……why Attacking the Castle Isn’t So Easy
By LESTER PHILIP
In the Middle Ages, a strong castle was never protected by walls alone. Its real power was the moat — a deep, wide trench surrounding the fortress, often filled with water, built to slow enemies, expose them, and weaken them before they ever reached the gate.
Then came the drawbridge, lifted at the first sign of danger. The king or queen inside remained protected while defenders handled threats from a position of advantage.
That is the clearest way to understand Trinidad and Tobago politics right now.
The UNC, under Kamla Persad-Bissessar (KPB), is operating from inside a well-built political moat — and at this moment, it looks solid.
In politics, like in sport, the best defence is often a strong offence. The UNC’s structure reflects that. Any criticism or remote attack is met quickly and forcefully by MPs, senators, party figures, and loyal voices in the public space. Whether you support them or not, the coordination is obvious. The leader is rarely left exposed. The castle is guarded at all times.
We saw this clearly after the controversy over KPB’s “boot-licking” remark and the debate surrounding President-appointed independent senators. The media reacted strongly. The opposition condemned it. Public discussion intensified.
But before the criticism could truly land — the moat.
Defenders moved fast. Statements were countered. Narratives were reframed. Motives were questioned. The focus shifted. The political attack lost momentum before it could reach the walls. That is not accidental. That is structure.
Now consider the independence issue.
President Kangaloo, who now occupies a constitutional office above party politics, previously served as an MP and Vice President of the Senate when her party was in government. She now has the duty of appointing independent senators.
The Prime Minister KPB view, is that such appointees will carry perspectives influenced by the President’s political past. In a small society like T&T, where everyone knows everyone and political lines run deep, many citizens already question how “independent” those appointed by the President truly are.
That skepticism did not start yesterday. It has followed every government, from the Panday administration right up.
It is similar to an insurance adjuster working for an insurance company. On paper, the adjuster is supposed to be neutral. In theory, the system is meant to be fair. But in reality, the adjuster will lean more in favour of the company for obvious reasons. Right or wrong, that perception exists in the public mind.
The same logic applies here.
And this is where the moat strengthens the leader’s hand.
KPB’s strong, even abrasive tone did not come from political weakness. Leaders who feel exposed tend to speak carefully. Leaders who feel protected speak boldly — sometimes bluntly. That does not mean everyone agrees with the tone, but it signals confidence in the defence around her.
When the backlash came, she was not standing alone in open ground.
She was inside the castle.
A strong moat does more than block outside enemies. It also allows rulers to worry less about attackers beyond the walls and more about control inside. Historically, castles had dungeons not just for invaders, but for internal challengers.
When external threats appear weak, unity inside becomes the priority. Discipline tightens. Deviations are watched. Stability within the walls matters just as much as defence outside them.
Meanwhile, the opposition looks less like a coordinated army and more like scattered groups making noise. One former leader is still agitating. Another is trying to stay relevant. That is human — it is hard to step away from the spotlight. But agitation is not strategy, and noise is not a siege plan.
Without a bridge across the moat, they remain outside shouting.
While they circle, the UNC fortifies.
Right now, anyone trying to reach the centre faces layers of organised political firepower. Every statement is answered. Every criticism is contested. Every narrative is challenged. The drawbridge does not stay down long.
So yes, the moat exists.
The real question is how long it holds.
Moats are strongest when a government has public confidence, internal unity, and control of the narrative. But time tests every fortress. Economic pressure, public frustration, internal cracks, or a disciplined opposition can slowly change the balance. Castles often do not fall from one dramatic assault — they weaken from long sieges.
As we move toward year two of this present government, the story may not be about big political battles but endurance. Can the UNC keep its ranks tight inside the walls? Can the opposition move from noise to strategy and build real credibility with Trinbagonians?
Because in Trinidad and Tobago politics, the people are not the castle, the moat, or the army.
They are the ground everything stands on.
And if that ground shifts, even the strongest moat will not save the castle.
