So we have the firing of a minister. This is the fifth minister to be fired. I humbly ask: is the firing of a minister not more effective than a recall? Is the firing of a minister not a significant change in the politics of Trinidad and Tobago? Has any government ever fired a minister? We have removed ministers and put them in higher posts. We wanted a change. Is this not a change?

Concerning the repeal of Section 34 of the Constitution after its proclamation—this is the first time in my life an act has been repealed, and I also cannot remember anything that was repealed. It is my impression that the entire Parliament is guilty. It appears to me that not one member of the Upper or the Lower Houses did his or her homework. Recently, a politician publicly said we must separate politics from the law. A clear misunderstanding of the role of the Parliament because Parliament makes the laws and Parliament is made up of politicians. I now believe politics has an immorality of its own. Morality has only one road. Immorality has thousands.

Recently, our dear Archbishop Joe Harris said for Trinidadians and Tobagonians to decide who to vote for depends on who will thief the least. We do not vote for important issues, principles and high integrity. Corruption in our country has become institutionalised. The talk-show hosts are partly responsible, as they stimulate perceptions and images that favour development of envy and other cardinal sins. I do not think Trinidad and Tobago, my beloved country, has ever experienced a more transparent government than the present one since our population is more interested in the cost of the Prime Minister's and ministers' homes, cars and shoes.

Development of spiritual values and basic infrastructure based on them have all been forgotten.

Dr Ramesh P Mathura

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