Independent but still mentally dependent

Trinidad and Tobago should have been in a better position after 64 years of independence, but the country has been held back by corruption, mismanagement, a colonial mindset and governance that does not put citizens first, the writer argues.

The commentary says the appearance of modern high-rise buildings in Port of Spain can obscure what happens inside them. The writer accuses officials of pursuing self-interest rather than the public good, describing a culture in which personal gain takes priority. It also points to longstanding reports of government officials maintaining homes abroad, luxury vehicles and bank accounts that do not match their official salaries.

Meanwhile, poorer residents in Laventille, Debe and other communities continue to face poor infrastructure, flooding, neglect, weak representation and a lack of jobs. The writer says both major political parties must accept responsibility for the country’s current financial position after the government received billions of dollars in oil revenue.

The proposed remedy begins with a change in national mentality. The commentary calls for a reassessment of the country’s fixation on race, its approach to management and the willingness of every public servant, from clerks to ministers, to serve the country properly.

Barbados is presented as an example. Because the island recognises its financial dependence on tourism, the writer says, the entire country adopts a service-oriented role toward visitors. Its leadership is also described as evidence that a society’s mindset can influence the quality of its governance.

The writer remains confident that Trinidad and Tobago has the resources and ability to move forward. But the country must first free itself from what the commentary calls the mental slavery that continues to hold it back.