The more things change politically, the more they remain the same. I recalled the days of political unrest from the late 50's to the early 60's, the advent of the national parties: PNM and the DLP. Even back then , some people aligned themselves to one or the other based on ethnicity and cultural affiliations.
As a young person then, I was most influenced and impacted by the intellectual, the apparent inclusive and ethnic composition of the PNM. The leader at that time, Dr. Eric Williams had the country at heart, with his message of nationalism. As I recalled the party had ministers who represented the cosmopolitan nature of the island. Minister of external Affairs, Kalicharian (sp), ministers like Mahabhiar, Montano, Robinsion.....
On the other hand the DLP, in my humble opinion, appeared to have a more myopic platform. However their leader was another outstanding educator who had the pulse of many to effect change.
If we move from making electoral decisions based on ethnic divide, and look at parties which present some hope, certainty and forward thinking solutions to the economic, social, health, and educational sectors for the entire nation, I think only then will we begin to see the emergence of a healthy democracy for the people.
No longer could we begin to measure our own sense of accomplishments or access to economic advantage based on the ethnic background of those who possess power. How could one put credence in a leader whose aim is to divide and conquer and publicly make public proclamations along racial divide? How could one put credence in a party who despite the attempts of the ruling party to implement improvements veto bills for the sake of opposing? Would it not restore greater public confidence in a party if the public was to see the opposition party suggesting viable policies to improve the nation? Would it not be more worthwhile if both national parties had concrete and tangible solutions to the ills plaguing our nation? Instead I see parties clamoring for power and then improvising solutions when that power is attained.
As it stands, in my humble opinion, there is not one party that is in fact sustaining confidence in leading the nation to a path out of what ails the nation, however if and a big if, the opposition party could put it's energy into working alongside initiatives for change , and show a willingness to present platforms that suggest that they could make improvements then and only then will my vote count . Until then I will keep the sentiments with those that work for the common good of all.
Allyuh read and see that the infighting among the opposition also was a concern back in the 60's.:
http://countrystudies.us/caribbean-islands/40.htm