Trinidad & Tobago…a developed nation?

Courtesy Call
Arthur Snell &
Winston Dookeran

I promised myself, that I won't write about things that will overwhelm any one. You know the heavy stuff. No, there are lots of blogs dedicated to people moaning and groaning about everything beneath the sun. But this one has been nagging me, because feedback from the average person left me scratching my head. Wanna know why? Keep reading..

It's day 3 and counting since the curfew has been lifted and I am still baffled, not by this tiny bout of 'freedom' that Trinidadians are celebrating over (oblivious to the true meaning of a State of Emergency-SoE), but with what I read on October 31, 2011 in the Newsday. Just to recap for those of you who may still be unaware of a feat many large nations are still trying to accomplished! The British High Commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Arthur Snell (yes, Oxford-educated and all) also published on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office blog, that this country's dream of working towards and becoming a "developed country" came to fruition in the month of October. This realization and Mr. Snell reason for making such an assumption statement was because, T&T was removed from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) DAC list of developing countries; in that said month. Snell further stated that, "The premier international organization that makes a judgement on such matters considers T&T to be a developed country than Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica, countries that remain on the list."

I think this non-appearance on the OECD's DAC list seem to get a bit confusing for some people here; whose interpretation and mentality is, "we reach…we have arrived…we is a First World Nation." But let's not get beside ourselves people. In actuality and from my understanding, T&T has not been declared a developed country per se…despite all those fancy high-rise buildings in the nation's capital (had to mention that) and no, I am not trying to be a cynic or pessimistic in the slightest manner. Far from it, for I recognized that the country have made notable strides by increasing literacy rates and improving education (GATE), improving health care and reducing infant mortality rates. We have been steadily climbing with those positive indicators and more. And while we are a small nation, we must not forget that we were also able to use our resources to achieve great things too. But the theory of 'developed' speaks directly to a Eurocentric idea of what it means to be really advanced. Seriously people, think about it. How can a nation be 'undeveloped' one day and then a report makes it 'developed' the next day? Even the most narrow-minded person should be wagging their tongues with questions. But the truth is, our society usually takes things at face-value and run with it. Somehow, we never seem to stop and question any thing. The fact that some people actually think "we have arrive" says a lot..."third world thinking."  

Perhaps, to add to this misinterpretation is the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI) report for 2011, which puts Trinidad and Tobago at 62 out of 187 nations in ranking. What this means, is that we are part of the top third of countries in terms of HDI. This HDI, together with our macroeconomics stats, seems to indicate that while we may be far from the poverty of sub-Saharan Africa, we are indeed also, no where close to the peaceful and flourishing Norway…which ranked first in the HDI report. 

That said, it now sorta kinda feels like a welcome respite, that perhaps we are no longer a "third world." Somehow that always seemed a debasing description whenever I travel. As if they (First World) were mocking us. Have you experienced that typecasting of T&T being a poor and primitive country…on your travels? Yes, where we are still climbing trees and all? The nerve of some Americans 1st world people…yet we look to them for everything as if they were our God!?! But that is for another post.

Port-of-Spain
Skyline (2010)

So readers, send me your thoughts on this new development. But keep in mind though, that the above info is just statistics! As the wise saying goes, "take it with a grain of salt". Because the fact of the matter is that these reports are just stats and do not speak of the reality happening on the ground (as I type this), and do not diminish the fact that we still have much...so much more work to do to truly make our society equal and fair.

Divali…Enlightening us all

Deya...lighting your path

I feel somewhat obligated to write something about Divali (Diwali), since I reside in a multi-cultural and multi-religious country. Divali or "The Festival of Lights" is a major observance, second only to Christmas in this tropical twin island and is quite unique. Indeed, it is celebrated on a grand scale just like Christmas (not as commercial) and has become part of traditions in our society. Divali is a time when Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago and around the world worship the female aspect of God in the form of Mother Lakshmi-the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November) on the darkest night of the year (remember the Celts post). 
The word Divali means "a row of lights" and the origin can be found in the various legends and mythologies of Hindu scriptures.

However, the true beauty of Divali transcends the lighting of deyas and the underlying message/theme(s) of the triumph of good over evil, light overcoming darkness and enlightenment over ignorance. During this time, despite all our differences and circumstances we come together as a nation (ought to) to celebrate, and what is most visible is religious tolerance at its peak. Yes, the same religious tolerance you probably heard U.S. President Barack Obama often talked about in his campaigning speeches. We have it right here in sweet TnT.

As a young girl and even today, I feel privileged to have experienced this cross-religious harmony that is so elusive in other parts of the world. A quick visit 
(for research) to the Singh’s Divali celebrations on Ethel Street in St. James last Wednesday evening  provides the evidence of this peaceful union. In this street setting, I saw where every creed and race found equal table space to enjoy the delicacies that are synonymous with Divali. Besides, where will one see the innocence of non-Hindu children dressed in beautiful Saris and lighting the deyas? Ahh, such wonderment! Momentarily, everything else is suspended to light the path(s) of the journey ahead. All of which was punctuated of course, with solemn Indian music and tassa drumming. 

And even though this year’s celebration was thrifty compare to previous years, due to the State of Emergency, one thing is certain...The charity, love, kindheartedness and happiness that encompass Divali cannot be truly explained. No, this magic must be felt with the heart; just like the merriment of Christmas.

What were your Divali experiences growing up in TnT? 
Do you think this religious tolerance that is demonstrated during Divali here can be achieved in other parts of the world? 
Do you see just how blessed our country truly is?
Share your thoughts...