With boundless faith in our destiny

This piece was written four years ago. Sadly, nothing has changed. As a matter of fact, one questions … has it gotten worse?

I looked forward to Independence Day every year. It was an exciting time for me as a young boy growing up. My dad used to take us to the Savannah every Independence Day morning. We would park by QRC and walk around the Savannah, entering opposite Marli Street, and then walk all the way up to and across the race tracks to the parade area.

I used to be fascinated by the colossal appearance of Queen’s Royal College and would dream of attending this magnificent school one day. (My dream came through a few years later.)

Walking across the Savannah, I remember as if it were yesterday the sno-cone vendors with their carts, all decorated in red, white and black flags and fluttering banners. We used to look out for our favourite sno-cone man, Benji. Our dad would buy for all of us, and Benji would blend the syrup colours with bright red, black and white (the condensed milk) for each one of us.

As we made our way closer to the Independence Day parade area, we would pass spectators, young and old, hurrying to get a closer look at the armed forces. I was fascinated by the Defence Force and the K9 units. I would dream boyish dreams of one day being on the parade and marching with the forces.

The bright, polished red Fire Services vehicles could be seen in the distance, lights blinking and sirens blaring. Years later, I would fulfil my boyish dreams and represent my country with pride as I marched onto the parade, a proud and focused young Coast Guardsman.

Later on in my career, I would be part of the aircrew that flew in the TTCG (T&T Coast Guard) aircraft as part of the aerial salute on the Independence Day Fly Past. Many years later in my career, I would be the Colour Officer, carrying the Coast Guard Ensign on parade.

What a proud moment. What a day to celebrate and to beam with pride at serving my country and parading before the nation as a show of strength and Independence.

Later, in my post-military career, I would sit with government ministers and the other heads of security, as the Director of the National Operations Centre, taking in the parade from a totally different viewpoint.

It was such a great moment in time for all members of the armed and unarmed contingents. My hat goes off to them as I join many others this Independence Day to celebrate and acknowledge the men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day for this country.

That goes without asking. We give tribute and pay recognition when and where it is due.

But for a brief moment, I also dwelled on the solemn thoughts of how far our country has degenerated in this spiralling crime situation. I was saddened by the state of the killings and the wanton disregard for law enforcement. The boldness and brazen attitude of the criminals.

It began to cut deep on this very special Independence Day. The mothers and fathers who have lost loved ones. The victims of the crimes whose homes have been invaded, the mothers and fathers whose daughters have been raped and sons gunned down.

The peaceful, once-serene Caribbean paradise dragged through the mud and smeared as the country with the sixth highest homicide rate per capita in the world. It’s a sad Independence Day to celebrate.

I know many may wish to challenge me and say, drop that tone, place that thought on the shelf, do not open that envelope today. Why are you going there?

I stand up against such detractors because I searched far and wide for a comforting tone, for a brief moment of adopting a celebratory stance and to feel proud. Mind you, I did, and I always will, on an Independence Day, because there was so much history. But sadly, this time, it cannot be long-lasting.

Because before the sno-cone could melt in the blistering heat, before the handheld paper windmills stop spinning or the coloured cotton candy evaporate, we would be hurled back into reality.

The killings would not stop to celebrate. The gunman would have no respect for the men and women on parade, and the criminal would go to his or her lengths to break the law and oppress us law-abiding citizens, continuing their trade unabated.

So, readers, I do not apologise for this sad, dull and gloomy close to celebrating and acknowledging our Independence Day. The achievements will always be etched on the hearts of many of the retired veterans like myself.

We will always celebrate our armed and unarmed contingents, but today, my celebrations are short-lived because the reality is that in 24 hours, our flag-waving, road-lining, red-wearing patriotism would be shattered by yet another gruesome murder or crime.

I hope we do something, and do it quickly, so the mood can change for our 64th birthday as a nation.