Lord Vader

Admin note: *****Five Star Comment***** 

This photo is not funny at all! This is actually the frightening reality of what Mr.Manning has turned into! It is unfortunate in the political sphere, most voters make their decisions by emotions and not by the issues challenging the country or one's competence. If Trinidadians & Tobagonians voted based on issues, competence, respect and honour for the law  and resources of the land, Mr.Manning and the PNM could never form a government.

Since Mr.Manning inherited his leadership role and not earned it after the massive PNM defeat in 1986, he has commandeered the PNM party, excluded all who posed a challenge or threat to him and have now become a democratically elected dictator, even his last election victory is questionable.

Mr.Manning seem to think that Trinidad & Tobago belongs to him and he alone has a divine right to rule and dictate the people's future and destiny. Well, that might have been ok if the majority of it's citizens were living in peace, security, prosperity and freedom. Off course some do, but certainly not the majority and especially not the ordinary man.

Maybe Mr.Manning has good intentions, but his personal and leadership demeanour does not support this thinking. Mr.Manning should sometimes consider that other individuals or parties may have valid concerns and ideas that are good for the country, a wise leader always listen to others, especially his fellow citizens. PNM does not know everything, something that many of them actually seem to claim.

If Mr.Manning is really serious about his 2020 vision, then he should do what a wise leader should do and also consider a new style of politics, one of consultation, contemplation, building bridges and reaching out to all who have something positive to offer the country, regardless of political affiliations. He should start doing what is in the best interest of all Trinidadians & Tobagonians, maybe he thinks he does, but it is not the reality. This would be something worthy of the "Vision 2020" connotation. Who knows, he may even set an international example.

Trinidad & Tobago is too small for the partisan politics it is engrossed in. Partisan politics will do nothing but destroy the country and it's dynamic potential. The demeaning political battles between the major parties, leaders and influential individuals will lead to nothing constructive for the people of Trinidad & Tobago. Sincere and meaningful dialogue and real consultation is healthy, it will do the country well and it will do the leader that initiates it well.

Trinidad & Tobago is currently experiencing a powerful economic surge due to the historic high energy cost. While building an extravagant sporting complex or luxurious waterfront will bring many benefits to the country, this is and should not be considered progress or development, this is nothing more than the acquisition of things. Progress and development is laying an economic, social, humanitarian and political infrastructure that will assure the country's long term security, freedom and prosperity even without oil. As a Trinidadian paying attention to the country's development and progress, I am not confident that this is being done.

In conclusion, maybe Mr.Manning might be a good man at heart, I trust that he will humble himself and learn from history, both local and international. Arrogance and pride will topple the mightiest. Respect all the people of Trinidad & Tobago, their rights as citizens and the true owners of the country.