The celebration of both the Golden Jubilee of our Independence and the Olympic gold medal won by our javelin thrower, Keshorn Walcott, may both be an inspiration for "we the people" of Trinidad and Tobago to go for gold in governance via two of our worthwhile organisations, as we go forward.

The rousing call by the President of the Republic and other concerned citizens for serious public conversations leading to conclusions on the reform of the Constitution, as well as for transparency, accountability and non-corruption in public affairs seems to be a clarion call for the Constitution Reform Forum (CRF) and the Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) to go for gold in their respective and related fields of endeavour.

Remarkably, an important role of both the CRF and TTTI seems to be part of the name of each organisation— the CRF as a "forum" for the public conversations and conclusions, and TTTI as an "institute" or centre re thought and action on anti-corruption, integrity and transparency.

In their efforts to perform their roles, the CRF and TTTI may now confidently call on their members and the society at large to help provide the necessary moral support and financial and human resources continuingly.

Interestingly, President Richards's focus on Tobago is in consonance with conversations already being moderated by the CRF. This and the focus of other contributors to the discourse on the Constitution, should inform the agenda for the conversations. Similarly, the initiative of TTTI to engage our national community, particularly our young citizens, on principles of fair play and "doing the right thing" is an important part of the agenda for thought and action by TTTI.

As we start our journey into the next 50 years—towards our Diamond Jubilee and our Centennial of Independence—let us be part of the continuing work of organisations such as the Constitution Reform Forum and the Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute.

Frank Clarke

St Augustine