In 1969 as a young seven year old I was introduced to politics. My uncle who lived in Trinidad was very much involved in culture and had started a steel band tent in the town of Arima. The rumblings of the Black Power movement had started and then Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams decided to reconnect with the grassroots by visiting various pan tents. He chose one night to visit the pan tent of my uncle. At seven years I was fascinated how a man of no great physical attribute could demand such respect. I was introduced to the politics of leadership in the Caribbean. Twelve years later he died, unfortunately his death was announced on my birthday – March 30th. I saw the impact this man made in the lives of people as I saw my mother weeping for hours for a man she did not know personally on the same day her son celebrated her birthday. I had to step aside as she in her own way...
