The debate about Trinidad’s “1%” misses an important lesson from history. In the 1960s, many Syrian families started by peddling cloth from the trunks of their cars, going door to door while others overlooked those opportunities. Through hard work, investment, and entrepreneurship, many built successful businesses.
The lesson is not to resent those who seized opportunities that others ignored. History suggests that another group may emerge as tomorrow’s “1%.” Today, many immigrants are establishing themselves in restaurants, groceries, construction, and even the corporate sector. Those who are willing to take risks, work hard, and reinvest often create economic success, regardless of their background.
In the end, wealth is rarely permanent or confined to one community. The next generation of entrepreneurs will come from those who recognize opportunities and act on them.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
