THE Merriam-Webster dictionary defines vision as ‘the act of power of imagination’.

‘When you apply vision to the future, you can create a mental picture that can be used to direct your actions. You must have a clear view of what you want to accomplish. Vision serves as a guide and can be used to provide a sense of purpose.’ (University of the People) This holds good for people, organisations and governments; ‘having a vision proves to be extremely important. Given the trials and tribulations that may come your way, when you have a clear vision of what you want to happen, you can make better decisions’. (UoP) A vision must also be documented and, more importantly, sold to all stakeholders. I would like to ask those in authority responsible for making crucial decisions impacting our twin islands and the population: what is your vision for Trinidad and Tobago? What do you want to see in relation to our country in the future, both short- and long-term?

It is stated, ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish.’ My personal take on this is that if a people do not have a vision, they will accomplish very little in life. Leadership in any scenario, even in a nation, must have a vision for that nation.

There are some important things that having a vision does for a people. They are as follows:

1. It helps build morale amongst those involved; 2. It reduces frustration because it defines not just what to do, but also what we don’t do; 3. It allows concentration. A wise old saying: ‘The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.’

4. A clear vision attracts cooperation when people are convinced that you know what you are about they are more likely to join in; 5. Vision is a strong tool in order to measure or evaluate where you are, hence the reason for writing it down.

The campaign for the 2025 general election will get stronger as we go deeper into the year, and while a manifesto is important, I believe a vision key (what you want to happen down the road after seeing it before) for the future is relevant.

Author Simon Sinek is quoted: ‘One of the best paradoxes of leadership is a leader’s need to be both stubborn and open-minded. A leader must insist on sticking to the vision and staying on course to the destination. But he must be open-minded during the process.’

I therefore once again ask our leaders (politicians): what is your vision for Trinidad and Tobago? It would be good to share with the population.

Here is the vision of the late Martin Luther King Jnr, and I am using it as an example. It is still in the hearts of many today. ‘I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident: all men are created equal.

‘I have a dream that one day out in the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

‘I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by their character.’

Arnold Gopeesingh
San Juan