New Leaders – the only way forward

For the past 14 years, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Dr. Keith Rowley have led us, but they haven’t been able to stop the rise in gun violence, crime, or the decline in our country. Their time in power has been marked by a lack of clear direction and failure to bring positive changes, leaving us with increasing violence and economic problems.

Looking back, there’s not much progress to celebrate. Instead, it’s alarming that around 6,000 people have been murdered over these 14 years, making our country one of the most dangerous in the world. With an average of 500 murders each year, many of us, both young and old, are wondering if we should stay here.

This reminds me of what calypsonian Luta (Morel Peters) sang in 1987: ‘If Trinidad ever needed you, is now.’ His song spoke about the issues of that time-lack of discipline, political corruption, and social decay.

The song’s chorus still rings true: ‘If Trinidad ever needed you, it’s now, it’s now Because our society is falling apart, falling apart There’s no discipline, respect, or love What I see is a failure to communicate If Trinidad ever needed you, it’s now, it’s now.’

Our nation has been stuck at those crossroads since before those lyrics were written-and we’re still standing there, so we urgently need change.

Members of the UNC have a chance to start this change by voting differently this weekend. They can choose new leaders and bring in fresh faces. If Rushton Paray and his brave team succeed, it could change how we approach the national elections in 2025. We could get a leadership team willing to take risks, focus on building the nation, and care for our people’s well-being.

The UNC’s internal election could mark the beginning of our country’s transformation as we gear up for the 2025 general election. Change won’t happen overnight, but we need leaders who believe in working together and are ready to make personal sacrifices for the common good.

If we select new and different leaders in 2025, together we can build a brighter future and restore our nation’s promise of safety, prosperity, and opportunities for all.