By Dr Marlene Attzs, Economist
Email: marlene.attzs@gmail.com
“I beg you to pledge yourselves here and now, silently, as I did vocally, to bear true faith and allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago. I entreat you to devote yourselves to the service and well-being of every one of our fellow citizens.”
These were the words spoken on August 1, 1976, by our first President, His Excellency Sir Ellis Clarke, marking our transition to Republican status.
As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to celebrate 48 years as a Republic, just having marked 62 years of independence, we find ourselves at a crossroads where, given the prevailing economic and social circumstances, reflection on our country’s journey is crucial.
The introspection allows us to celebrate national achievements, honour our resilience, and confront the challenges that have shaped the national narrative. One of the key wins of becoming a Republic is the assertion of national sovereignty–we can own our future and our past. There is no metropole dictating the rules of the game or managing our institutions.
We, the people, own our destiny and manage our political processes while developing policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of its people. Our constitution should embody our shared values.
Truth be told T&T’s political journey as a Republic has not been without challenges. Corruption and the inability to address critical governance issues such as transparency and accountability are common struggles.
While we have not faced political turbulence as some other republics do, we do have political polarisation which can hinder the pace of national development.
Economically, we can celebrate the fact that our country has enjoyed substantial growth over many decades. For the most part, we have used our natural resources for national development–that is a significant win.
Over the past 48 years, we have witnessed the development of industries, improvement in infrastructure, and expansion of trade relationships which have been key drivers of economic progress.
Additionally, given strides in areas such as education, T&T has positioned itself as an exporter of human capital, cultivating a workforce capable of competing on the international stage.
However, the global economic landscape has presented significant challenges. Fluctuations in global commodity prices, economic recessions, and the impact of international trade policies often test the resilience of our country.
As a Republic heavily dependent on mainly the energy sector, global economic shocks have taken a toll on our economy by reducing revenue streams. We continue to be challenged with insufficient diversification of the economy that can stifle long-term growth prospects, leaving the country vulnerable to these external shocks.
On the social front, we can take pride in our national unity and cultural identity. As a Republic, we embrace our multicultural traditions while accepting that social inequalities persist. Economic disparities, limited access to quality education, especially in rural areas, and healthcare gaps can exacerbate societal tensions. At 48, we daily consume a diet of crime and face youth unemployment both of which challenge social cohesion.
The Republic of T&T at 48, has successfully positioned itself on the global stage. We actively participate in international organisations like the United Nations and celebrate one of our own, Dennis Francis, who was elected President of the UN General Assembly last year. But global integration also brings with it the urgency for us to address critical issues such as climate change and sustainable development goals.
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago should look forward to our future–one filled with both opportunities and challenges. Economic diversification, technological advancements, and addressing social inequalities must be priorities for sustained growth.
At the same time, embracing environmental sustainability, fostering inclusive governance, and improving global trade relationships will shape our future. Forty-eight years as a Republic is a testament to our resilience and potential. While the journey has been marked by significant wins, it is equally important to confront the challenges that remain so that we create a sustainable future for all. That’s just my point of view!