By Michael De Gale
August 15, 2007
The government’s intention to develop Laventille though politically tactical is also vitally necessary if the social ills of this area are to be alleviated. Not only does this make economic sense but strategic investments in troubled communities are a sure way to address the social evils which has historically plagued communities where poverty rules supreme. Progressive social thinkers supported by statistics, shows that crime thrives where hope is stifled. Survival has always been the law of the jungle whether literally or metaphorically speaking.
Continue reading It’s About Time to Develop Laventille
So much has been said and written about the vandalism that took place at the Sewdass Sadhu temple last weekend, I wondered whether the incident warranted further comment. Really, it was bedlam as just about every organisation and individual jostled to condemn the “heinous” act of whoever entered the heritage site, destroyed the murtis and generally desecrated the building.
Nowadays, every politician who wants to enhance his image, hold on to power or find a way to come to power, mounts a crusade of some kind that he hopes would work magic for him. In George Bush’s case, he has convinced most governments in the world that his war against global terrorism, which can be translated to a war against “Islamists” or “Jihadists”-is THE war to end all wars. In other words, if we rid the world of the bearded mullahs who preach hell and damnation against Western societies and their values, or lack thereof, we’d make Mother Earth the peaceful paradise God intended it to be.
On August 1, 2007, we celebrate two hundred years since the European slave trade was abolished. This is a cause for great celebration. May we never forget the trials and tribulations that our ancestors suffered when they were transported across the African continent as cattle and brought to these islands to serve the needs of colonialist-capitalist exploiters. However, 2007 is not 1807. Much has changed since then in these very small islands of the Caribbean. Today, we must give serious thought about how we transcend the limitations of slavery and colonialism and function in a globalized society as purposeful agents who have shed the baggage of restrictive or coercive practices. In 2007 we should seek to deepen our freedom in the land that has been bequeathed to us.
DEVANT MAHARAJ, a senior employee of the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) has won another court battle relating to his job.