Guest commentary: Cro Cro’s view is at variance with true Trinis

In a world still struggling to comprehend the impact of the breakdown of the communication barriers of the past, it is becoming increasingly difficult stand firm without being washed away in the wave of information that challenges political ideologies, religious beliefs and social segregation. 

In such a world one sees the calypso by Cro Cro regarding the black man, as that of a drowning man clutching to a straw. 

Trinidad & Tobago and the world in general are only now beginning to understand the need for an orchestrated approach to dealing with the issues that face mankind.

Any suggestion that one should support another politically or otherwise simply because they look alike is ridiculous, bordering on insanity. 

While the song may have been well delivered or well written, the contents should have been condemned by all citizens regardless of race as it is at variance to what many citizens of Trinidad & Tobago believes. 

People of African descent especially should be offended at such lyrics. 

Taken at face value, one can translate the song to be saying that black people should support another black, regardless of their competence, sagacity, intelligence, vision or objective. 

In other words once someone is black, black people should support them. 

Such a conclusion can be seen as insulting and demeaning to people of African descent. 

The song can also be seen as insulting to people of Indian descent as there is the suggestion that people of East Indian descent support their leaders regardless of their competence.

The truth is also at variance with the conclusions arrived at in the song. 

The record shows that Indian people voted overwhelmingly in support of Jack Warner, a black man and the man who replaced Panday as leader of the UNC. 

The records also show that people of African descent voted for the PP in spite of the fact that there were alternative black leaders, a fact that perhaps led to the composition of Cro Cro’s calypso. 

Perhaps one good thing from the song is realization of the fact that people have began to move away from blind support for party and individuals based on race. 

There is every indication that Cro Cro is not alone in his sentiments as there may be others who are unhappy with the PP government’s attempt to open up the government to all people regardless of their race or political affiliation. 

Trinidad & Tobago must embrace change and quickly shake off all residues of racism that have plagued our society and pursue excellence.

It is very unfortunate that this PP government is faced with the challenges of race at this stage of our development. 

This government is only now seeking to find a sustainable alternative to an energy based economy. They are saddled with the responsibility of finding a way to get structured police patrols in our community and to put in place a comprehensive plan for disaster management. 

All of these should have been accomplished years ago. 

It is a very sad reflection of the previous government and any suggestion that one should have supported incompetence merely because of the colour of one skin should be condemned by all progressive thinking citizens of Trinidad & Tobago. 

May God Bless Our Nation.

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