As Trinidad and Tobago marks its 45th Independence anniversary at the end of this week, it finds itself unexpectedly blessed by the income from petroleum products, a resource it knows for sure will not last for ever, and confronted – for yet another year – by the particularly nagging problem of crime. The journey since Independence has not been without its jolts. But, who said the journey would be an easy one?

In his first address to an independent Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams looked with a hint of apprehension into the future: “What use will you make of your independence? What will you transmit to your children five years from today? Other countries ceased to exist in that period. Some, in much less time, have become totally disorganised, a prey to anarchy and civil war.”

As a nation we are as vulnerable now as we were then. Said Williams: “You are on your own in a big world, in which you are one of many nations, some small, some medium size, some large.” With customary bravado, he added: “You are nobody’s boss and nobody is your boss.”

Nothing of what we have experienced so far, therefore, and what we experience today should come as a complete surprise – even though we may dearly wish many things were different.

Our vulnerability does not arise from hostile neighbours. Our geographical position – but for the evil drug trade which must use our waters and coastline – has been our good fortune and strength.

Our vulnerability arises from the negative consequences of globalisation and an all-pervasive communication environment. It is difficult for one to be one’s own boss in a climate such as this, yet Williams’ question (“What will you transmit to your children five years from today?”) is pointed and even more pertinent today.

Necessary sacrifices

How are we to approach the present and the future? Let us thank God who has been gracious to us: let us also acknowledge our failures. It is important to learn the lessons of the past and present, if we are to reach maturity as a nation. True growth is not effortless.

Further, we cannot move forward without seeking to understand the present environment – how it is shaping us as a people – and taking some hard decisions. It is important also that our leaders move beyond purely sectarian interests and have the willingness and integrity to call citizens to make necessary sacrifices.

The readings for this Sunday’s liturgy call the faithful who will hear it proclaimed to be disciplined and to accept discipline, for the sake of the kingdom of God. Jesus says: “Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you many will try to enter and will not succeed” (Luke 13: 24).

And the Letter to the Hebrews states: “when the Lord corrects you; do not treat it lightly; but do not get discouraged when he reprimands you” (Hebrews 12: 5).

These readings that fortuitously begin Independence week 2007 are a reminder to all citizens of the need to make sacrifices and urge us to proceed with fresh courage, assured of God’s love.

Says Hebrews again: “hold up your limp arms and steady your trembling knees and smooth out the path you tread …the injured limb will not be wrenched, it will grow strong again” (12: 12 – 13).