The Failures of Fitzgerald Hinds MP

“Morvant/Laventille is not fundamentally better-off than it was eight years ago when I assumed office. Admitting that the task is humongous and made even more so by the lethargy of far too many of its residents, one knows that fundamental transformation and development are achievable. A comprehensive plan, the political will and cessation of the attitude of taking the people and their votes for granted, is all that is necessary.” [Fitzgerald Hinds- Member of Parliament for Laventille/Morvant 1995 – 2007].
I purposefully put an end date to the quote above because it is wide knowledge that this is Mr. Hind’s last term as a Member of Parliament and all that can be said for that is “Thank God for small mercies!” I always wondered if there was anyone who could outdo Prime Minister Manning in blowing hot air and making foolish statements. Let us put it this way: Fitzgerald Hinds belongs to the right party and is eminently following in the footsteps of his beloved leader, a leader who has expressed no confidence in his abilities as a Member of Parliament or Minister of Government.
In thinking of Fitzgerald Hinds, a profound statement by Francis Bacon [English Lawyer and Philosopher 1561 – 1626] comes to mind, “The zeal that begins in hypocrisy must conclude in treachery, at first it deceives, at last it betrays.” In no small measure, Fitzgerald Hinds is a hypocrite, charlatan, a fraud, and a deceiver of those whom he has failed to lead.
On a radio interview on Sunday October 23, 2005, Hinds, in defending his party’s decision not to support the “Death March” stated that it appeared to be one supported mainly by the middle and upper classes. I am not at all surprised by a statement. While addressing the Fifth Biennial Conference of Delegates of the Contractors and General Workers Trade Union [CGWTU] ON August 26, 2004, Hinds made it quite clear that he will take no personal responsibility for the increasing crime rate. This of course from the Junior National Security Minister. To give a further illustration of his thinking, on April 8, 2005, Hinds went so far to indicate in a newspaper article that “East Indians are the choice of kidnappers because they are more visible as businesspeople.”
As one who participated in the march itself, I wish to state categorically that there was a healthy mix of the entire population, representative of all cross-sections, and demonstrating the diversity of our culture. Hinds sought to justify his government’s no show by playing upon the race card and the poor.
Blasted hypocrite! What has Hinds done for the poor in his community? Even after his appointment as Minister of State in the Ministries of National Security and Rehabilitation and Industry and Trade, Hinds finds the time to listen to all the radio stations and call in with his comments almost on a daily basis. That would explain why nothing has been forthcoming from Hinds since his appointment. In many ways, Hinds reminds me of Harvey Boris who even succeeded at one time in having his own radio talk show.
Hinds has left his constituency in complete disarray and at this point in time, the people of Laventille and Morvant don’t want to hear from a man who perceives himself to be a leader in their community. He offers them no hope, no future, no commitment for development. Earlier this year, he boycotted weeklong Emancipation celebrations within his own constituency at the Morvant Ebonites Pan Theatre. Not one day did he attend, just like his government boycotting the death march on Saturday. This, from a man who presumably practices the tenets of the Rastafarian faith. Blasted hypocrite!
In early October 2005, Hinds stepped into a parlour on Picton Road, Laventille and was confronted by angry residents who believe that the government has failed them. His response was “that there are people in higher positions than him and that he had to take orders before he could do anything.” Clearly, that was the chant of a lunatic, a mocking pretender, and a disgrace to the Rastafarian movement. Some say that Laventille has an unemployment rate of approximately 45% and yet Hinds finds time during the day and night to call all the radio stations and pontificate the “successes” of his government.
Michael Aberdeen, President of the Laventille Extension Road Village Council on January 20, 2005 claimed that the people of Laventille were being neglected by their Member of Parliament, especially the residents of Never Dirty. They were lacking the delivery of basic essentials such as streetlights, water, and other amenities. Perhaps they should call a radio station while he is on air.
In September 2000, Hinds indicated in Parliament that he thanked God that his children were not awake to hear Kamla Persad Bissessar talk about how much pipe she could take. If he had stopped to think what he was doing, he would have realized that his children would have been awake during news time to hear about the same thing he did not want them to hear about.
In a letter to the editor of a daily newspaper on September 4, 2005, David Blandin stated “I wish I were a PNM supporter, so that when I hear Fitzgerald Hinds of all people say that the President of the Police Second Division Association is full of hot air for voicing legitimate concerns about his members’ welfare, I would think hmmm, pot calling kettle black…”
Hinds’ performance as a Junior Minister in the Manning administration is not even mediocre, so put simply, the constituency and the nation is getting the most out of him- you can’t expect more than the man can deliver! Hinds, from time to time makes scattered statements on issues of national importance. On August 4, 2005, he said that government has allocated $184 million for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service. One wonders how many more stores must burn to the ground in Port of Spain before the upgrade is finally complete.
Hinds is also in charge of Penal Reform in Trinidad and Tobago. I think he believes he has to reform the southern town to cater for more “doubles” and “saheena.” According to Joseph Boodoosingh in a letter to the editor, “It is indeed unfortunate that the Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, did not first find out whether or not inmates in custody are allowed visits from their children before be appeared on national television. Inmates in custody are allowed visits from their children, as he would have learnt. The basic rule applies: ‘If you don’t know, ask first.’”
As a failed politician, Hinds will get high marks. If he thinks by saying a lot of “big words, big words” that he would impress the population, he should think again. Even the Prime Minister has recognized this fact: that is why he was refused a substantive Ministerial post. What is sad is that he continues to repeat the nonsensical statements of his line Minister, even in face of overwhelming stupidity.
In a letter to Raoul Pantin dated October 6, 2005, Hinds writes, “Our crime situation is not entirely unique and that we are facing the same difficulties that many other societies face in this globalized environment.” May I remind the goodly gentleman that the rate of all major crime has been falling in the United States. We indeed have our unique situation, and we must deal with it forthrightly and with the political will necessary to send a strong message to the criminals.
In short, I wonder if Hinds is not performing his marital duties, would he blame it on the globalized environment and that his situation is not unique.
Blasted Hypocrite! Hinds, you should take a break from the radio. The people of Trinidad and Tobago have demonstrated in large numbers that enough is enough. It is time for your government to do something about the situation or get out!