The Oligarchic Grip on Trinidad and Tobago's Political Parties

In Trinidad and Tobago, the political landscape is often dominated by two major parties: the People's National Movement (PNM) and the United National Congress (UNC). This binary system has shaped the nation's political discourse for decades, but beneath the surface lies a more complex narrative of control and influence by the country's oligarchs. The recent non-selection of Andy Williams by the UNC, attributed to his status as a "common man," illuminates the underlying elitist control within these political entities.

The Elites and Party Leadership

Historical Context

From the inception of these parties, there has been a consistent pattern where leadership tends to be concentrated among those with established economic or social influence. The PNM, founded by Eric Williams in 1956, initially represented a broad coalition but gradually saw its leadership and decision-making processes dominated by a select group with significant influence in business, media, and law. Similarly, the UNC, formed in 1989, has often been criticized for its top-heavy structure where power is centralized among a few influential figures, many of whom hail from the business or legal sectors.

Selection of Candidates

The case of Andy Williams, a man perceived as being from the grassroots, provides a clear example of how candidate selection often bypasses those who might disrupt the established order. Political parties in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly the PNM and UNC, tend to favor candidates with deep connections to existing power structures. This practice ensures that the parties remain aligned with the interests of those who have the means to finance campaigns, sway public opinion through media influence, or leverage legal frameworks to maintain their status quo.

Influence of Oligarchs

Economic Power

Oligarchs in Trinidad and Tobago often come from sectors like energy, finance, and real estate. Their economic influence allows them to fund political campaigns, thereby exerting control over who gets to represent the party. This financial backing is not just about support but also about ensuring that policies and decisions favor their interests, which might include tax benefits, regulatory leniency, or direct government contracts.

Media Influence

Control over media narratives is another tool in the oligarch's arsenal. By influencing or owning major media outlets, they can shape public perception, promote certain candidates, and marginalize others like Andy Williams, who might not align with elite agendas. This control over information dissemination can sway elections and public policy debates in favor of those who maintain the status quo.

Legal and Policy Influence

Lawyers and former judges often find their way into the political leadership of both parties, bringing with them an understanding of how to manipulate or navigate legal systems to protect or enhance their interests. This legal prowess is crucial in drafting laws or interpreting regulations in a way that benefits the elites while potentially marginalizing policies that could benefit the wider populace.

The Impact on Democracy

The oligarchic control of the PNM and UNC has significant implications for Trinidad and Tobago's democracy:

• Lack of Representation: The exclusion of candidates like Andy Williams suggests a democracy where representation is skewed towards the interests of the few rather than the many. This can lead to policies that do not reflect the needs or desires of the general population.
• Voter Disillusionment: When voters recognize that their choices are limited to candidates vetted by an elite few, this can lead to apathy or cynicism towards the political process, undermining democratic participation.
• Policy Stagnation: With parties controlled by similar interests, there's often a lack of radical or progressive policy shifts, leading to a political landscape where change is slow, and innovation in governance or economic policy is rare.

Conclusion

The non-selection of Andy Williams by the UNC is not merely an isolated incident but a symptom of a broader, systemic issue within Trinidad and Tobago's political framework. The control exerted by oligarchs over both major parties illustrates a democracy where economic power translates into political power, often at the expense of true representative governance. For Trinidad and Tobago to evolve into a more equitable and dynamic democratic state, there must be a concerted effort to break this cycle of elite control, fostering an environment where political participation is genuinely inclusive and reflective of the diverse needs of its populace.