Trinbagonians are a resilient people, but after two major oil windfalls, we must ask ourselves: What have we achieved with the wealth God blessed this country with?
SQUANDERMANIA! Is that the legacy we are prepared to accept?
Decades of oil wealth should have delivered a diversified economy, productive industries, better employment opportunities and a higher standard of living. Instead, we continue to struggle with economic dependence, rising costs and unfulfilled promises. Where has all the money gone, and who is being held accountable?
But Government is not entirely to blame. We must also examine our own attitudes towards work, saving and personal responsibility. In the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, many people work two or three jobs to make ends meet. Here, some appear satisfied with one job, a roof over their heads and enough money to enjoy their pleasures. Of course, many hardworking Trinbagonians struggle despite doing everything right, but we must ask whether we have become too comfortable with merely surviving.
Then there is the issue of family planning. We must speak openly about responsible parenthood and the cost of raising children. When women are offered condoms, the response sometimes heard is: “Yuh doh take a bath with a hat on!”
It may bring a laugh, but the consequences are no laughing matter. Children deserve food, education, security and opportunities. Bringing children into this world carries responsibilities that cannot be ignored. Family planning, education and personal responsibility must be taken seriously.
And what about our beloved lifestyle? FETE, FETE, FETE! Nothing is wrong with enjoying Carnival, having a drink and celebrating life. But when today’s pleasures take priority over saving, investing and preparing for tomorrow, we must question our priorities.
“QUE SERA, SERA” — whatever will be, will be!
That may be fine for a song, but it is no formula for national development.
We have already enjoyed two oil windfalls. We cannot recover the years or money lost, but we can change direction. We need accountable leadership, a stronger work ethic, responsible parenthood and a population determined to build a better future.
Trinidad and Tobago must move beyond resilience and learn to turn its blessings into lasting prosperity. Otherwise, after all the oil wealth is spent, all we may have left is another promise, another fete and another chorus of “Que Sera, Sera.”
And that would be a national tragedy.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
