gilly@tstt.net.tt

Take off the balisier tie

Take it off and prove to the population that politics must be set aside when dealing in an official capacity with matters involving the business of the nation.

Prove to the people that once elected, partisan and selfish interests will be replaced with noble and honourable ideals. Display true patriotism that puts country before politics and people before party.

It is all well and good to show allegiance to one’s party when the occasion is appropriate but the balisier tie should only be worn at PNM party functions or events.

Does this request sound petty in light of the urgent and serious matters of public importance such as the alarming crime rate and the lack of proper disaster preparedness and management? Absolutely not, when one considers the failure of those to whom much is given to deliver on their promises.

Time to serve

When one is elected to serve the people, no distinction based on party affiliation is to be made when sharing or utilising the resources of the State.

Being a government minister is not an opportunity to give big jobs to undeserving boys and girls, simply because they vigorously wave the balisier of approval. It is a chance to select the best individuals to serve on boards or to act as consultants so that the country can progress and prosper.

But no so in our twin isle where there is constant speculation and suspicion about the conduct of those who hold high office. There is a presumption of impropriety and it stems from the fear by the population that no good or decent people are willing to serve the country. Such an indictment is unfortunate, especially since there are a number of citizens who are civic minded and patriotic to the bone.

The challenge is to ensure that such people remain focused and do not get carried away by the politics that is used to divide and rule our society.

The population has called on parliamentarians to act in the best interest of the nation and to put the politics aside. In order to fight the crime, the Government and the Opposition were praised for participating in crime talks aimed at resolving contentious issues regarding proposed legislation. This led to the enactment of the Bail Amendment Act which is still not as draconian as it ought to have been but, admittedly, that is a separate discussion.

The point is that when dealing with matters affecting the population there is no room for the fulfilment of private or political agendas. Those who go to the table must go with clean hands, open minds and, it is added, with no balisier on their ties.

Get an emblem

There is nothing objectionable about parliamentarians wearing a symbol but the emblem chosen must promote patriotism.

As to what emblem, if any, ought to be used is a matter for discussion but let us face the fact that the balisier is not an all-encompassing insignia.

It may be a much loved representation for those who follow and support the PNM but what about the rest of the population which does not have any association with or particular love for the balisier?

In the same way that this administration must be referred to as “our” Government, whether we voted for them or not, it means that by the principles of reciprocity, this regime should show that, once elected into office, it is prepared to represent all the people of T&T, and not just lovers of the balisier.

It is often said that Trinidadians and Tobagonians are conveniently patriotic and this patriotism only manifests itself in times of celebration. But what happens for the rest of the time?

We claim to be warm and friendly towards one another but the political divide has caused our people to adopt hostile postures for no apparent reason. This nonsense has to stop and the politicians have to lead by example.

Get right people

We should strive to ensure that people who hold high office and are responsible for formulating national policy and making decisions are beyond party politics. Whenever their discretion is exercised there must be no suspicion that an alternative agenda has overridden a fair assessment or judgment.

For example, when houses are being distributed, there should be no sustainable complaint that the process is skewed in favour of those who support the Government.

Thus the suggestion has been made that the allocation procedure should be designed so that priority is given to those people who qualify for housing who reside in the particular constituency in which the respective housing settlement is located.

Such an approach would remove the constant outcry that the housing schemes are being used as part of a voter padding process by the Government.

The President of the Republic of T&T holds the highest office in the land and is duty bound to represent all the people. The President should not selfishly serve the interest of those who nominated and supported him.

The President, being an independent office holder, does not wear any insignia that indicates a particular political affiliation and rightly so.

Once elected, he has to be fair, impartial, transparent and non-partisan in the execution of his duties.

One could argue that a parliamentarian is in a different position, having been elected by the people but belonging to a particular party. The fact remains, however, that the overriding duty is to God and country and then, maybe, to the dictates of the party.

Just one please

When making a request as bold as that contained herein, one must be prepared to compromise. In this regard, although I hold firm to the view that once elected or appointed there must be no public display of party affiliation in the conduct of official duties, I would at least be satisfied if one office holder refrained from wearing his balisier tie in the circumstances outlined—namely the Attorney General.

The person who is selected for this position is responsible for the administration of legal affairs in the country and in that regard there must be no suspicion about his conduct.

It is hoped that the suggestion will be considered and the appropriate measure adopted.