Supporters of PNM in toxic relationship

THE EDITOR: After winning the first general election in 1956 and being appointed chief minister, Dr Eric Williams brought a sense of independence to the people of TT, or so we thought. After decades of PNM leadership and billions of dollars spent, are we better off today than we would have been without the PNM?

Let’s look at a tiny city-state halfway around the world. A nation that gained independence from Britain around the same time as TT, but with one major difference. This tiny city-state had no natural resources while we had an abundance of oil and natural gas. We had so many resources that Williams boasted that money is not a problem for us here in TT.

This tiny city-state, under firm and visionary leadership, was transformed into a major world player.

This tiny city-state is Singapore. It has the world’s most powerful passport, an extremely high GDP, lack of corruption, lack of violent crime, an enviable level of investments, and a host of other positive traits that we dream to have.

Simply put, Williams remained as the prime minister for 25 consecutive years while the first prime minister of Singapore served for 30 consecutive years. What these men did with their time in office, given the resources they had, tells a lot about their style of leadership and their vision for the future. Singapore was able to achieve milestone accomplishments while TT still struggles to get water into citizens’ homes.

The question remains: what is the purpose of the PNM and why do people still support this outdated and defunct party that has had too many chances?

It reminds me of a toxic abusive relationship where a woman is constantly abused by her husband yet she still goes back to his bed. This is how PNM supporters behave – they are in a toxic abusive relationship with the party and they refuse to get change.

JASON ROGERS, Point Fortin