Mindless, rabid partisanship

In Trinidad and Tobago, the unwavering allegiance to political parties and leaders often overshadows the principles of good governance, public welfare, and integrity. This phenomenon, as highlighted by commentator Trevor Sudama, is not new nor exclusive to any single party. Simon Wright, in a recent letter to the press, pointed out a growing and dangerous trend where political loyalty supersedes national interest. This sentiment is echoed among supporters of both the United National Congress (UNC) and the People’s National Movement (PNM), where dissent is often met with harsh criticism and ostracism. Sudama recounts his own experiences of being vilified by the UNC leadership and its base for raising concerns about corruption, governance, and the party’s direction. He, along with Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Ralph Maraj, faced dismissal from the government in 2001 after questioning the administration’s actions, including the handling of the Piarco terminal project and the collapse of Clico. Despite the backlash, Sudama remains steadfast in his commitment to integrity and independence of thought, emphasizing the importance of speaking truth to power. He reflects on the irony of politics, where former opponents of the UNC now lead the party, and past PNM sympathizers are at the forefront of a UNC government. Sudama’s narrative underscores the complexities and contradictions inherent in political life, where blind loyalty often trumps rational discourse and accountability.