Democracy in T&T is a myth

Cry the Beloved Country by T G. Mendes

The breathtaking number of scandalous disclosures which have been characteristic of the Rowley PNM, even before it assumed power in Sept. 2015, was both predictable and inevitable.

When Rowley, as leader of the then PNM in opposition, failed and was exposed in his infamous attempt via faux emails to discredit and criminalize the Indo-led ruling PPG it should, and would have in any credible and functional democracy, signalled an abrupt end to his political career!

Price of Democracy

The fact that before the dust had properly settled on his infamous and yet unpunished resort to “try trick to make luck” before he led the PNM to victory in the General Election of 2015 is but another example of Eric Williams’ success, between ‘56 and his demise in ‘82, in destroying and distorting the value systems, in addition to respect in public office for law, order, integrity and honesty, or even democracy, in generations of both politicians and citizens yet unborn.

Events currently and painfully unfolding in Venezuela serve to confirm that while far from perfect, Democracy, as evolved in the so-called developed world, is the fairest, most equitable and progressive system of governance which, like anything or any system worth implementing, does not come without a price - a fact to which England, France, the USA et al can attest.

In each of the examples quoted, democracy was purchased in the blood of their citizens. As such, it is a highly valued commodity and is, therefore, jealously guarded against totalitarian ideologies - internally or externally. The foregoing dictates the periodic election of political parties that request the opportunity to enhance the quality of life for the electorate. Any democratic society, save apparently T&T, is aware of the price in blood paid over history for the acquisition, protection and preservation of their democracy. The entire world - save T&T - is naturally concerned with the qualities of the individuals whom they elect to lead them and administer their personal and national affairs. That concern for the honesty, integrity and patriotism of those elected to public office is reinforced in the mind of the electorate by remembering the price paid by their ancestors for the privilege and right to democratically select and elect the civic and national leaders supported by the majority!

The meaning of democracy

By the above parameters, can T&T justly boast of the meaning of democracy? Where was either democratic integrity, honesty or respect for law and order displayed in 1956 when as leader of the PNM Williams alienated the diverse races in a small multi-racial T&T in order to steal the people’s mandate by utilizing unruly ghetto elements to ensure that only the PNM message was heard in public? The PNM retained elected office by variations of the same electoral dishonesty from ‘56 until their 33/3 defeat in ‘86 - 4 years after Williams’ demise in office.

Given the above political history and the ongoing abuses of the Rowley PNM since Sept 2015 - aided and abetted by the grossly inadequate, inherited and conveniently retained “first past the post” FPTP) electoral system - I respectfully submit that my beloved T&T is yet to learn the meaning or enjoy the benefits of a genuine participatory democracy, before first paying a bloody price for same!

Guarantee of bloody disaster

Is it a possible quirk of human nature that homo-sapiens is only aware of his own best interest after first bleeding to acquire it? In such an event, T&T is destined for a monumental bloodletting - not merely in the interest of the acquisition of genuine democracy and integrity in elected office, but as a belated consequence of the late “Father of the Nation’s” instigation of racial antagonisms! Does it demand the experience of that bloody and dreadful prospect before citizens - regardless of race, creed, status or political affiliation - can as a united society enjoy and appreciate the advantages of a truly genuine participatory democracy?

Should the Rowley PNM be returned to power in the General Election of 2020, then the disaster already referred to is inevitable. This may be avoided only by the urgent and concerted action of concerned and influential citizens if they can ensure that the 2020 General Election is not decided by FPTP - as hitherto. Urgently required, therefore, is its replacement by a workable and effective system of Proportional Representation. Their failure or refusal is a guarantee of bloody disaster! Only via their success, might competition in the lists for election to public office be open to hitherto deprived citizens of diverse races and religions with valid contributions to make to the national welfare. Only thus might my beloved homeland evade the long overdue and bloody judgement of history!