If there is one word that best describes the current political climate in T&T, it is irony. A close second would be conundrum. Every day the public is treated to another episode of political theatre where yesterday’s champions become today’s victims, and yesterday’s critics suddenly find themselves defending the very actions they once condemned.
The old saying about the pot calling the kettle black has never been more appropriate. But in this case, the kettle calmly replies, “Take a good look at yourself. Who more black than you?” And, truth be told, if you take a careful look at both the coal pot and the kettle, you will discover they are equally black. That is the irony of our politics.
For years, whenever allegations of corruption surfaced against those in office, the standard response was almost scripted: “Take it to the police with your evidence.” That line echoed through press conferences, political platforms and television interviews. Now that complaints are being taken to the police and investigations are being launched, the very people who once insisted on that course of action are crying foul, claiming the police are being weaponized.
What changed? The principle or the players?
The reality is that laws do not choose political parties. They apply to everyone. The Civil Asset Recovery and Management and Unexplained Wealth Act—popularly known as the “Explain Your Wealth” law—was enacted while the previous administration was in office, with bipartisan support after amendments were made. Today, when that very legislation is reportedly being used in matters involving political entities, the cries of persecution have become deafening. That is not merely irony; it is political convenience dressed up as constitutional outrage.
Then there are the other matters making headlines. There are ongoing investigations into allegations surrounding State lands reportedly transferred at prices significantly below market value. There is also the high-profile criminal matter involving a couple detained over allegations of plotting violence against sitting Members of Parliament. These are serious issues before the authorities, and they deserve due process, free from political interference or trial by media.
What I observe is not simply controversy but complacency. There seemed to be an assumption that power was permanent, that there would always be another term to tidy the files, complete the paperwork and close the loopholes. Then came the election, and, as we say in true Trini style, the electorate delivered a sound cut tail. Suddenly, unfinished business became somebody else’s discovery.
They never imagined another administration would inherit the files before all the i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed. Instead, it appears the reverse happened—the t’s were dotted and the i’s crossed. Loose ends remained. Documents remained. Decisions remained. Approvals remained. And where there are approvals, there is often a paper trail for investigators to follow.
Now we hear accusations that the Government is “moving the goalposts.” Considering we are in the height of football season, perhaps the expression is appropriate. But moving the goalposts only matters if the game has already begun under one set of rules. If the rules were already written into law years ago, can anyone honestly claim the goalposts have moved?
The latest controversy surrounds the construction and financing of Balisier House. Public questions are now being asked about how such an expensive project was funded, with reports that unexplained wealth procedures have been initiated. Naturally, the party involved maintains its innocence and rejects suggestions of wrongdoing. That is its right. Equally, the public has a right to transparency. One thing is certain: cake sales, raffles and barbecue tickets alone would struggle to convince the average citizen that they could finance a project reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Questions are also being raised about diplomatic passports issued to individuals who allegedly had no official Government business to conduct on behalf of T&T. Now that requests have reportedly been made for some of those passports to be returned, predictable cries of victimization have followed. Yet diplomatic passports are privileges granted for official purposes, not lifetime souvenirs or political trophies.
None of this should be viewed through red or yellow lenses. Accountability must never depend on which party occupies Whitehall. If one administration demanded investigations yesterday, it cannot object to investigations today simply because the spotlight has shifted.
The law should not be a weapon. Neither should it be a museum piece that gathers dust until it suits someone’s political agenda. Justice must be blind, consistent and fearless. Otherwise, today’s accuser becomes tomorrow’s accused, and the cycle of irony continues.
Perhaps that is the greatest conundrum of all. In T&T, we do not seem to have a shortage of laws. We simply have a shortage of people willing to accept that those laws should apply equally—even when they apply to them.
