Column: The objective of unity - by Steve Alvarez

To many the main goal of the opposition and those opposed to the PNM is to win the next general election.

Many see this as the objective that should unite us all. The question remains, what happens after winning the next election?

Are members of the public, those who are being asked to support an anti PNM effort, provided with objectives other than removing the PNM?

For all of us the objective must be to build a better Trinidad & Tobago where all of our citizens, can feel safe and participate in nation building without discrimination of any kind.

We must seek to work together and play together as we engender a spirit of patriotism born from united struggle and achievements. Before supporting any person or political party one should consider the following:

• Who is the political leader and does that person share a vision for a Trinidad & Tobago where each citizen can equally participate in the affairs of nation building without being discriminated against because of ethnic origin, political affiliation, religion or class?
• Is the political party ready to tackle the challenges of crime, corruption, economic stability, agriculture development, healthcare and those other issues that have been nagging us lately?
• Leaders must state clearly what is their position on the State enforcing the judgement of the courts and their commitment to an independent judiciary, they must state their position on the Smelter construction; they must share their vision on constitutional reform and local government

Politicians must promise to stay away from political vindictiveness and never allow the destruction of national institutions for political gain. Citizens of Trinidad & Tobago must hold our Political Leaders to a higher level of responsibility.

It must not be accepted that Leaders refuse to debate each other at election time and continue to have national support.

Leaders must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the true spirit of Trinidad & Tobago, a nation of love, tolerance and growth.

In the years ahead, a lot is at stake. Many of our young people are accessing tertiary education and will be joining the work place. We must build a nation that offers them lucrative jobs and the opportunity to build their homes and support their family without having to go abroad. Their jobs and the opportunities offered to them must be based on merit and not who you know or what is one’s ethnicity or political affiliation.

The next government MUST be able to rise above all that segregates us and build a nation where every citizen can proudly call home. This is no easy task, but not one to evade.

The challenge is not only for the politicians but for each and every citizen to demand a higher quality of representation and sincere leadership with all of us putting Trinidad & Tobago’s first.

We can do this.

Steve Alvarez | Political Leader of the Democratic Party of Trinidad & Tobago