Aquil Arrindell for President of Pantrinbago Part 4.

[Russell Providence]

One challenge for the presidency of Pantrinbago at this time, may be the geopolitical hurdle that Tobago presents, considering its perceived loyalty to Beverley Ramsey Moore. To capture significant support in Tobago, the socioeconomic environment, and the culture in which Tobago steelbands exist and survive outside of panorama must be understood. The 2020 medium bands finals in Tobago did not benefit Tobago steelbands as much as it benefitted some individuals who identify as Tobagonians. An official report of that one off event is still forthcoming more than one year after it was hosted. Mrs Ramsey Moore has not been anxious to report to the steelband fraternity on the impact her initiative had on Tobago, or Tobago steelbands and the steelband fraternity. To date, Mrs Ramsey Moore has also failed to report on her stewardship during her tenure in national office to the membership that voted her into office. The evidence before us suggests that the south/central region would not blindly support justany candidate from the south, as Keith Byer’s last run for that office showed. Byer himself may not be quite popular among the rank and file of the steelband fraternity. On the other hand, Arrindell, a southerner, seems to involuntarily attract significant support in that region (and I dare say nationally). His record of service, evidence of his desire to accelerate development of the art form in a region where growth and development is stagnant, may not have gone unnoticed. The political climate in the east could be considered volatile. The factors that influence the majority of voters from the east may not be perfectly aligned with that of Tobago or south, but all have one common thread. Where does the loyalty of that region lie, is it with the future growth and development of dormant steelbands in that region, or is it with bare survival hinged on promises relayed by the administration in Port of Span? How will the rift between the incumbent president and the immediate past coordinator of the eastern region (currently a demoted central executive member), an alleged king maker with the ability the sway undecided eastern voters, influence the manner in which the east decides? Steelbands in the eastern region would choose wisely if they decide to throw their support behind a presidential candidate who would be inclined to promote their progressive and sustainable development as a matter of national policy. It is encouraging to note that the north, a progressive and dominating region, is leaning towards supporting whichever candidate offering themselves for office is most suitable to lead the organization going forward. The evidence suggests that the northern region will vote responsibly. It is expected that support in the north would be forthcoming for someone who is suitably qualified, experienced and relevant, and commands the support of the steelband fraternity. Steel bands cannot place their future in the hands of dinosaurs. The characteristic insatiable appetite of dinosaurs cannot be sustained in an environment transformed by the meteoric impact of COVID-19. Dinosaurs have their place in history. The world needs the perspective of the young on how they see their world changing, and how they can be relevant in the new normal to which they must adapt and conform. Steelband demands that perspective, it cannot be business as usual. The practice of recycling national steelband administrative dinosaurs must be superseded without eliminating the wisdom of experience. A pragmatic young man, Aquil Arrindell can to relate to the unique challenges steelbands face in an environment that has evolved at the speed of light. He possesses the qualities required to lead a renaissance in the steel band movement to stop the decline that has become endemic. Arrindell has shown that he is a man of integrity, by voluntarily stepping down from an administration that refused to be accountable to its membership. Intelligent. Qualified. Committed, Dedicated. Experienced. Transparent. Aquil Arrindell must be considered the most suitable candidate to lead the steelband movement at this time.

[Claude Gonzales]

EVERY STEELBAND in TOBAGO will be VOTING FOR BEVERLEY. And she has a lot of BLIND SUPPORT in the NORTH -- despite her NON-PERFORMANCE. South is fragmented with local gripes -- so they will never vote in a BLOCK like TOBAGO. And I doubt that the EAST is motivated enough to even recognize the need for change.