On that fateful day many awoke with bushy, bright eyes looking forward to the promise of a brighter tomorrow. This was our day, 'tomorrow' was finally here and we would begin to see the development and transparency we had long hoped for. A sweet farewell was bid to the tyranny of the past and Trinbago awoke alive with expectation.
This is what the populace really embraced.
Misdirection. If you can't get them to stop talking about it, then throw out something that will send them in a totally different direction. This can be partnered with smoke screens, red herrings and unicorns. Many apologists fought hard trying to lead the public to believe that these were simple gaffes, unintentional. Are they really? Who could forget the Fazeer fiasco which was promptly followed by the biggest form of misdirection laid on the country to date The SIA scandal (fondly called Spy vs Spy in many quarters). The public called for redress and as we grew restless, we were catapulted into 360 degree direction as names were rolled off a scroll and who they did not call they forgot. Suddenly it became "Fazeer who?" as the nation wondered if their phone was tapped and we all looked at eachother cross ways.
Misinterpretation. When in doubt, allow an intelligent populace to believe that they did not hear what they think they heard. Let them know that it is either that the newspaper reporter misunderstood what was said or the voting population misinterpreted what was printed. Indeed, this was also one of the better feats of mental strength displayed, whose foundation was nourished by another brilliant tool: the apology that was not really an apology. I admit, this particular tactic left a bitter taste in my mouth. Standing up and saying to grown people that you do not think you have anything to apologise for however if they are of that opinion then yes indeed, you apologise. Tacky to say the least. Even worse, saying there is nothing to apologise for, we are not wrong, stop making such a fuss...Move On.
We listened as a Chief Justice was besmirched...fake apology. We listened as the Caribbean learned that T&T is not an ATM...no apology. We listened as ministers insinuated that obscene language never occurred at an international event...no apology. We listened to a fictitious resume being read out...no apology and worse...no explanation.
I could go on and on but the thing is, this could probably be said about all the previous administrations. What is alarming is the short span of time with which everything about this administration spiraled out of control and began circling the drain. We have not even made a year under this haphazard form of governance. What was voted for and what was received are completely different. Many are asking if they gave up one dictator in exchange for another or is this an even more heinous form of dictatorship, one which this country has never seen. One which was cleverly disguised in the appearance of a beautiful package.
What have we really gotten out of this bad marriage, this poorly made union?
I made the comment before the election that a group quickly strewn together on the foundation of "Manning Must Go" could not have much merit and should not be taken seriously. Unfortunately, this band of misfits came to us at a time when the country was begging for something new, crying out for a real change and these wolves hastily threw on their sheep wool and waited for an entire country to take the bait.
We now look on helplessly as each of them sheds the wool to show us what lies beneath. Almost a year into this thing and they are still blaming the previous administration and to what end? They promised to deliver. Much was spoken of the crime plan which I now believe is a unicorn. Much was said of bringing betterment and rebuilding a down trodden Trinbago. What has been done? We have hired a foreigner to fix our crime situation. What has he done other than draw a ridiculous salary come each month end? Where is the crime plan? Where are the public consultations? Is this change or exchange? We have agreed to pay a commissioner an exorbitant salary to get crime under control...to no avail and yet we cannot give the police or the PSA a proper offer.
One would have thought that a government comprising almost all aspects of society would have been people oriented. One would think that they would seek the interest of the citizenry. Let me say this, calling yourself People's Partnership and renaming a ministry 'Ministry of The People' does not make you people oriented. Leave off the fancy names and start working for the people who gave you their vote.
You stood on a platform promising to "Serve the people, Serve the people, Serve the people" but this does not seem to be the case.
Your claim was that a vote against you would lead to the streets being red with blood, listen, that is not ketchup running out there.
You promised to "Axe the Tax" not bring it back under another name with higher rates.
You promised to be selfless, impartial and fair. Why is there an air of nepotism and cronyism reeking across the land.
Saying that other administrations did it is not an excuse, you promised to be different, you promised to provide change.
Those who went out on that fateful day and voted for change humbly and sincerely would like a refund.
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