Race and politics in TT

THE EDITOR: On July 1, the political parties under the grouping Better United will be tackling the controversial and exceedingly sensitive topic of race and our voting pattern in TT.

Why court such a controversial topic? It is the belief of many whose lives are dedicated to a better family, a better community, a better political organisation and a better country that getting to a place of unity and love is only possible if we see God in every face.

If somewhere in our lives namaste becomes for us more than a greeting, a recognition of something divine in all mankind, then we can perhaps arrive at a place where together we can build a nation.

TT is in a good place only because we have great people. Those who would claim that we have done well economically and otherwise are not altogether truthful. The amount of money that passed through this small country ought to have made this nation one of the most developed countries in the world.

On the island of Trinidad 70 miles long and 40 miles wide and the sister island no bigger than most international towns, there ought to be a reliable water supply to every home. Every section of land should have been mapped and legitimate deeds distributed for every parcel.

Our roadways should be among the best maintained in the world. Our public transportation system should be one that allows no place to be more than 30 minutes away from each other. Moreover, every citizen should have been able to access well-paying jobs that allow for easy home ownership. No one should have been allowed to impede another’s right to life or property and those who dared to do so should have been brought before the courts and speedily prosecuted.

Why then are we in such a state of despair? It may likely be that our racial voting patterns have caused us to dismiss the opportunity to elect our better candidates in favour of those who are similar to those of our ancestry.

We must face that fact, as supported by the data, that many people in TT vote according to race. Consequently, there are almost 30 voting communities deemed safe seats for the two major political parties. Those communities predominantly comprise people of East Indian or African ancestry.

If the divide is allowed to continue, the political parties that are supported by race will have no interest in unity but will subliminally encourage the divide to ensure their survival and pertinence. Such action is inimical to the development and growth of a nation. As the divide continues small groups and individuals occupy the space between the divide and control the wealth, social upliftment, and real political power that the two sides aspire towards.

The Better United group is dedicated to ending the divide. We are dedicated to unity, development, security, prosperity, and social order.

STEVE ALVAREZ

political leader, DPTT