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Focus on solutions and ways we can help

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While surfing the internet this morning I started thinking about problem solving and particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. If I wanted to see a list of all the problems affecting persons in this country where do I go? If I wanted to volunteer solutions to these problems where do I go? There are problems that have existed for years. Seems like everyone knows the solutions. Seems like everyone is an expert. Then there is bureaucracy. Then there are competing interests. Then there is finite resources.

I find the older generation is often resistant to change and change is often needed as solutions to problems. The older generation thinks about working hard while the younger generation thinks about working smart. We need to develop a good problem solving culture in this country and I think technology can help. We can develop an open forum platform where persons can share problems and then persons can offer solutions. Problems and solutions can be voted on. The platform can be incentivised to encourage participation.

Who knows it feels it. The politicians are disconnected from the man on the street. This has been feautured in recent statements coming out of the budget. We are depending majorly on the politicians to enact solutions and make decisions on our behalf. We need politics where we have more of a say. We need politics where bright young minds can lead. We need politics where our leaders are grounded. We should develop a system of politics that is modern and suited to us and move away from the one we inherited.

Our resources are limited and our country can benefit hugely from a mass of volunteers. On this point I am reminded of the words of Martin Luther King Jr who said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?" We all have benefitted from the help of others. No one is self made. No one functions in a bubble. We are interdependent. Instead of doom and gloom pieces let us focus on solutions and ways we can help.
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