words of the foot soldiers on the ground. Much work needs to be done obviously, and we all should feel privileged to playa role.
Sustainable development requires more than rhetoric and political posturing on all sides. Too much is at stake.