MSJ: Nothing to celebrate for Independence Day

David Abdulah, economist and leader of the Movement for Social Justice. - File photo by Ayanna Kinsale
David Abdulah, economist and leader of the Movement for Social Justice. - File photo by Ayanna Kinsale

MOVEMENT for Social Justice (MSJ) political leader David Abdulah says the 62nd anniversary of TT's independence is not a time to celebrate.

In his Independence Day message to the nation, Abdulah identified rampant, violent crime and great inequality in the distribution of wealth amongst citizens as two reasons to support his view.

"People are angry and stressed out. Life is a struggle to get money to survive."

Abdulah said institutions such as the Parliament and Cabinet have consistently failed to address the needs of the population over the last 62 years

He repeated the MSJ's view that both the PNM and UNC were to blame for this, and said this state of barbarism cannot continue going forward.

He added this is a time when people must seriously contemplate the nation's future direction.

"Do we continue along the road that takes us further down towards barbarism, with the same political conductors and economic drivers that have brought us to this bad place? Or do we take a left turn along a road that brings about a better life for all, not just the few?"

Abdulah believed there was urgent need for new, progressive leadership which encourages every citizen to contribute meaningfully to the journey towards national development.

He said this was not a time to hold steadfast to the mentality of current players on both sides of the political divide which has turned citizens into "passive passengers hurtling to their death."

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"MSJ: Nothing to celebrate for Independence Day"

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