Tobago, beware of the angels of self-destruction

THE EDITOR: Once again, we are seeing frenetic activity on the political radar. Be it the local government or general election perspective, several personalities – familiar and unknown – have been emerging from nowhere. For whatever reason, they offer themselves as messiahs ready to battle for and save TT from economic annihilation.

As a student of people, politics, and the rise and fall of civilisations, I am always amazed by the hubris-driven determination of these leaders who see themselves as liberators.

While much can be said about TT in the present context, I suggest that a focus on Tobago would be more urgent and appropriate, given the emergence of recent developments in its once conservative but dynamic environment. It also would hold implications for Trinidad.

Observers of international politics will tell us that people, like the people in Catalonia, the members of parliament in the UK, and the Democrats aspiring to be president in the US, have been displaying incredible energy to seize political power and control in their space.

This leads me to wonder whether hubris can be that powerful before obtaining and experiencing power. The fact of the matter is, to what extent do these people grasp the logic, the dynamics, and the sustainability of their dreams? Perhaps what may be more important is the question: to what extent are they eligible and qualified to successfully play the role of messiah?

From the events of history – both ancient and modern – can it be said that the people benefit by the power-grabbing of the elite, the audacious, or the revolutionary?

My point, to be brief, is simple but far-reaching. Indeed, to what extent are the contenders for president in the Democratic Party on a self-destruct path in terms of party unity and strength to defeat incumbent President Trump?

With respect to Catalonia, is separation from Spain in the modern world a wise or self-destruct move? Already we have seen how the Republicans in Congress and the MPs in the UK have been addressing their respective leadership problems.

Given all that I have said so far, why cannot the challengers for chief secretary in Tobago not understand the serious consequences of internecine struggle in a bid to seize the post of chief secretary?

By way of conclusion, I hereby recommend that the Tobago council first airs this issue among the hierarchy to come to a logical position and then go to the party membership to present position papers to settle the issue once and for all. Clearly, no party can convincingly face the electorate on shaky grounds in 2020.

The world has changed and the electorate has changed. We are no longer in the era of Dr Eric Williams, ANR Robinson, and APT James. More importantly, politicians now have to bring gourmet food to the table if they wish to have dinner with the electorate. Indeed, leadership is not a position or title. It is multipronged, entrenched in action, vision, mission, commitment, and example.

RAYMOND S HACKETT

Curepe