What have been the greatest successes and failures of our governments since Independence? Where do you suggest we go from here?As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to celebrate its 64th anniversary of Independence tomorrow, these were among the questions put to religious leaders. Some declined to comment on the successes and failures of former and incumbent governments.
‘WORK TOGETHER’:Dr Ellis Burris, IRO president.
However, they lauded the country’s democracy and the positive strides it has made in education, health care and infrastructure.There was consensus on the need to promote unity, improve socio-economic conditions, and encourage citizens to put country first. They said people should rise above race, religion and political affiliation, while greater emphasis should be placed on supporting communities and those who are poor, marginalised, downtrodden, vulnerable or homeless.
‘BUILD NATIONAL UNITY’:Anglican BishopRev Claude Berkley.
The leaders also paid tribute to outstanding citizens who have excelled in every field of endeavour, including academia, sport, the arts and culture.They also thanked God for blessings bestowed upon the twin-island nation.Here are their comments:Fr Jason GordonRoman Catholic Archbishop“The fact we have managed to keep the country going, with all the challenges facing other countries, is an amazing achievement. When America was 64 years, they had major challenges like us. Dr Eric Williams said at Independence it was more than a flag.“Two races were given their freedom, but it did not automatically build a nation. The challenge is to put Mother Trinidad ahead of our tribal and ancestral preferences. We have to put the good of the country above our desires for comfort, wealth and pleasure.“We have not yet had the correct disposition towards each other; the correct disposition to build a nation where very creed and race finds an equal place.“Our nation is at a challenging juncture right now—crime, unemployment, rising poverty, people experiencing deep hardships, and a justice system that has failed. They have closed the homeless shelter, and since then, the homeless are scattered all over Port of Spain. It’s sad to see their plight in the capital city.“A new wave of wealth will not solve the problems we have. It will make it worse unless we put the building of the nation ahead of our individual desires.“We have an education system that has not served a lot of citizens.“It’s about nation-building and building the institutions that are required. It’s about time 1.3 million people stop co-existing and start to become a people.”
