By PETER GREEN
I am always fascinated with politics!
While I am no supporter of any political party in this country, I follow the politics and can judge for myself which party is best suited for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
I have been in several public meetings over the years. Just recently, I attended a few of the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) and while I do not always agree with what their speakers spew, I listen carefully and attentively.
I know the Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, is trying her best by distributing grants to assist those in need. I know she is trying to deal with the scam relating to the issuance of pension cheques. That is why she has decided that all pension funds will be distributed directly into bank accounts.
So when other Members of Parliament try their best to raise funds to assist those in need, there must be a closing of the ranks.
So let me come directly to the purpose of this story.
Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge, who is also the MP for Toco/Sangre Grande, staged a 5K in his constituency on Sunday to raise funds to buy books and bags for the less fortunate children in his area for the start of the new school term in September.
The runners knew this was a “Run for a Cause”. That meant no big monetary prizes, but hampers. Every participant paying $150 to enter the race meant that books and bags could be bought.
The event was well supported by the runners and the community. But what about Sturge’s Ministerial and Parliament colleagues? Didn’t they not know this event was called “Run for a Cause”.
Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, left Moruga to be present in Sangre Grande. Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen brought her posse from St Augustine.
Senator David Nakhid, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, arrived a bit late after the race had gone, but mysteriously finished the race with Sturge. That was the joke of the morning.
Kenya Charles, vice-president of the Senate, also came out to support. But where were the rest as this was an event to raise funds for children? Yes Children!
What happened to the other UNC MPs along the east-west corridor – Roger Alexander, Devesh Maharaj, Saddam Hosein?
Remind me when Dr Jack Warner was Minister and MP. A lot of people got help, even from his personal funds. Look how times have changed!
Several Ministries supported the event however – Ministry of the People, Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. There was also support from the HDC, the Cadet Force, the Defence Force Reserves, WASA, and T&TEC.
At the end of the day, despite the absence of his Ministerial colleagues, Sturge could smile and say – children in his constituency will be getting books and bags for the new term. A brighter day is coming for them.
