Trinidad and Tobago is at a very important period of time in its history. The good and positive aspects of Trinbagonian life are currently over shadowed as what we stand for as a people and a nation is under scrutiny. Our mettle and the courage of our convictions are being tested like never before.
Are we reaping what we sow?
Optimism and positivity has run into the brick wall of despair and fear as the red bullets create havoc.
This is the time for courage, fearlessness and an indomitable will. Sport must stand shoulder to shoulder with all law abiding and right thinking citizens in the effort to overcome the challenges.
Every death at the hands of the lawless and cold hearted is a stab at the heart of our beloved country. We must not succumb to the despair and hopelessness. We must be honest with ourselves. Crime is the symptom not the root cause.
No effort to build a better T&T can succeed without character and integrity.
Money can't buy integrity, peace of mind, genuine love, character, true loyalty and sustainable excellence. Money can’t buy the fierce and indomitable will bravery and courage needed to make a positive difference. Money can’t buy sincere passion and enthusiasm.
Given a choice between money and integrity what should the choice be?
What is the price of our integrity? What matters most? Some people claim that unsatisfied greed is destroying the fabric of our society and that integrity and character are now commodities to be traded.
Law abiding and right thinking citizens live in fear while those who have allowed selfish ambitions to close their minds and hardened their hearts against the best interest of the nation appear to have the advantage.
All who desire to make things better must wash their hands and purify their hearts. The battle is well and truly on. But regardless of how big the lead the criminal element may have at this time.
Fear not. We will not run the race in vain nor will our work be useless. We must press on in faithful service of our country.
We must be fearless in exposing those who do a disservice to the best interest of the country, its future and the youth of the nation.
We must maintain integrity towards the promise made to the youth of the nation and the unborn generation. Nation building has never and will never be easy. The history of mankind provides ample proof that many battles have to be fought, lost and won.
We will hit the bump in the road but we must not be discouraged. Nor must we compromise on our commitment.
To many, it doesn’t matter whether they follow the rules or break them as long as they come out on top. It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are as long as you get the job done. Moving up is more important than the way you move up.
An emphasis on results and money at the expense of character and integrity produces short term benefits and usually creates long term problems.
We will never lose if we emphasise that character and integrity are not negotiable.
Let’s focus on what matters; to be successful not just in what we do, but in who we are.
As much as we all want success and money if it comes at the expense of character and integrity the cost is too high as human life has little or no value.
This column extends deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dana Seetahal SC.
Brian Lewis is president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.