Remy

Originally Posted by Remy

I usually will not respond to low blows, but I cannot let this one pass. Sookoo and others like him must know that their views do not represent a final statement on issues in this Mosaic we call T&T.

It does not appear to mean much to opposition apologist like Sookoo that the unity they conveniently call for and speak so callously about will only be realized if the PNM/Africans vote changes to accommodate this change. In effect what is being asked of Africans who have been vilified and lacerated in derogatory terms for years is that they now put on blinders and accept unity on a UNC/PP/COP, etc bed.

Some time ago Mr. Panday declared that if unity is to take place in this country it has to take place on a UNC bed. That statement summarized the perennial position of rejection by Indo Trinidadians, of the many attempts at unity by Afro Trinidadians and others. The well documented attempts by Butler, NJAC, NAR, and yes the PNM to bring about unity in this country were all rejected. It was young Africans in the seventies headed by Dagga who marched to Caroni asking for unity. What! I asked they got in return .Rum and Roti to spend the night and transportation out of the area the next day.

This calculated rejection of PNM/African overtures at unity lies at the heart of the racial tension we face in this country today. Why Africans must be now asked to give to others what others did not give to them? Why must Africans change their votes to accommodate those who rejected them and their representatives? Why must Africans accept unity on the bed of a political configuration which stood in opposition for all they believed in? When Indo Trinidadians voted for the PP in the last general election they did so from a position that was comfortable for them. To Africans it represented a willingness to step out of their comfort zone and support something they hope is best for this country. I admit not all Africans brought into this. Some still demand a vehicle which represents a wider cross section of this country.

Now Africans have to put up with the recalcitrance of anti PNM like Sookoo. Who boldly proclaim their opposition to all things PNM and their refusal and rejection of attempts to unite this country under the PNM? While, simultaneously demanding, that Africans/PNM subject themselves to accepting unity on terms and conditions which do not reflect their aspirations and their interests. This country have historically bent over backwards to accommodate the fears of Indo Trinidadians. The service commission which now serves only to retard improvements in the Public Sector represents the best example of the attempts by past governments to satisfy Indo fear of “Black dominance”.

Yet, a substantial part of this population ( namely the Hindu community) have not reciprocated in a manner that will suggest an appreciation of the overtures which demonstrated in a clarion manner the good will of others and a willingness to embrace all. Instead, Indo Trinidadians continued to cry alienation and discrimination and perennially presented themselves as victims with the hope this will result in discrediting others and, in their political ascendancy to the seat of Government in this country. What about Afro fear of Indo dominance Mr. Sookoo? Is this not an issue which needs to be addressed? Are Indo Trinidadians sufficiently magnanimous to allow for equity as they conduct the business of Government?

Personally, I think there are to many proud Africans strategically placed in this Government to be overly concerned with anti Pnm like Sookoo wish to fool themselves into believing that this is an Indian Government. I await your answer on this issue Mr. Sookoo.