What a shame, Trinidad and Tobago

THE EDITOR: After 61 years of independence TT is showing little signs of caring for its citizens. In the land where every creed and race will find an equal place, it is glaring that some people are more equal than others. The more we highlight human rights, the more these rights are denied to human beings. We preach poverty eradication, but we institutionalise destitution.

In this 21st century the Government, businesses and trade unions are still discussing the scourge of the poor – the minimum wage and whether it should be increased. The 2023-2024 budget has defined the situation at $20.70, putting all sentiments to rest.

Does a vote give the Government the right to determine how the national resources are allocated? Setting up a minimum wage board is a mockery if we have to determine if the unfortunate deserves more.

Is the business community fair in its indefinite extraction of profits and return on investment? The downtrodden at our gates begging alms is a fool’s delight.

Are trade union leaders looking after their flock? Or do we have wolves guarding sheep?

To whom do the national resources belong? What infrastructure is used to generate revenue? What human resources are used to enrich the investors?

If it belongs to all of us, then why doesn’t the distribution reflect that?

A Benz is bought and energised with the best fuel. A residence is built and decorated with luxurious furniture. Why is a worker hired and given the minimum wage?

When we share we keep the best for ourselves. The “haves” always think that a house with less than six bedrooms is a discomfort. A vehicle cheaper than half a million dollars is below their status, and an annual salary less than $1 million is unheard of.

Are we doing unto others what we would like for ourselves? Because we profess to be the thinkers, those that do the menial work do not deserve better?

Is success in life measured in terms of how much we can hoard? At our demise can we take it with us to the hereafter?

Are we going to spend our whole life indulging in futility? Is everyone entitled to enjoy the comforts of this life? Why do a few seem to have the right and the majority debarred?

Or is this how God ordained and blessed our nation?

Emancipation freed us from only the physical bondage, but we are still chained to wealth, fame and power.

The mental sores festered by the trinity are greed, selfishness and plundering

Are we going to be traffickers and slave masters gouging out the eyes of the less unfortunate?

Why are so many ills besieging little TT? Rudderless leadership. Institutional decay. Growth of immoral standards.

What’s next?

LENNOX FRANCIS

via e-mail