Building the Nation

Governance Checklist No. 1 : ‘The Underpinnings of a Nation’

So here goes my first Checklist of things that I would like to see happen in Trinidad and Tobago. We are all leaders regardless of title and therefore this column will address you as Leaders, and more so, Servant Leaders.  I am hoping that all of us as Servant Leaders will participate in this venture by submitting comments on those elements of my Checklist which they support, indicate on what issues they differ from me and submit their preferred alternatives.

In this way, as we build on further issues and policy matters on the Checklist each week, together we can create a vision for what we would like T&T to become and the journey upon which we need to embark to  achieve a free, fair and just society where everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their goals and aspirations.

1. What Principles, Core Values & Approach to Governance do we cherish?

1.1 How should we build and safeguard a free, fair and just society in which our Servant Leaders live?

Should Our Leaders PLEDGE TO?

  • Lead by example as demonstrated by the way we govern.
  • Work for the Common Good by providing opportunities for all to achieve their full potential.
  • Promote sustainable development in which no-one shall be imprisoned by poverty, ignorance or powerlessness.
  • Honour respect and dedicate ourselves to the fundamental democratic values of liberty, equality and human dignity by upholding the rule of law so as to achieve social justice for all.
  •  Promote an environment in which all of our citizens can live together in peace and harmony, so that our rich and diverse cultures will develop and flourish.
  • Promote Family Life as the cornerstone of our society understanding that more than any other force the Family shapes the attitude, the hopes, the ambitions, and the values of the child.

1.2 What measures do we need to take to embrace the unifying spirit of our common humanity? As Servant Leaders, how will we promote the awareness of the dignity of each of our brothers and sisters and the sacredness of all life?

 Should we do so BY?

  • Championing the freedom, dignity and well-being of all individuals
  • Respecting the right of all individuals to freedom from want and their right to develop their talents and abilities to achieve their full potential
  • Promoting a meritocracy in which all persons have an equitable opportunity to progress based on competence, ability and talent, rather than patronage based on class, political allegiance, privilege or wealth, while recognizing the need to establish a social safety net for the poor and disadvantaged
  • Upholding our belief that the role of the State is to nurture creativity and the well-being of all our Citizens so that they:
    • have universal access to sound education, health care, employment and shelter
    • can enhance the dignity of their lives through meaningful work
    • can seek fulfillment through achieving their goals and aspirations
    • are better positioned to Contribute fully to their Communities
    • have an opportunity to Participate in the decisions which affect their lives
    • have universal access to sound education, health care, employment and shelter
    • can enhance the dignity of their lives through meaningful work
    • can seek fulfillment through achieving their goals and aspirations
    • are better positioned to Contribute fully to their Communities
    • have an opportunity to Participate in the decisions which affect their lives

1.3 How will we support the upholding of the values of individual and social justice?

Should we SUPPORT?

  • Rejection of all prejudice and discrimination based upon race, colour, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation; and
  • Developing and using the skills of all people working for the benefit of all, with a just distribution of the rewards of success
  • Striving for equality of outcomes recognising that an equal society is one that is built on inclusion, respect for diversity, and co-operation
  • Recognising that the struggle for justice can never end

HOW WILL WE:

  • Develop our economic and social resources in such a way as to encourage innovation and satisfy genuine need;
  • Promote responsible stewardship of our environment;
  • Promote the establishment of Citizens Assemblies so that all citizens will have an opportunity to voice and have their concerns and ideas taken into account and
  • Optimize the engagement of Civil Society Groups (NGO’s, FBO’s and CBO’s) to deliver social services which require personal outreach to the needy in every community, encouraging and funding such Social Entrepreneurship as a model of delivery based on outcomes set by the Government

Together we can build a better Trinidad and Tobago. Let’s join our minds and hearts to work towards the transformation our Country so that each individual can work towards accomplishing his goals and aspirations. This is where the journey starts.

Unless we build the foundation of our Nation on solid ground, we will continue down the slippery slope of despair.

I look forward to your feedback, as next week we continue the journey building on constructing a firm foundation and addressing the initiatives we must take as a Nation if we are to succeed and prosper.

Email: timothyhamelsmith2@gmail.com

-Timothy Hamel-Smith

Vol.1, Issue 2