TERRENCE HONORE
THE REALITY of poverty is evident in every society, but there are those among us who have made it their mission to keep people poor. Our leaders, by their decisions and actions, have struggled in their efforts to reduce the gap between the rich and poor.
The recent announced annual budget amounted to a perpetuation of the problem of persistent poverty in TT. Much like previous budgets, it failed to favour the poor. The Government must endeavour to do more.
We agree that poverty reduction is a complex equation. There are many contributing factors, but the situation demands that all and sundry should put their two cents' worth into the purse if we are to fix this vexing problem.
Meanwhile, inflation, that resident evil, is rampant. With its upward movement in costs and a downward spiral to poverty. I have known this since I was a boy. Back then I paid three cents for a pound of sugar and four cents for a pound of rice...those days were nice. And the wages and salaries got along well with the value of the currency. Today, basic costs have climbed so high and so fast that the poor have been left wondering what hit them.
Meanwhile, volumes of books and papers and a preponderance of words have weighed down the minds of the many who are trying to keep their sanity, as the economy rises and falls. It's a case of promises in their heads, but little money in their pockets. Never mind the well-intentioned economists who analyse and predict like the weatherman in the evening news. The inclemency of our currency continues to plague us.
Yes, there are those among us who continue to work assiduously to be rich and to keep the poor at bay. And to condemn them to live out their lives in the 'prison of poverty' that confines so many of us. It all amounts to being a clear case of peddling poverty.
I have often wondered at the obscene profits made by the financial institutions and the practice of many to fill their pockets with filthy lucre. Some would not agree that a percentage of their success should, by law, be given to the poor. Not just a pittance to a community effort with a grand charade of banners and accolades of their giving.
We need to share more 'crumbs' from the corporate table.
I was impressed by the accounts of the Trini Syrians who, in the early days, peddled their bicycles throughout the country and sold their goods to eager buyers. The precious pieces of fabric and other items were offered and welcomed by many. The Syrian businessmen peddled their way out of poverty…all the way to the heights of the economy, one per cent at a time.
Today, many people refuse to do the work to stop being poor. Relying on the Government to 'mind we.' But the times have caught up with us, and the rate of inflation has taken its toll. Now a dollar in hand is not worth much in the market.
Let's remember that money has its own mind. It haunts you at night and is never satisfied at being a mistress in your dealings.
S
