There are many people who look to the future of T&T and don’t like what they see. They suggest that the inability of the society to find incorruptible and effective leaders sincere in placing first the national interest and cause, the destruction and decay of our institutions and pervasive bobol are signs that the future is not a bright one.
The cynics, realists and pragmatic amongst us hold the view that the performance of civic duty is discouraged given the milieu of destroy what can’t be controlled, vindictiveness, collusion, mamaguy, hypocrisy, dishonesty and insincerity.
Independent, strong, effective organisations and institutions aren’t a desired objective .
Self restraint, convention, protocol and ethics are damned. Categorical denials seem more manipulative than sincere.
Sport is caught in the crossfire.
The doomsday pundits and naysayers are having a field day. Is the hopelessness fueled by a disregard for history? Do we take the struggles of our pioneers and institutions for granted?
Have we forgotten that latrine pits and barrack yards were once daily realities while television, electricity and motor cars were luxuries for the masses?
Have we allowed the material wealth and conspicuous consumption of an oil and natural gas economy to lull us into a false sense of security and an over reaching sense of entitlement?
Cynics and cynicism aside. How do we forge the values, discipline, attitude and fortitude that will foster the quality of life and peace of mind that all right thinking human beings crave?
No matter how we dissect, discuss and debate the needed transformation process. It falls to the youth of the nation and youth development.
It’s the youth of the nation who hold in their hearts and minds the peace, progress and sustainable development of T&T.
Those who care about the welfare of T&T and the national cause must act with a sense of urgency and focus their minds and efforts on the youth of the nation.
There is need for a deepening of commitment in respect of youth development.
Invest more time, money, energy and effort in the youth of the nation. Meet them at the point of their need and hurt. Hear their cries and feel their pain. They are the future leaders and nation builders.
In this regard it was heartwarming to witness firsthand the joy and excitement of some 400 children from primary schools, homes and communities at the Chagville Beach facility during the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) Olympic Day event on Saturday.
The TTOC with the help of its corporate partners BPTT and the Guardian Group of Companies transported the children to Chagville and back, provided refreshments during the day while the national sport organisations introduced them to a diverse menu of sporting activities.
All aimed at giving the children a fun filled experience that will plant the seed of lifelong health and wellness.
The hard working and dedicated TTOC staff received invaluable support and cooperation from the Chaguaramas Development Authority, Police Service, Defence Force physical training instructors, Buzz Concepts, national sport organisations, coaches, sport administrators and service providers.
The focus of the TTOC’s annual Olympic Day celebrations is on the youth.
Just as all other areas of national life—the future of sport, health and wellness and healthy lifestyle choices, depend on the youth of the nation.
Cynicism will not solve our problems. An unwavering belief in the potential and talent of the youth of the nation is the recipe for a better, safer, healthier, happier and progressive T&T.
Brian Lewis is the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC).
For more information on the Olympic movement, Olympic values and Olympism visit http://www.ttoc.org.