Govt must come clean on Independence Day Parade cancellation

The military parade on Independence Day (August 31) has become a feature in recognition of the nation-state of Trinidad and Tobago. Such activity is also an international practice adopted by countries, particularly those which have experienced long periods of being under colonial rule. A military parade demonstrates both a country’s sense of pride in its nationhood and of having built a military force indicative of its ability to defend its sovereignty.

Yes, it has happened previously that the parade has been foregone; one such occasion being during the COVID-19 pandemic, which swept tens of millions of people from this earth, the reason being to prevent large numbers of persons gathering due to the health threat.

However, the mixed-up, insubstantial rationale given by the current Government, having to do with cost-savings and avoiding the threat of high-profile individuals assembled in one place, is frivolous at best. This is because the Government’s stance is in serious conflict with the statement of Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro mere days prior, that the security threat for which the State of Emergency was called had been neutralised.

If, as one criminologist has suggested, the Government is aware of a new threat to national security, then it needs to level with the population on that score. A government in office can do so without spelling out in detail the elements of the threat.

It is also completely without merit any suggestion that the parade can leave the country without protection in case of an emergency. Indeed, it surely cannot be the case that the parade requires 100 per cent of soldiers, coast guard men and women, police officers and all the hardware security equipment at the national security force’s disposal.

Contrary to such a thought, the armed forces and equipment on display in the parade speak to an already mobilised group of defenders ready to act should any attempt be made to destabilise the country.

There is, therefore, no other conclusion to arrive at for the parade’s cancellation than the current public speculation that there is a hidden reason for the cancellation.

As to the proposed “Day of National Prayer” to replace the parade, what prevents the parade and prayer for the nation being held simultaneously?

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar must, therefore, level with the national community on the real reasons behind the cancellation of what is this country’s traditional display of national pride; something which this country is in desperate need of at this time.

It is especially needed to show the criminal element who is in charge of this country’s affairs.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar can thus be sure that in the absence of a more far-reaching national cause for its decision, the population will conclude differently from the Government. This, after all, is not a trifling issue of personal preferences and abilities to celebrate. It has nothing to do with the political geography of the country, with the party in control of the government in this period, or whether or not sufficient attention has been given to one part of the country or the other. This is about celebrating the country’s status as a nation. A government that does not recognise and take account of such matters cannot be governing in the interest of the nation.

It is not, however, too late to rescind the decision. Indeed, it’s required action.