Source: guardian.co.tt|By Brian Lewis
Words and deeds are all interconnected and interdependent. A belief and value system inspires and motivates our actions and utterances. It is said that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. If one holds the belief that T&T is inherently a good place, then as a nation we ought not to be overcome by evil. There is no easy option. Is it right to be dishonest in a good cause?
What are our core philosophy and values? Don’t mistake empty rhetoric, slogans and sound bites for values and a philosophy. Men and women of integrity are afraid to speak up for fear of a bullet to the head. They simply hand in their resignation and walk away on the path of least resistance. Turn a blind eye, see nothing, hear nothing and do nothing only mind your own business. What about the future? What are we doing to contribute to the sustainable future of those yet to be born? One would think that mentoring and tutoring the next generation of leaders would be an important and necessary course of action.
But can this be done simply by talking? What are we doing to prepare the next generation? What philosophy, culture and history are we passing on? There are so many signs that point to danger ahead. A look at the list of top SEA performers of 2011 point to an alarming disparity-nothing new to be honest- it is, however, symptomatic of the rank hypocrisy, injustice and inequality that are now core values of our society.
We ignore the signs as the chickens come home to roost. As we continue to anoint sainthood on the corrupt, unethical and amoral. Young people are no longer frightened about being caught doing the wrong thing. Monkey see monkey do- all you need is the gift of garb and guile. There is a deepening hypocrisy, what use to be practiced in secret, is now been done openly. The trap door is closing. As the freeloaders and opportunist fight for the spoils, the hungry remain hungry. The defenceless remain at the mercy of the heartless. As the haves turn their back and pockets away from the have-nots—another ten-year-old sells her body and soul.
While the battle for the trappings of office take precedent and politicians position for the next election and sport leaders for the next trip, another nine year old is sexually abused by a family member, another youth man life slips way in a river of red and a teenaged mother gives birth to another fatherless child. While Johnny Walker, and Red Bull and vodka flow like water, yet another youth leaves school with five CXC subjects, a truck load of talent but the wrong address and no job prospects. When eight, nine and ten-year-olds silently scream Eli, Eli Lema Sabachthani some will only say: “wake me up when it’s over”. As outlined in the philosophy and culture of Olympism—sport can be used to build a better world by educating youth through sport.
But then again, that’s idealistic claptrap isn’t it? It’s a daily grind and commitment that carries with it no quick answers or solutions. When people are transformed into commodities that balance the books or scorecards, it then becomes all about function. How you get there is not important. Four hundred billion dollars but death stalks our hospitals as guns and drugs enter by the boatload. You harden your heart at your own peril. Another day will pass and another bullet will fly nowhere to play, nowhere to hide. Sport can make a difference but who cares? Our value system is a reflection of our society. Are you happy with the picture?