With the turn of events occasioned by the failure of Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls to testify in the case brought against Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, the country’s judicial system continues to be sorely tested.

The ordinary citizen who has tried to keep abreast of the twists and turns in the proceedings is convinced that the country’s judicial system has been compromised.

The citizen’s perception may not be entirely correct in all its assumptions. Today’s media world makes it possible for people to acquire information faster than they did before and to look on at various happenings in society and make judgments on what they see or think they perceive.

It provides access at levels not envisioned 20 years ago. The media inform – but they also have the capability to make people think they know more than they really do.

In the end, people make judgments on the information they have or think they have. The unfortunate aspect of all that has happened in the judicial system in recent months is that public distrust in the political and judicial systems has grown and this distrust has spilled over into other areas of national life.

One recent poll published in the Sunday Guardian stated that 86 per cent of those questioned had no faith in the criminal justice system. We may be perilously close to a widespread belief that justice is not possible in the land.

Part of the problem may stem from the fact that many of our public officials are not aware of the power of communication technology – that it is more than just their tool and can actually be their undoing by revealing more about them than they want us to know.

Sincere love of nation

What can be done to save our judicial system from further disparagement? What will help the next generation of leaders to perform their functions in a way that inspires the nation?

Very likely, in time the technology will catch up with us or we will catch up with the technology. Still, an attitude of waiting for the inevitable does nothing for the present.

Trinidad and Tobago needs people who are committed to the true development of all citizens – now. It needs mature leaders who act out of a sincere love of nation and who are willing to serve to the best of their abilities.

As the Church enters Holy Week and reflects on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded of the stark reality of weak human nature, evident in the blind selfishness of disciples who argue about who is the greatest among them at a time when the Master is contemplating his imminent sacrificial death on the cross.

 But the reading of the Passion this Sunday also reminds us of the help God provides to those who seek to rise above deception and denial and be a source of strength for fellow brothers and sisters.

Turning to Simon Peter, Jesus says: “Simon, Simon! Satan, you must know, has got his wish to sift you all like wheat; but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail, and once you are recovered, you in your turn must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31, 32).

Above all, as the Church celebrates the principal moments of the paschal mystery, it looks to Christ through whom hope for the world and all aspects of our national life becomes real.