“There isa flood on the main road, a floooo-od on the main road” – A famous quote by Ataklan, a Rapso artiste who also acted as a yearly fortune teller; because every year there seems to be a flood on the main road.
However, this year was far more intense. Clearly, all the backroads were jealous of the yearly bath the main road often got, which resulted in a “Flood in the village, a floooo—oood in the village.”
Towns drowned, and extensive damage was done. However, during this period of distress and while walking through and distributing food to flood victims with the UWI Guild in Kelly Village, I had an epiphany and asked myself three questions. Three questions that seemed to stop me, like the over flowing Caroni bank stops traffic.
He could be a rapper with this freestyle. Photo Credit: Guardian Newspaper
The first and most pressing question was…
- When is there going to be a flood in the parliament?
Clearly we need to wash away this old school culture and ideology. We cannot still be at a level where our leadership engages in a tit for tat. I am still in shock that the opposition and government were flexing their muscles to see who had the best flood relief efforts. In addition to that, I am yet to see a legislation that acknowledges and deals with the reality of climate change and a plan of action to deal with the culture of littering. We have seen a month’s worth of rain in just three days causing generations worth of rubbish to resurface. “Like Uncle Litter come out tuh fight Mother Nature.” It is time that our politicians cross examine our policies and that we engage in an introspection of ourselves as a people.
A picture of a famous type of parliamentarian.
I dream of a day when we can see our opposing sides in parliament come together in moments of crisis and work for the betterment of our citizenry. I have accepted that this dream is similar to my wish for magical signs to appear when a pothole is near. “But, I hadda live in hope.”
I also hope that we realize, now is the time for action and planning. Farmlands were demolished leaving the livelihoods of many, in complete disarray. We must examine the short term and long term socio-economic effects of these floods. We must analyze the damages done to businesses, the potential rise in food prices and the psychological impact on the people. Divali and Christmas are days away, and these festivities will feel the effects as well. We cannot only be concerned with the fact that caiman and snake curry will now be a popular dish during this time.
N.B. This is not a Caiman, but close enough.
- Secondly, since when is a gifted photographer part of a relief effort?
Now don’t get me wrong, I am all for taking a picture and showing that you are engaging in your CSR or fulfilling your altruistic duty. However, it concerns me, that some individuals insist on walking with a camera crew that probably costs just as much or even more than their relief efforts. In addition to this, some people refused to give individuals the food they were distributing unless they posed for a picture. I could just imagine how that conversation went:
“Eh come here boy, next to this puddle, we hadda prove it had flood! Hold dah food. Remember yuh cyah get the food unless yuh pose for the picture eh brudda.”
Side note: Spare a thought for the pets and animals affected by the floods.
This culture of ‘poseology’ and ‘picture engineering’ needs to be reconsidered. We cannot breed a people so detached from their humanity, that they consider the behaviour of false altruism, a normality or that they cannot see the flaw in their actions. This is a toxic trait and a behaviour counter-productive to the recovery of a victim who is already suffering. Although an individual who needs social media to validate their social work, is more than likely, also suffering.
- Lastly, how can you not love Trinidad and Tobago?
“Ever hear bout flood party?”
To end on a positive note, the togetherness and resilience of our people is definitely something we can be proud of and relieved about.
“Together we aspire, together we achieve.”
The relief efforts were significant, and many people opted to help not only distribute food but also with cleaning and offering free medical services. We have seen a unity that no political party has managed, but that the people themselves express. The communities came together and shared food with one another, even when they had nothing. This is one aspect of our culture which others can learn from.
Side note: Big up the Guild FST rep Shaquille, who ensured that his community had food and drink, even when he too was affected. He taught me a life lesson about community. #CommonUnity
Racism, classism, segregation and discrimination were all stripped away, and we saw a love that proved that our nation still has a heart. If only we can get it to beat; without a crisis.
P.S. There were flood parties across the country. Our coping mechanism for crisis, has to be one of the most unique in the world, but as Shadow would say, in times of stress we have to “Dingolay.”
R.I.P Legend.
