Letter: Let good sense prevail in Tobago

We are now in the year 2013 and while we, as a people, have advanced in so many areas, there is one frustrating issue that continues to plague our society. That issue is of course, racism. One would think that citizens of an aspiring first world country would deviate from such an uncouth mentality but clearly this is not the case.
Recently, we saw perhaps one of the most blatant and unfortunate displays of racism from a person who should be setting an example especially to the youths of our country. 

Yes, I am referring to Mr. Hilton Sandy, Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly. In my view, Mr. Sandy’s “Calcutta” statements were one of the most racist and regressive expressions that has ever been used by a politician in the history of T&T. 

What is even more disturbing is the fact that at the time the statement was made, both the Chief Secretary of the THA Mr. Orville London and the Political Leader of the PNM Dr. Keith Rowley were present and instead of reprimanding him for the comments, they sat back and applauded him. One has to beg the question “Is this the kind of things the PNM condones?”

I cannot help but notice also, besides the infamous “Calcutta” statement, a great deal of malicious tactics are being used by the PNM in hopes of influencing the people of Tobago to vote for their party in the fast approaching THA Elections. 

From the uprooting of TOP flags to the defacing of TOP billboards and posters; why must we still engage in such gutter politics? THIS SHOULD NOT BE! I have said before and I will reiterate – We are in 2013 now and the days of tribal voting and gutter politics should be behind us.

To the people of Tobago, I urge you to reflect on the past 12 years and ask yourselves “Are we satisfied? Is this what we deserve?” Then, on January 21stwhen you cast your ballot, Let Good Sense Prevail!
Chris Arshad Hosein