"As we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a nation,we are faced with two opposing value systems, each striving to emerge as a dominant culture. The first speaks to a spirit of collaboration and community exemplified in the fellowship of religious institutions...in the unity and comradery of the steelband..." President Anthony Carmona, during his Inaugural Speech. (Note what he defines as the other "value system", and which he blames for the deterioration of our society.)
After listening to President Anthony Carmona's Inaugural Speech (see link below), I can honestly say that, for the first time in a very long time, I felt pride in one of our country's politicians. In particular, I was very impressed with his command of the social climate. As you LISTEN to his speech, compare it to my positions, as opposed to others, who believe in only money, and value "success" ONLY in terms of how much wealth and material things one accumulates. Finally, listen to what he says about the impact that social marginalization of the underprivileged (and we know who they are, what they look like, and where they live) has on our society, and how "outside the box" approaches have proven to be effective in addressing these social hazards. Also note, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he views apathy as a major contributor to the problem. I thank our President for making such a responsible speech, and hope ALL citizens of Trinidad and Tobago understand the words he so eloquently presented. When President Anthony Carmona Speaks, EVERYONE Should Listen!!!
George D. Goddard/Pan'tum - The Ghost Who Talks
Honoring The Legacy of George "Sonny" Goddard
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=0JR7n3qqKec&feature=endscreen
Replies
EVERY CREED AND RACE HAVE AN EQUAL PLACE......AS A TRINIDADIAN IN A STEELBAND..
THE TRUE MELTING POT....
George, It is my prayer that President Carmona approach his duties in such a manner that whenever he speaks EVERYONE Would Listen.
Agreed, Cecil, my colleague. What I really gathered, though, is that if we individually do not also approach "our duties" (as "responsible citizens") in the same manner, then we are not really "listening". I love the Chinese character for "listen", because it is made up of the symbols for EYES, EARS, ATTENTION, and (my favorite) AN OPEN HEART. Many people only hear, relying only on their ears, and in many cases with "closed" hearts (and minds). Positive words are supposed to inspire us into action, regardless of the "messenger", however, many get caught up in the "politics" of personality. Hopefully, we all come to understand the true purpose of "words of inspiration"; that they place the burden of responsibility on both the deliverer and the receiver. Just like a remote control that fails to change the channels or adjust the volume of your TV set, "words" that fail to evoke a particular response (action), are equally as useless. Hopefully, his words move ALL our hearts enough that we give them the response they deserve, regardless of his (or any one else's) actions. That is what I will walk away with from that speech. I love my country; I love my people; I love my industry! I am a panman from Trinidad and Tobago! Hotep (Peace).
GHOST - Who Talks With The Understanding Of The Power Of Words! Let there be...and THERE WAS!!!
Honoring The Legacy Of George "Sonny" Goddard. A Man of WORDS and ACTION!
George, I thank you for bringing my attention to this speech. The Pres. pointed out a lot of the ills our country faces, he also told us what we have to and must do to have a better society. It is always good when we are reminded that it takes everyone to make things work. What you said brings to mind a church song "Open the Eyes of my Heart" we will all be better people if we see and hear with our hearts.
The TRINBAGO steelband, especially all those that have survived from the early years and flourished, are much more than our president's"'unity and comraderie" quotation.. They are examples of 'native' systems of governance, democracy, social activism, productivity, creativity and the beauty of the human spirit. They could teach great lessons.to some of our leaders in all fields.
Hi Kelvin. I agree with you 100%! Well said. I think the President also will agree, and he used those two words to make a point, and not to suggest that was all we are about. At least, I hope so. lol.
GHOST.