All parties be advised, listen to nation’s youth

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

Angelo Kurbanali

Trinidad & Tobago’s political landscape is being increasingly shaped by the voices of young citizens. Their concerns, activism, and engagement are helping shape not only the dialogue of this election but the future of the nation itself.

Among these engaged youth are 32-year-old Angelo Kurbanali and 23-year-old Joshua Britto, who offer insight into the priorities and perspectives of the nation’s younger generation as they engage with the political system.

For Kurbanali, a parishioner at St Finbar’s, Diego Martin, the political issue that matters most to him is having equitable rights and justice for all. But his concerns extend far beyond just fairness.

Issues such as crime and violence, especially gang-related violence, domestic abuse, and crimes against minors, are his pressing concerns. Poverty, corruption, and the state of the education system, among others, were also highlighted.

Kurbanali shared his motivation to engage in politics comes from a place of faith. “What motivates me is my Catholic faith. It comes down to being a community of sisters and brothers (Christian or not) and wanting what’s best for the common good of the people of T&T and the wider Caribbean,” he said.

Britto, a parishioner of Holy Cross, Santa Cruz, echoed a sense of discontent, pointing to “poorly run” sporting bodies and an education system that caters to just “one learning style.”

Joshua Britto

Are political parties listening?

Despite their pressing concerns, both Kurbanali and Britto felt their concerns are not adequately addressed by political parties. Kurbanali acknowledged that while the nation has made progress since independence, much of the nation’s problems stem from politics itself—particularly “corruption and disrespect.”

He expressed scepticism about the promises made by political leaders. “It feels like political parties know the right words to say,” Kurbanali remarked, “but until political parties start presenting specific policies and promises with reasonably achievable solutions that they actually follow through on, it’s all lip-service.”

Britto shared a similar sentiment, noting that across the past three general elections, none of the parties addressed in their manifestos, the issues he thought were important.

When asked about the qualities they want in future leaders, both young men pointed to a need for better character and vision. Kurbanali emphasised “solid integrity” adding, “I’d love to see all our political candidates try to outdo each other in who could be the best servant-leader.”

Britto, meanwhile, called for leaders who possess “knowledgeability, daringness and an innovative mindset.”

Having grown up watching the two dominant parties vie for power, he said he’s “curious” to see what T&T would look like under a completely new regime.

Social media: a tool for political engagement

While social media plays a significant role in the lives of many young people, Kurbanali’s use of it for political engagement is more measured. “I don’t use social media for personal use, only work (for my clients).” However, “I use YouTube … I’m not sure that it plays a role in my political engagement. I guess it informs my political philosophies in some capacity too, or at least, I’d imagine so.”

Britto shared he rarely uses social media for politics and finds most of the political ads are “lacking in wit and creativity.”

When asked how political parties could better engage young voters, Britto suggested they make their presence known outside of elections.

“Also, break down their manifestos and how they plan to fulfil it so we can decide who to choose,” he said.

Kurbanali said parties need to “talk less and listen more” through public forums and market research. “I think rather than trying to market themselves as the best party, they should try to become the best party for the people of T&T, and not just for enough people in 21-22 seats.”