Over the years, I’ve seen many persons call for Constitutional Reform, and/or updating of archaic laws in Trinidad and Tobago. Nothing’s wrong with that; it’s two areas which change is sorely needed to bring us into the 21st century.
On the other hand, I’ve been wondering if making these changes will actually make a difference to the average man? I’ll explain…
The average man in the street is one struggling for daily survival, trying to cope with providing for a family, children, trying to save a little, to own a house, possibly a car, tertiary education for his children and to afford a family vacation abroad at least once in his lifetime… at least, this is my view.
In the battle, he has to contend with:
- criminals wanting his pittance, his savings, his car, jewellery etc.
- red tape at various government departments providing services he needs.
- ‘attitude’ from public servants; and also in the private sector.
- poor health care… with attitude there too.
- high crime rates… and attitude by dunceys too.
- lazy teachers… and attitude there too.
- non-functioning MPs… and yes, attitude there too.
- high corruption, cronyism, nepotism… and attitude from those guilty of same.
- a decrepit judicial system
Now, I can add to the above list, but I merely make these few observation to illustrate my points:
- Attitude toward work/duty needs to be changed.
- Enforcement of current laws is non-existent; due to attitude of dunceys.
How much change will happen, I ask myself, even with constitutional reform and new laws, if the attitude of the people does not change?
I shudder at the answer…