TERRENCE HONORÉ
THE GOVERNMENT has yet to follow through on one of the political promises that was made to the people of TT. The records will show that while many other important matters were resolved and commendable projects implemented, the issue of the teaching of our history in school has yet to be comprehensively addressed.
It was senator Fitzgerald Hinds who spoke eloquently at the budget debate on September 23, 2013, when he stated, 'We will put the history in the curriculum so the children will benefit from it. The history of this nation will be written and taught to the children. And put an end to the lies.' He added, '…it will include African and Indian history. They can feel proud and don't lack self-esteem. People will not be coming to tell you foolishness."
Indeed, the nation was well propositioned, but the promise was not fulfilled.
The truth is that the damage done by this sin of omission is almost irreversible. Our nation is suffering from a lack of learning of our history. We failed to create a forum or make adjustments to the curriculum in our education system. We cannot hope to reach heights of greatness if we do not teach our history. It is an important part of the platform for our progress.
Like good "police" of our history, we are all called to protect and preserve our legacy.
We were elated in July 2019 when Prime Minister Rowley launched a publication titled Foundation Readings on the History of TT. He had wisely commissioned the text. At the launch he stated that 'youths must know their history for empowerment and inspiration, and that without knowing their history they will not have the rooting necessary to reach their full potential.'
A most agreeable statement, with a good intention, but the curriculum is still waiting for the Government's attention.
In the past we had to bear the strain and quietly complain about learning British history, in the colonial system, with its allegiance to the queen and crown. We learned of English sailors of the open seas and heroes of that day. About men who weathered the storms and crossed the ocean to "liberate" Indigenous people from their natural paradise. They brought "gifts of disease" on their breath and in their bags.
That version of history was not taught to us. We need to know our own history and all the true stories that are still to be taught.
No surprise that when we grew up there was not much that we knew and little to share with the young ones gathered around us. A little calypso and limbo and a trip to a museum that seemed to be curated in a hurry, with few new items to show over the years. It appears that our leaders lack the commitment to preserve our history and to teach it to our young.
I admit that the affairs of state will tax our leaders and constrain them to address other matters of grave importance essential to our survival, like the economy and crime. But the problems are intertwined over time. What we teach will help us to resolve our problems and reach our goals of success.
It is unfortunate t
