What’s all this fuss about young people?

THE EDITOR: It is obnoxious and distasteful to hear the senseless politics being played out with the appointment of Makeda Antoine as ambassador to Geneva. This young woman is suitably qualified and has been given an opportunity to craft a diplomatic career.

A glance at Antoine’s CV reveals not only her Master’s-level academic qualifications but experience at the level of manager and director in organisations. This is not another Reshmi Ramnarine fiasco as with her appointment by the United National Congress (UNC) during its time in office. Antoine’s qualifications and experiences are real.

It can be argued that it is official People’s National Movement (PNM) policy to give suitably qualified young people the opportunity to lead.

It was Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who made the call on the election campaign trail for “young people to take responsibility for the future of your country.” This is no idle talk as it was the PNM that changed the law in 1976 to move the voting age from 21 years to 18 years.

We cannot deny our young people the opportunities available to the population by discriminating based on age. Should we say to a qualified person go and live another 20 years and apply again?

A similar point was made by Independent Senator David Small, who recently advocated for retired pilots of Caribbean Airlines Ltd to not come back on contract but give way for the younger pilots to be employed and start their careers.

The political landscape is ripe with examples of people advancing to leadership positions at a young age and making us proud.

According to the Parliament website, Haffezar Khan was 21 years old when she won the St Augustine seat for the United Labour Front in 1976. She was a receptionist at Radio Trinidad and a reporter for the Bomb and Sunday Punch. She was the only woman in the opposition and the youngest woman to be elected to Parliament in the Western Hemisphere at the time. She went on to study at East Durham College and Sunderland University.

Additionally, Ian Anthony was 19 years old when he was elected MP for La Brea, Ashton Ford was 29 years when he became mayor of Arima and Patrick Manning entered Parliament at age 24 and went on to become prime minister.

This diplomatic posting to Geneva is one of the highest-level of appointments and requires us to put our best suited national to represent our interests. Antoine is a highly suitable appointment so I wish her all the best and am confident she will make TT proud.

RONALD HUGGINS, St Joseph