Way ahead for PNM politics in Tobago

THE EDITOR: I vividly remember the 1959 rock and roll hit, Personality, by Lloyd Price, but more seriously, I now see personality in a new context, the context of politics.

In psychology, personality is critical in the domain of human behaviour. It is not about our looks but instead is at the core of our behaviour – especially our mindset. Indeed, if our mindset is characterised by Machiavellianism, then our political life will be focused on wheeling and dealing.

It is, therefore, with these thoughts that I congratulate our Tobago brothers and sisters for overcoming their brief setback after the recent PNM internal election.

Also, my purpose is to have the nation understand that the personality of our politicians is key to the nation’s stability and progress.

While we may be in favour of a particular candidate because of his or her charisma, apparent brilliance, or public relations, what is of paramount importance has to be his or her interest in and commitment to the affairs of the nation in general and the people in particular.

However, we will never determine this without insight into the candidate’s personality and track record.

Greed, ambition, the thirst for power, and hubris definitely should not be assets for a candidate who seeks to serve. Critical traits should always be integrity, empathy, compassion, honesty, and commitment to teamwork for national development.

Because the PNM has always been known not to wash its dirty linen in public, I vehemently disapproved of the party’s recent faux pas. Yes! Since independence much has unfolded in our perspectives and perception of the good life and politics.

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for our understanding of the nature and dynamics of politics. We still allow ourselves to be led astray by emotion and selfishness instead of being enlightened by empowering information and behaviour.

If times are changing so too must our expectations and strategies improve to address the imperatives of change. Parties must encourage service to and leadership for the people and positive team dynamics at the strategic apex and the general membership levels.

Never again should an issue like the Kelvin Charles issue be repeated. Indeed, I still cannot understand how the internal PNM elections could have taken place without some intense analysis and brainstorming by the Tobago Council and the in-group of assembly men and women.

Out of these discussions and brainstorming, I would have wanted to see analysis of emerging scenarios and decisions on how to chart the way forward before and after the election. To my mind, such a strategy would have avoided the recent Tobago fiasco.

Now that we are once again on track, Tobago, let unity, party healing, and commitment to the party and Tobago prevail. Away with Machiavellianism! A house divided from within will never withstand threatening, external forces.

RAYMOND S HACKETT

Curepe