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A Journey to the Point Fortin Master Plan
Previous discussions on the way forward for our community presented the idea that our master plan must be built on five pillars, namely; vision, resources, funding, succession planning and risk management. There have been many voices articulating vision for our community and our country, including this writer and so I will not attempt to rehash those ideas here. What then can we say about resources?
There is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein that says, “the significant problems we face today cannot be solved by the same thinking that caused them in the first place” (my own paraphrasing). This therefore introduces the question of how do we match the right resources to realize the vision we have for ourselves? The history of our community and country is littered with situations where “man and moment meet” but “man” is not up to the moment. How then, do we select leaders, social technicians and change agents for our communities and our nation?
A lot of us see virtue in popular elections and charismatic campaigning and such approaches may have helped us in ’56 and ’86 but the fact of the matter is, that the most popular are not usually the most effective. Therefore the question of talent and competence must arise as we seek to take our community forward. This is nothing new; you and I practice the principle of talent and competence in our daily lives all the time. When we have to save our money, we look for a solid institution with a good track record before depositing our money in the bank. In that regard we first define the talent and competence required of our bankers before placing our money in their vaults. Which of us, dying of a heart attack and in need of a doctor would care if the cardiologist is the most popular guy in the world or if “he drinks with the boys”, rather we would want the person who has studied hard and who has honed and practiced his trade a few times over. Again the principle at work here is, I understand the problem, I determine the competence and the talent needed to solve it and then I seek out the person(s) who match that competence to execute the solution.
How then is such a principle translated to our current situation? Our community is poised at this time on the threshold of an industrial expansion involving aluminum, LNG and service industries. We need entrepreneurs, skilled labour, engineers, finance professionals and visionary civic leaders who can bring all these talents together into a harmonized effort at community and nation building. We therefore – having understood the problem – need to define what is required of our leaders (for instance). Do they have the experience in researching and problem solving as evidenced in advanced studies and degrees, have they lead teams of people in the past with the success of integrating a team for results? This is no simple task and the bigger question is who presides over such a selection process to ensure that it works right.
Maybe we can visualize the significance of the task by considering the analogy of a football game. Let us suppose that some aliens landed in Point Fortin and said to us that the whole south western peninsula will be destroyed unless we can beat them in a football match. Additionally they indicate that we can use any players, both past and present to play against them. Clearly the future of our community will not be trusted to a few guys who come to us “cap in hand” and bottle in the next, laughingly asking to play on the team. No! No! No! In such a desperate situation only the best team will be selected, including Dilly, Archie, Carrington, Cave, Furlonge etc. Why? Because their demonstrated talents and competences reveal candidates worthy of consideration.
In our real world situation, however, a group of political neophytes with no credentials in academia or professionalism sits in rooms and screens their best candidates and then fosters those persons on us as credible. Is it any wonder then that our community building efforts are plagued with infantile initiatives like playfields and cultural halls while an industrial explosion lies at our doorsteps?
The time has come for the community to develop a community nominating committee to screen leaders against the competency needs of the community and in a town meeting or such similar forum allow such individuals to present their ideas, positions and plans to the community for scrutiny before we even subject them to democratic elections. More importantly, the revision of the local government system of governance must allow for full time technocrats in our local councils who can ensure continuity of vision and who are competent enough to administer and keep alive the vision of our community. I am confident that Dilly and company -like Michael Jordan in the movie Space Jam - can defeat any alien football team, but the more important question is who will be selected for our community and national leadership to ensure that we defeat the alien forces of poverty, illiteracy, crime, delinquency, unemployment and non-sustainable development?
How then do we create a cadre of young people who are sensitive enough to the issues bombarding our communities and who will dedicate themselves to making a difference right here in our country. At this point it is again worth saying that as popular as anniversary celebrations are and as entertaining as it is to hear “soca” morning, noon and night, such activities will not provide an atmosphere of learning to develop our leaders of tomorrow.
There is need for initiatives on a few fronts. First the schools, where our youth need to know the history of their community and the heights of industrial development achieved here in the past so that newcomers are seen in proper context. They (our youth) need to appreciate the dynamics of the development of our natural resources in a sustainable and environmentally secure model. Their school projects and debated must be centered on the experiences of the community and the issues and challenges faced today, they must have an idea of the skills and competences required in the future, so as to fashion their educational inclinations and aspirations.
Beyond the schools there is a need to woo the appropriate tertiary education institutions to set up shop in Point Fortin. In fact present signs indicating that COSTATT is on the way are heartening but the curriculum development for these organizations must be rooted in the master plan for the communities.
Finally we need our own community newspaper to augment our community radio station so as to allow discussion of the issues and also to facilitate town meetings and dispassionate discussions on the development plans.
There is a key spin-off from such a climate for discussion and learning and that is accountability. It would be very difficult for any leader in the community to adopt an aloof posture in an environment of challenge and debate that forces accountability to the people. It is only when the baby bird is throw into the air will it fly and our community needs to thrown into and atmosphere of debate and learning that allows our young leaders to soar to the heights required for our development.
Funding. To be continued.
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GARBAGE
BOMBERS
I am still trying to comprehend what can motivate anyone to terrorize the emotional stability of an entire nation in the manner now being demonstrated. Two blasts in our capital city within 32 days. What’s the benefit? At least we are not hearing of any demands being made unless it is silently expected to be implied that someone, somewhere knows exactly what’s the purpose of the dump pile activities.
What is the link? This is the question on the minds of many. Is this an introduction of what is to come, or just some kid who has just completed his chemistry exams experimenting in public domain?
Since explosives are used in quarrying and the parallel can be drawn that illegal quarrying will require explosives, some fingers are already pointing in a certain direction; however we must be careful with our assertions. The tension created as a result of such disturbing acts will certainly hurt our attractive image to would be investors. Logically speaking, if someone is doing this in order to create some degree of instability intending to attain power, they should understand that the thought is pure folly. It will sure take much more than these cowardly acts in order to have any measure authoritative change in the making. Even if success is attained, what will remain to govern will be nothing more than a chaotic state.
Acts of this nature are just not who we are. However it seems as if we are playing the “Pareto” game, which suggests that 20% of the people are responsible for 80% of all the ills we face. The murders, violence, kidnappings and all the other ills we experience, “may” be orchestrated by that 20%. The task of the protective services should be to neutralize that element within the shortest possible time.
I find it difficult to understand why in such a small country, this problem has become unmanageable as it is today? With all the talk distributed by the commissioner of police, what is his effective measure of success? My personal credo states “if it cannot be measured, it doesn’t exist”, and similarly, if there is no measure to the commissioner’s success in dealing with crime then likewise IT DOES NOT EXIST. I am convinced that there are thousands of officers out there willing to execute a good job.
On another note, I applaud the introduction of another arm of law enforcement which reports directly to the Minister of National Security. This will create the avenue for high ranking members of the original police force to be investigated undisturbed. In an earlier article I did mention this as a method worth considering.
I can go on with this topic but sometimes I feel like a madman rambling to the wind. I am positive that effective advice is available to those in charge, but it seems like only the nonsensical one makes it into the minds and thought of our leaders.
It is very sad to be witness to such ignorance to intelligence. Nevertheless, I love this place which is where God Almighty decided for me to call home.
HELP NEEDED.
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Soca Music's fight for international recognition.
Why is it that there is so much fuss about Trinidad’s Soca music making it big out there....? Our music is our music. I don't really care if Soca music gets the BET/MTV status most of you crave for. I LOVE SOCA MUSIC THE WAY IT IS RIGHT NOW. The Soca music which seems to be getting some international attention happens to be what I consider as being crossover. E.g. Kevin Lyttle, Rupee, etc.
There is a time and place for that type of music. I love the slower more mellow rhythm. However, I can't come close to ever imagining myself crossing the savannah stage with Kevin Lyttle’s song playing in the background. That will be my worst carnival ever.
Soca is about carnival - Jumping, Waving etc. So why all the fuss? In order for Soca to gain the acceptance talked about, the following elements will have to be altered;
We are a unique people --- look at the fetes, thousand are there enjoying the music. WHY DO WE WANT TO SOUND LIKE SOMEONE ELSE? As everything else, natural progression will take place. Next 20 years the music will not sound the same, but that will be determined by the artistes and how the vibes of our people swing.
Pulsating, energizing and so many ways our music can be described. I clearly see the forthcoming thoughts as us not believing in our own darn music. As a matter of fact, the drive for this so-called international recognition is only an outward reflection of individuals with low self-esteem who finds it difficult to accept who they are.
For Christ’s Sake – BET VH1 & MTV are of American origin. They are designed to promote America and American culture/music.
We all have heard of Rio's carnival but have you ever seen the street parade music of Rio being played on BET or MTV. Simply put --- it’s unique. Still, everyone wants to experience Rio's carnival. Why? Because of how it’s marketed. No other international music has any space in Rio’s Carnival.
Our local Carnival is gaining recognition through “satellite” West Indian street parades in, Toronto (caribana), Brooklyn (Labour Day), Miami, Boston, London (Notting Hill Mas), Washington DC and other similar festivals even throughout the Caribbean. These mini carnivals point towards the “Mecca” which is Trinidad & Tobago Carnival. My fear is that one day we may find the spotlight shining in another direction, that is if we not wake up and do the proper marketing. Anyone noticed the promos for Crop Over Festival this year?
We need to market our country, our people, our music, our culture etc. as a complete package. Let our music and festivals be unique to our islands. What benefit is there if our music gets BET and MTV status? Has the acceptance attained by Reggae music benefited Jamaica in any way apart from the artiste?
Let’s continue to utilize the foreign Medias to promote our country/culture through documentaries/features like what was done on BET and others. Support our own Soca Awards, concentrate on the bigger picture, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO.
We need to make the decision whether we want to be proud of our music first then our country, or our country first then our music. I prefer the latter since it will be more beneficial to us as a people (This topic will not discuss the social ills). Many times we always seem to want something without analyzing the holistic benefit. The time is ripe to focus our energy towards tangible benefits and stop chasing wind.
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WHERE IS POINT FORTIN'S EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION
Disappointed!! This is the only way I can express how I felt on Monday night when I planned to take my kids to the annual Emancipation Night Street Procession in Point Fortin. Driving through the streets was rather strange. The usual crowd was not there, saving for some people asking where is the starting point for the procession? However, there was not to be any starting point. There was no procession.
Now I am pretty sure there is a logical explanation for this, however, at the time, I did not want to hear anything as to why there was no procession. I was terribly hurt. Memories of 1984 flashed across my mind when John Cupid and Lancelot layne, in Point Fortin, pioneered what is now called Emancipation Day in Trinidad.
With what was called the Trintoc Cultural Workshop, we and yes I said we, I also being a member, toiled night and day, traveling throughout the country with our Camboulay Theater, all up the hills of Lopinot to the slave jail on South Quay Port of Spain, creating an island wide awareness of the celebration.
With flambeaus in hand, we danced and chanted throughout the country. The words of our road song remains in my mind up to this day: “Every August first day, is ah freedom day, since 1834, now 1984, 150 years………..” It went on “……and every nation, where there are Africans, there must be ah celebration……….”.
Decked in red dashiki like tops and pants, armed with our Tamboo Bamboos, folks like, Sterlin, Figaro, Jason Constantine, Camille St Louis, Ronald Smart, yes!! Alderman Smart and many others, we created this thing. How can it now be taken away from us?
As I said before, there must be a good reason for what has happened this year. However I deliberately did not contact anyone from the Council’s office before I penned this article. My hurt was so overwhelming that I wanted to air my myopic view before giving my good friend a chance to explain.
Now I will like to pick on Alderman Ronald Smart (my very good friend) to explain the situation since he was part of the development and is also a present Council member.
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Pointalive Feature
Frightening! – This is the thought which came to mind whilst reading separate events where the local Police service has been implicated in criminal activities within recent times. It would have been rumored on several occasions that the police has been involved in some criminal doings; however, there was little proof of such. Within recent times, slowly there is an emergence of evidence to support the once unsubstantial claim.
Two SRP Police held for kidnapping (story), a gun belonging to the Police being used in a robbery/murder (story) and last year, a police constable held with cocaine (story). Aren’t these happenings telling us that something is fundamentally wrong? The words penned in one of ‘King Austin’s” Calypso is so relevant today: - “Who are to guard the guards?”
It is high time that those in authority come to realize that our current system has failed. We the citizens are fed up with all the “gun talk” both literal and those rambled by the Commissioners of Police and Prison, together with those “hot air” talking politicians, all who seem not to have a single clue as to what is needed to create a positive impact.
At this moment, no one is quite sure how high up within the ranks of the police service does the corruption exist. Regardless of how many separate “squads” there are within the service, the reporting line culminates with the Commissioner of Police which is the head of one body. Now lets suppose that incompetence or corruption has infiltrated the head, how can we effectively deal with the situation at hand? I must be quick to point out that this is not my suggestion, but the thought trend leads to my next point. Why can’t we have a parallel but totally separate service with legitimate investigative powers which can even investigate senior Police Officers without any hindrances?
Attaining power seems to be the only real/attainable goal for our politicians; beyond which it simply appears to be pure fun and games. There are so many strategic plans which evolve for any elections held in Trinidad & Tobago; however, we cannot even identify a single realistic plan to deal with the crime situation. We will boast about our intention to construct a sporting facility for $850M, but we cannot get past CEPEPP as a form of sustainable employment.
What studies are being conducted to find what inadequacies exist within our justice system? Serious cases sometimes take more than three (3) years before they are heard in the High Court. How can this waiting time be reduced? Are sentences appropriate for the acts committed? Is it necessary to jail a person who was caught with one “joint” of “weed”? Why does the system jail fathers who cannot pay their “child maintenance” because they are unemployed? Wouldn’t it be better to offer them employment in projects like the same CEPEPP and let payments be automatically deducted from their salary? If they refuse the employment, then apply more harsh penalties. My reasoning tells me that there is no good sending an unemployed person to jail for ‘maintenance” payments. This practice accommodates the development of a criminal --- when he is in jail, where will he earn money to make his next payment? Think it through.
In an earlier article, captioned, “we are in crisis”, I spoke about the police’s attitude towards their work. One year later I cannot say that any improvements were made since then. Things seem to have gotten worse. Last week, it was reported that a police informant was killed after his name was leaked to the media --- by whom? Make your guess.
But, is the Police Service equipped to perform its functions? What new technologies are being implemented in the fight against crime? All we hear is talk and just more talk - and whilst we listen, the murder and kidnapping rates keep climbing.
Where’s the Police presence on the roadways as it used to be in times past? I now can drive throughout Trinidad & Tobago without being in possession of my driver’s license. This is because roadblocks are few and whenever they do occur, there is a long traffic pile up for about 2 miles before the actual search point and everybody knows that there is police activity ahead. Earlier this year, I remained approximately 2 hours in a road block. So hear what; since the show is on, is either the gun toting criminal gets rid of his weapon or he simply turns around. How effective is this method? Every driver in Trinidad knows that there is never any road-block between 5-8 am 12-3 pm and 5-8 pm even the bandits know this. Haven’t we learnt from “Operation Anaconda” that it is silly to announce to the public where and when your next attack will be.
We need to be more serious and decisive in our actions; stop the “pussy footing” with serious matters. This is probably the only country where you can drive past a Police Highway Patrol vehicle about twice the speed of the posted limit and nothing is done.
Let us objectively and scientifically analyze our local situation. Take a look at the music being allowed to be played on radio which influences certain behavior. How can we allow a song which promotes illegal activities to be aired? E.g. Marlon Asher’s “Ganja Farmer”. Whilst some words are omitted from the radio version, every child knows how to fill in the blanks. It may be argued that it’s not radio which made Mr. Asher’s song popular, but everyone knows that with piracy in full effect, the Ganja anthem will make little or no money from CD sales. Then why allow the song to receive royalties from radio stations so that he can record another? --- Let his efforts be in vain, he may then consider singing uplifting music.
If you find this article to be wavering and not “pointed”, it is because I am totally confused as to why a country as wealthy as ours, with just over 1 million residents is having issues which can be associated with sheer ignorance especially when I am sure that there are brilliant minds within.
Right here on Pointalive, I have read features which deals with practical holistic development. Writers like Fitzroy Harewood, Alejandra George, Raymond Murray, Alana Jones and many others who make their contribution via other means, seem to be more in touch with reality than our current decision makers.
I hope it’s not too late when we are ready to wake up and smell the “Pot of Pee”. How long again will it take before we flush the troubled communities?
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INTERVIEW WITH DR. SYLVAN LYNDON PIERRE (MBBS, MRCOG)
Dr. Sylvan Lyndon Pierre - Senior Specialist Medical Officer at Area Hospital, Point Fortin is the driving force behind Clinical Management and is passionate about getting the job done. He was recently awarded for Community Service in the Field of Medicine during the 25th Anniversary celebrations, of the Point Fortin Borough Corporation. Sylvan wears several caps, from Doctor to Chairman –Cochrane Village Improvement Council to Board member- Point Fortin Senior Secondary School, to husband and father.
Q. Tell me about yourself? A. He smiled, gave the question some thought, then replied “Well, I am the last of ten children, born to Joseph and Edna Pierre (now deceased) of Cochrane Village, Guapo. I can be described as quiet, an avid sports enthusiast, and someone who enjoys nature and more so, relaxation.
Q. Which schools did you attend? A. I attended the Guapo Primary School and passed common entrance for Point Fortin College where after pursuing Advanced Levels, obtained a National Scholarship to pursue Medicine at the University of the West Indies- Mona, Jamaica. I was elated to receive this scholarship because I was the second person after Dr. Gloria Thomas- Emeagwali in the history of Point Fortin College to receive such an auspicious award.
Q. Why did you choose Gynaecology? A. Firstly, I wanted to be in the surgical field, and being exposed to several areas during internship, Gynaecology was selected for my specialist training, which was pursued in England.
Q. What has been your impact in the field thus far? A. I hope that I have been able to make a significant impact in the community, but you need to speak to the women I have treated.
Q. What’s your feeling on being awarded? A. I was not expecting it, nor felt deserving of it, but was truly honored to be recognized for my contribution in the community.
Q. How do you view the position of SSMO? A. To begin with, it’s an honor to fill the position in my hometown but it is quite a learning experience. I strive to improve my performance every day. I enjoy the challenges and indulge in the rewards. My aspiration is for an improved Institution with better-trained personnel, advanced equipment and of course superior service. I know that this is no easy task and would not take place overnight, but I have the faith and confidence that this will become a reality soon.
Q. What about autonomy and respect for Area Hospital, Point Fortin? A. Well it is not where it should be, but in time this will improve, as we continue with excellence in service. It is important to mention that before I filled the position, surgeries were not performed after the normal public service workday, however the staff supports me one hundred percent in this venture even at a moment’s notice.
Q. How do you balance a 24 hour on–call job and still manage your family life? A. My family life is suffering. I would love to spend more time with my kids, and take my beautiful wife out more often. When there is some free time I do my best, and love to engage in sports and a good card game.
Q. If given a second chance, what would be your dream profession? A. Given a second chance my dream profession would be an International Superstar Singer or a Professional Footballer. However I have no regrets about the path I have chosen and will advise any young person who chooses to pursue Medicine that he/she needs to be professional, focused and dedicated. Medicine should not be pursued for prestige or financial gain, and above all, treat people like family.
Conclusion I would like to say a special ‘Thank You’ to Dr. Sylvan Pierre for giving us some insight into his professional and personal life. He is a man of substance, truly grounded with a firm belief in God. He is, without a doubt, deserving of all the recognition and respect he is acquiring.
Interview conducted by Candice Clarke, Executive Secretary, Area Hospital, Point Fortin. Graduate of Vessigny Government Secondary, San Fernando Technical Institute, School of Accounting and Management (currently pursing BA (Hons) Human Resource Management. |
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Alejandra George speaks about a form identity crisis existing amongst Trinidadians residing abroad. Though I work on Sundays, when I can; I try to prepare a Trini Sunday lunch with the stewed chicken, macaroni pie, calalloo with dasheen bush when I can get it, or creamed spinach when I cannot. Potato salad, fresh salad and of course a mug of mauby is a must! I read the Trinidad Guardian & Express online and tune in to the TV6 news via the internet too, because like the old people say, "When yuh have cocoa in de sun, yuh have to look out fuh rain". The latest calypsos, I have them on cd’s and most I can sing word for word. I still call "Fass' people" maccos, and when I call my Goddaughter I let her know that "This is yuh nenny speaking". Despite living in the US for several years, I proudly remain a "Trini to d bone" according to David Rudder. It may seem absurd to some to read me make such a comment. Curious minds might wonder what co-relation living in the United States and me considering myself a true Trini has. To the unknowing I’ll explain, and to the knowledgeable I’ll reiterate.
To my dismay and disgust; I encounter Trinbagoians that seem to believe the further away they distance themselves from their country, heritage and accent the more "cultured and intelligent" they are, especially when or rather IF, they return home (T&T) for vacations. On the occasion that the madness just seem too much to digest in silence, I query about the change in speech and I am often told that the person has "learnt better" and was "improving" themselves. Now don’t get me wrong, I applaud, encourage and respect anyone who has or is trying to improve themself and prefer to speak “proper English” as opposed to colloquial, dialect, or slang. However if improving oneself is the objective in dropping “bad English that we speak as grassroots Trinbagoians”, Hello!!, saying “where you at” or ""Yow, Son word is bond" is not proper English!!! What has me perturbed and often times makes me roll my eyes and steuuups, is the change of accent. These wannabe foreigners after a few years, month or even weeks of being in the US, Australia (wherever they can adapt an accent) or Europe, miraculously lose the trini accent that they had all their lives. Suddenly mangoes are pronounced men-goes and “Wah happening?”turns into "what’s up men?" If anyone was to call a BWIA office to book a flight, the representative answering the telephone would be speaking proper English, with the distinctive trini accent that is ever so sweet sounding. Tune in to any T&T television or radio station and again you will hear the melodious and unique trini accent that sets us apart internationally.
I recently returned from a three week visit from Trinidad for the Point Fortin Borough Day Celebrations and upon my return some of my American-born and bred co-workers remarked that they were having trouble understanding what I was saying. When I questioned them on which part of my speech they were having trouble understanding, I realized that the problem was not in my accent but in the way I was speaking. Having been at home surrounded by our unique style of phrasing words upon my return to the U.S. I continued speaking as such. After a few minutes of speaking to my co-workers I discovered that the parable laden, and fast pace at which I was speaking was where the miscommunication occurred, once I slowed down and spoke in plain English my co-workers had no trouble understanding me. My accent proved to be no barrier in the transmission of information just like it was not a problem before I left for my trip. So the argument given by some persons that I have discussed this topic with simply does not hold water of our accent being a hindrance in communicating with persons outside of our culture.
Another argument for the intentional change in accent that I have heard and disregard is that persons who have gone on to further their education outside of Trinidad and Tobago had to adapt “speaking better” to be understood and thereafter had to maintain their new acquired accents to be able to “move up” in corporate America. As I have said before, speaking better has nothing to do with loosing or adapting accents. It has been my observation that more persons who have not furthered their education are the ones who “choose” to change their accents as opposed to the college graduates. As a graduate school educated friend of mine who also happens to still sound very much trini likes to say, “Education is a tool to help you get a good job and open your mind to the world and not excuse to lose you identity", so even those who use education as an excuse to relinquish their trini accent all I have to say is “doh be dotish”.
As for myself, education has taught me to embrace and appreciate who I am and the culture which has helped to mold me into the person that I am. It has also taught me that there is a time and place for everything. So I am aware of the times when it is appropriate to say, “May I have a roti, please?” or “Gimme ah roti, nah”, but no matter how I say it WITH my Trini accent, I proudly remain and sound like a TRINI. |
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A Journey to the Point Fortin Master Plan. Fitzroy Harewood takes a holistic look at community development in keeping with the national vision. There is an unmistakable and constant bemoaning that characterises our community and other communities like ours, which basically says that the gains from the monetisation of the natural resources in our geographic areas seem to bypass us as a community and eventually are used to the benefit of others rather than our selves. In fact the recent laments about profitable KFC outlets and lucrative LNG contracts are not new but rather constitute a continuation of the cries so eloquently made by the early labour leaders like Bulter, Renzi and Rojas et al. Those of us who are old enough would recall the days of the OWTU shop steward sessions which were virtual macro-economic workshops and which engaged the population into real discussion on commanding heights of our economy and redistribution of a nation’s wealth to a nation’s people.
Yet “the truth be told” the historical development of our communities was as a consequence of the discovery of natural resources in the particular area and in this regard we can refer to our development as accidental. In other words the development of Point Fortin over the years was linked to the British and the Dutch who sought to minimize the “culture shock” experienced by their expatriate workers assigned to drill or refine the oil found in this area. The same is true of Mayaro, Forest Reserve and even Penal and Pointe-a-Pierre. In other words it was in its own interest for Shell to establish a hospital; sporting facilities and an aristocratic suburb as Clifton Hill in Point Fortin since the assigned foreign worker(s) was less likely to be homesick and therefore remained comfortably in this strange but beautiful land while working hard. This rather broad (and some might argue simplistic) overview of our national and community development is deliberate since it stands in stark contrast to the lack of discernible infrastructural development initiated by us as Trinidadians and leaders of Point Fortin in particular.
Against this background then is the question of what developmental model is best suited to take us forward given the present set of circumstances and the current awareness of communities that have grown intolerant of tokenism and seeks real development. It must be that any acceptable model must of necessity be non-reliant on the “generosity” of any large company or corporation currently operating in our community. In fact the dignity of our people and the obligation of this generation to the generations of the past must refuse such capricious handouts and begin a focus of deliberate action. There are good indications in the past and present national history to encourage us along this path. Who can forget the green and white planning papers of the seventies during the first oil boom and the deliberate action of the Williams government to build schools, hospitals and highways? In fact only this month Professor Julien was reminding us of the very deliberate action of the government in the development of our energy industry and our gas economy in particular. Moreover, our current attempts at Vision 2020 – never mind the cynics and detractors – is a welcome return to that kind of organized, self-determinant strategic development.
If this is translated to the community level, then an acceptable model of development must revolve around the following premises/principles:
These five pillars – if you will – should be the foundation on which we can develop and build our communities for the future. However, these pillars must be “plastered” with the “cement” of integrity and professional conduct in public life and the affairs of the people on behalf of the people, in order to achieve sustainability.
A closer look at these five pillars will reveal the following -:
Vision.
Previous Point Fortin writers (for example R.T. Murray) have very clearly articulated the view that Point Fortin needs its own vision document aligned to the national Vision 2020 documents. There is no getting away from this. A comprehensive document that clearly states for example what industries are best suited for the community should be developed and ratified by the community. Obviously plans by UdeCott, the Energy Ministry and ALNG already exist but these need to be integrated under the umbrella of a Point Fortin Master Plan. The guardians of this master plan must be the representative body of the people that has legitimacy in the eyes of the community. Too many unattached voices in our community today are voicing good ideas and plans that further reinforce the need for a common document.
There can be many methods to developing this vision document but whatever the chosen path; there are some specific initiatives that must be part of the process. These include very technical discussions on our geology, our coastal erosion rates, quantitative risk assessments, our transportation routes, return on capital, market sustainability, and acceptable environmental standards to name a few. These discussions must then allow the community to be clear on what are the real possibilities for the future industries and attendant service requirements. There should then be a real discussion on the role of government versus the role of the private entrepreneur or established companies. Further discussion must also focus on quality of life issues such as what role we see for sports, recreation and artistic expression and how do we develop these aspects in relation to the industrial development activities?
This may sound like a lot but then only God can create a world in a six days and then rest, mankind needs a lot more detailed and deliberate effort. Resources. To be continued.
Fitzroy Harewood.
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Well
it seems as if we have struck another first. For some reason, we may
soon be classified as a nation of garbage bombers. That is if what
now appears to be an idiotic trend of rubbish heap bombing
continues. 
On
May 19th 2005, I interviewed Dr. Pierre on his managerial
position and life in general.