Political Leader's Speech at Launch

Oct 29, 2005

Once upon a time there was a twin Island State, called Trinidad and Tobago, and it used to be the most glorious place on earth. Many blessings were bestowed upon this Caribbean nation….

Beautiful beaches, breath-taking ranges, streams, hills and waterfalls. An abundance of natural resources that would bring untold wealth and prosperity.

A people that are extremely sociable, hardworking, intelligent, humorous and high-achieving, known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace.

A nation of great party-planners and costume-makers, inhabited by the most beautiful women in the world, representing mixtures from every possible ethnic group created.

Creators of melodious, rhythmic music called calypso, a musical instrument called the steel pan, the sweet infectious sound of tassa, and hosts of the greatest extravaganza in the world, called Carnival”.

A safe, fun and unique society where people lived happily, harmoniously, freely and safely.

Members of the diplomatic corp, specially invited guests, supporters, curious onlookers, members of the media and my dear friends we are here this evening because we are losing our grip on this blessed place we all call home.

Our nation, have been blessed with every tool necessary to create paradise; however, together with the complicity of irresponsible Parliamentarians, Religious and Community Leaders we …. all of us …. have almost totally ruined it.

We live in fear for our lives, the safety of our children and the future of our blessed country as malaise grips every facet of our existence.

Trinidad and Tobago today is a nation of nations. We are divided in every respect. We are divided politically, ethnically, geographically, religiously, economically, academically and socially. Some of us are even divided regarding the issues on which we are divided.

Because we do not get along the strong take whatever they can get their hands on, the weak get nothing and those in between settle for what is left.

Because we are divided, we are exploited by an even smaller class of people called the Cabinet at the expense of ourselves and the well being of our loved ones.

Eric Williams, on the eve of our Independence said…...
“Together, the various groups in Trinidad and Tobago have suffered, together they have aspired, together they have achieved. Only together can they succeed. And only together can they build a society, can they build a nation, can they build a homeland. There can be no Mother India, for those whose ancestors came from India there can be no Mother Africa, for those of African origin, and the Trinidad and Tobago society is living a lie and heading for trouble if it seeks to create the impression, or to allow others to act under the delusion, that Trinidad and Tobago is an African society. There can be no Mother England and no dual loyalties. There can be no Mother China, even if one could agree as to which China is the Mother; and there can be no Mother Syria and no Mother Lebanon. A nation, like an individual, can have only one Mother. The only Mother we recognize is Mother Trinidad and Tobago, and Mother cannot discriminate between her children.”
– that quote is still relevant today.
In recent times it seems to be socially and politically acceptable to denigrate other religious and ethnic groups in the society. This behaviour is intolerable.

There is widespread hypocrisy in our homes, in our churches, mosques, temples, clubs, schools and radios. And this leads to widespread resentment and contributes significantly to the divide.

The interesting thing is that this behaviour is abhorrent to any and every God we worship in this nation of overflowing moral and spiritual values.

The time has come for us to be citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and to build this nation of nations into one nation and to understand that 1.088 million people working together building a nation is far more productive and enjoyable than 1.088 million people pulling and tugging against each other.

In addition to the tension felt from being pulled apart, citizen’s of Trinidad and Tobago have become timid and lacking in self-confidence.
We have become afraid to speak out and to stand up for what is right and decent.

This is because our democracy has been eroded.

Democracy, is governance for the majority. In all our 43 years of Independence we have not had a government that has governed for the welfare of the majority. Neither have we ever experienced a cabinet that was made up of individuals who could openly share their views and expertise to arrive at consensus on issues central to the development of the majority of our people and our nation as a whole.

We are living a fantasy that we enjoy a democratic way of life BUT my friends our democracy is a sham, a fraud, a hoax.

There is no genuine freedom of expression. People are afraid to speak out even as their quality of life erodes around them because they are afraid of victimization. They are afraid that their businesses will lose contracts, that they will be targeted by thugs or that they will no longer be entitled to social service benefits.

These fears are not unfounded, and are a manifestation of our sham democracy.

In fact many people who would like to be in the front line today are hesitant because they fear reprisals.

Trinidad and Tobago has from July 31st 1498 when Christopher Columbus landed here, been ruled by sectional interest. First the Spaniards, then the British and since Independence 43 years ago, everyone else but, the majority of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
That’s why today a mere 3% of the population control nearly 95% of the country’s wealth and foreigners are the greatest beneficiaries of our inheritance.

Imagine that in a country which now boasts of annual expenditure to the tune of $40 billion dollars there could still exists a population where 30% live below the poverty line.

The nation has spoken out about the construction of an $850 million tsunami shelter and many other wasteful and senseless projects but the government has told us to go to hell.

Is that democracy?

It clearly cannot be.

Most of you here today might have felt compelled to march against crime in the hope that the government would take notice and take action – but they have ignored us all. Even the President of the Republic, the Head of State …… feels powerless.

Is that democracy?

It clearly cannot be.

The Movement for National Development is committed to democracy and that’s why we support the reformation of the electoral system, the decentralization of all government services, the devolution of more power to local government ……… putting power in the hands of the communities and, in the hands of the citizens.

Over-centralisation of government and lack of accountability is a problem in governments of both the PNM and UNC. The MND is committed to the democratic renewal of our country through decentralisation and the elimination of excessive government secrecy. The people should know how and on whom or what their resources are being spent and we are committed to making that happen.

We will amend the constitution to move from the first past the post electoral system to one of proportional representation for the election of the Upper House of Parliament thus making every vote of equal importance and strengthening our democracy.

We will decentralize all areas of central government to bring services closer to communities and devolve more power to local government thus strengthening local government in an effort to reduce the inequity in the provision of services.

As we decentralize and devolve power, Tobago will come into sharp focus.

For too long Tobagonians have been made to feel like the step child in the Trinidad and Tobago relationship.

The MND believes that Tobago should be an equal partner in the relationship and everything should be done to ensure that Tobagonians enjoy the same standard of living as Trinidadians at the same level of cost.

The cost of living in Tobago is at least twenty percent higher than in Trinidad because of transportation and other costs and because all goods destined for Tobago are forced to go through Trinidad.

Now the government has seen it fit to allow and support a further price increase in air and sea transportation making it even more difficult for Tobagonians.

This is a situation that is untenable.

In an MND government Tobago will become self sufficient inclusive of direct transport links to the outside world.

Not only will we strengthen the bridge between Trinidad and Tobago but we will strengthen the bridge between Tobago and the rest of the world whilst protecting the interest of the Tobagonian.

As another part of our democratic strengthening process we are committed to having our representatives selected by ordinary party members, not small committees or pressure groups. Thus encouraging people participation in every aspect of the political process.

In addition, the Movement for National Development is committed to reform the length of time a Prime Minister could serve. A Prime Minister has little to offer a country after two terms and so we are committed to a two term limit for Prime Ministers.

Proportional representation, devolution of power, people participation and term limits ……. all to strengthen our democracy.

My friends, we have called you here today to witness and be part of the launch of not just a new political party but the birth of a vehicle through which we will put our nation back on track to achieve the goals we individually and collectively deserve.

It is now clear to us that the majority of citizens of this country, regardless of class, ethnicity or religious persuasion, all thirst for a government that will enable us to be provided with the levels of service we desire and most importantly are entitled to.

The population has woken up to the fact that neither the PNM nor the UNC can deliver this ideal. What is needed to achieve this ideal is new leaders with fresh ideas and a changed philosophy.

This is a fact even recognised by former President Sir Ellis Clarke.

But my friends, just as “Power without Principle is Barren. Principle without Power is Futile”.

As such we are committed to building a vehicle that will drive our philosophy and our principles into the corridors of power where change can be effected for the betterment of this nation as a whole.

The Movement for National Development is based on a philosophy of Social Democracy not ethnicity nor religion: First, freedom that includes not only individual liberties, but also freedom from discrimination and freedom from dependence on either the owners of industry or the holders of abusive political power, as well as the ability to determine one's own fate. Second, equality and social justice, not only before the law but also economic and socio-cultural equality as well, and equal opportunities for all including those with physical, mental, or social disabilities. Finally, solidarity - unity and a sense of compassion for the victims of injustice and inequality.

We want a T&T that is one nation, with shared values and purpose, where merit comes before privilege and political patronage, a nation that is run for the many not the few, that will be strong and sure of itself both at home and abroad.
The purpose of the Movement for National Development or MND is to give Trinidad and Tobago a different political choice: So you the citizenry can choose a failed PNM government, exhausted and divided in everything other than its desire to cling on to power, or the UNC that dazzled for a time and now is doomed to political oblivion as a result of their amazing proclivity for self destruction or the MND that is visionary, full of ideas and energy….a party that can restore hope for a better and brighter future.

The MND is the political arm of the Trinidad and Tobago people as a whole – so when people ask who is our base, we simply say that our base is made up of all right thinking people in Trinidad and Tobago.
The MND believes in a society where we do not simply pursue our own individual aims but where we hold many aims in common and work together to achieve them. How we build the industry and employment opportunities of the future; how we tackle the division and inequality in our society; how we care for and enhance our environment and quality of life; how we develop modern education and health services; how we create communities that are safe, where mutual respect and tolerance are the order of the day.

These are things we must achieve together as one nation and these are the things we will not achieve as a nation of nations.

In industrial relations, there will be basic minimum rights for the individual at the workplace, where our aim is partnership not conflict between employers and employees. Employers would appreciate that the added value and synergies of this partnership would only lead to greater levels of productivity.
We make a commitment to enterprise alongside the commitment to justice. We believe that no country can develop and sustain without enterprise and industry, we are committed to facilitating strong industry but not at the expense of the worker.

Similarly, we will put our relations with the trade unions on a modern footing where they can be sure that they will get fairness but no favours from an MND government. Organizational health and safety will be a priority in an MND government but government policies must never be too onerous as to prevent small businesses from entering the economy of Trinidad and Tobago.

In economic management, we accept the global economy as a reality and when actions work in our favour we must put aside to sustain us for when forces work against our best interest.

Trinidad and Tobago has the opportunity to leverage its competitive advantages to become a recognised world player in International Trade.

It is certainly not about spending out the economic advantages of oil and gas now; the old adage of putting aside for a rainy day is more relevant today than ever before.

Trade agreements which can easily be the new form of colonialism are being negotiated apace that will seal our fate for the next generation in minister’s offices without the input parliament, and we need to quickly set in motion the required negotiating infrastructure whilst we have the money, to be among that world leaders.

A balanced budget with fifteen percent of revenues going to investment in capital resources is not necessarily going to lead to advances in competitive index. In fact several reports have shown declines in TT’s Competitive index.

One only has to look at the status of the Singaporean economy and model to benchmark where we should be.

In health policy, we will safeguard the basic principles of the RHAs but will encourage greater levels of decentralization bringing 24 hr. A&E care closer to communities. We will make the system more efficient by rooting out unnecessary administrative cost and corruption, and spend money on the right things such as frontline patient care.

We will work towards bringing our healthcare professionals back home and encourage those in the system not to leave it. An MND government will put our citizens first.

At present, we run our doctors and nurses out of Trinidad and Tobago so that they could be replaced by Cubans and Philippinos. Whilst we have no problem with citizens of Cuba or the Philippines, the short sighted approach adopted by this government destabilizes our health sector and most certainly does not allow for sustained development.

No nation can build a health service based on temporary, imported labour.

On crime, we believe in personal responsibility and in punishing crime, but also tackling its underlying causes - so, tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime, different from the PNM policy of today of embracing and dining with the agents of crime.

We have no intention of surrendering our nation to thugs and vagabonds. This country is way too precious for that!

We are adamant that citizens should not have to live in constant fear or be forced to migrate or split up their families.

Many of the business organisations around Trinidad and Tobago are reporting migration of their membership. You may be startled to find that Trinidad and Tobago’s population is now reported to be 1.088 million NOT 1.3 million as is commonly stated.

Our population growth is reported to be -0.74% which means we are a dying nation.

This is a direct result of the fact that in this country today, drug trafficking, violent assaults, burglaries, kidnapping, murders and rapes are all at all time high levels.

National security will be our number one priority. National security for all citizens. There can be no room for excuses such as collateral damage or gang warfare. The anguish that a mother goes through at the death of her son is the same whether she is worth $100 million or just $100.

The horror of kidnapping can never be overstated neither can rape be trivialized as a statistic.

The members of the MND understand that each victim is a human being and that 1 murder, 1 kidnapping, 1 rape is 1 murder, 1 kidnapping and 1 rape too many.

We will reduce crime by having the will to tackle the causes of crime, speeding up the administration of justice and strengthening our gun laws.

The MND will introduce the necessary legislation to use DNA technology as a key component of investigations and crime fighting, we will install CCTVs to monitor all our highways and towns. We will restructure the penal system so that prisons become places of rehabilitation and learning rather than manufacturers of criminals or agents of the spread of deadly diseases. We will introduce sentencing guidelines so that the administration of justice will not be arbitrary. We will clean up the police service removing the corrupt elements and rewarding the committed officers.

We will introduce a policy to deal with criminal deportees that have been forced upon our society.

We will do whatever is necessary to remove illegal guns from our streets.

We will strengthen our coast guard to monitor our shores and coast lines to reduce the flow of drugs through our boarders.

We support in principle getting the assistance and forming partnerships with foreign law enforcement agencies. But more than that, we are committed to building our own law enforcement team that will be second to none in any other part of the world.

We have to get out of the syndrome of always looking for help from big brothers, we must shed the image of the hapless former colony and learn to stand on our own two feet. We are after-all an independent nation – and a wealthy one at that and we must foster the national pride that goes with that.

People follow the example of their leaders. The level of corruption that now sweeps through this nation, to the benefit of a few nationals and many foreign companies, is detrimental to the future of our nation, but the leaders have set the example.

Almost every cabinet minister in this regime is a developer or businessman. The conflicts of interest are enormous, where there may not be illegality there most certainly is immorality.

In addition, at present there are approx. five government ministers before the integrity commission but we have no idea of the progress.

There is a constant ebb and flow of corruption and cover-up.

The international image of Trinidad and Tobago is constantly being undermined. The latest transparency international figures show a constant pattern of Trinidad and Tobago becoming more corrupt daily.

This government is the single most corrupt government in the history of Trinidad and Tobago especially when you consider the increases in the size of budgets and the returns of the Revenue Stabilisation Fund which does not seem to have a governance structure.

We are committed to never enter into partnership with criminal elements so we will not have to reward, protect or facilitate them.

This is a party for law abiding citizens. There will be no safe haven for drug barons here!!!

This government as with previous ones, has ignored agriculture choosing to focus all attention on the lucrative energy sector.

The MND understands that any truly independent nation should never be dependent on the outside world to feed itself.

Neglecting the farming communities as well as the agricultural industry as a whole is pure folly for any nation. But we are not just any nation ……….

We have some of the most fertile land in the region.

Sir Ralph Abercrombie in his descriptive account of Trinidad dated 1797 quotes a Spanish Author by the name of Alcedo described Trinidad in his Dictionary of the West Indies and America “with rapture of its fertility, its numerous and various productions, such as excellent Grapes, an innumerable quantity of Oranges of the most exquisite flavour, Citrons, Lemons etc. The Discoverers comparing Trinidad with the other Islands distinguished it by the name of The Paradise.

Even today our cocoa is used to make the world’s most exclusive and expensive chocolates in as far away as Switzerland.

We will develop a sustainable agriculture policy using the technology of the Agriculture department of the U.W.I. and our proposed National Research Institute to make Trinidad and Tobago self sufficient in food and make our farmers well off citizens.

There will therefore be a co-ordinated approach to land management for Trinidad and Tobago which bridges the requirements for housing and food - we will cover our basic needs; naturally.

Sport and physical activity are necessary for the health and well being of a nation and can be the source of pride and nationalism.

The MND’s sport policy will not be to spend all the money on one facility but to upgrade and develop sporting facilities throughout the nation to encourage widespread involvement in sport.

A great deal of emphasis will be paid to sport in schools and communities.

We will support outstanding talents to ensure that they are able to realise their fullest potential.

We will make Trinidad and Tobago the Caribbean’s techno-giant. As part of our new tax regime, all energy companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago will be required to contribute to the new National Research Institute for the research and development of alternative energy sources, agriculture techniques and medicinal drugs.

The MND will create a new industry of research and development for wealth creation as well as sustainable growth and development.

As part of our overall plan for poverty reduction, the MND will revisit the whole idea of VAT that discriminates against the poor in our society.

We will introduce support systems for the family such as introducing the concept of child minders. This concept will allow unemployed mothers and grandmothers to look after children and be subsidised by the State thus allowing single parent mothers to get back into work.
We will provide stable economic growth with low inflation, and promote dynamic and competitive business and industry. We will restructure our tax laws to ensure that we maximize revenues from oil and gas to the benefit of all citizens and we will introduce a national savings plan to ensure future prosperity for all citizens.

We will put concern for the environment at the heart of policy-making, so that it is not an add-on extra, but informs the whole of government, from housing and energy policy through to global warming and international agreements.

We will safeguard our environment, and develop an integrated transport policy to fight congestion and pollution. The transport policy will work hand in hand with our plan for decentralization and rural development which will make it un-necessary for the majority of people to converge on the capital city daily.

We are committed to youth involvement at the highest levels of government in both the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament and in the Cabinet.

In addition we will set up and facilitate youth parliaments in every constituency to encourage participation and feedback from all young people in our society.

We will tackle issues affecting our youth head on to ensure a brighter future for our nation.

We will stand up for Trinidad and Tobago’s interests in the Caribbean. If we are to deal with our Caribbean neighbours and lend them support they must show us respect and recognise our currency and our strength. We will lead a campaign for reform in the Caribbean. CARICOM isn't working as well as it should in the way this country and the Caribbean need.

But to lead means to be involved, to be constructive, to be capable of seeking our best interest in all things. We therefore cannot say one thing and mean another. And it may well mean that we may have to revisit our CARICOM commitments and where they are not working, make the necessary adjustments ensure that they work effectively going forward.
We will tirelessly explore new ways and new ideas to tackle the challenging issues: how to encourage more flexible working hours and practices to suit employees and employers alike; how to harness the huge potential of the new information technology; how to simplify the processes of the government machine; how to put public and private sector together in partnership to give us the infrastructure and transport system we need.
The MND will modernise Trinidad and Tobago. This means knowing where we want to go; being clear-headed about the country's future; telling the truth; making tough choices; insisting that all parts of the public sector live within their means; taking on vested interests that hold people back; standing up to unreasonable demands from any quarter; and being prepared to give a moral lead where government has responsibilities it should not avoid.

Trinidad and Tobago does deserve better. And the MND will be better for Trinidad and Tobago.

The citizens of this nation deserve a government that will ensure long-term economic stability, increase living standards for all, expand accessibility to pre-school, primary and secondary school as we raise standards in all areas, create a healthier nation with fast,efficient and humane treatment, work towards full employment, create a modern criminal justice system and a strong and accountable local government as government is decentralized.

BUT to replace them we need a political vehicle. No one man or woman can do it alone, it has to be created by us all. We must be prepared and have the will to do this together.

Your presence here today has enabled us to lay down the foundations for this vehicle.

Help us to give it life by recruiting your brothers and sisters, your in-laws, your neighbours, your friends, your staff and your colleagues. We can only succeed by pooling our resources, intellectual, human and financial. Everyone has something they can bring to the table.

The transformation process has commenced and it will continue with you.

While it is my Hindu and Muslim brothers and sisters who celebrate the upcoming festivals of Divali and Eid respectively, I would like to wish all present tonight, irrespective of race or religion Shubh Divali and Eid Mubarak. May your friends or neighbours invite you to join in the celebrations and renew the spirit that makes Trinidad and Tobago so unique and special.

Together we will build a political party second to none in this part of the world and with it we shall take our two islands, our diverse peoples, their cultures and their religions and we shall create a nation.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen.

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