More investigations. More probes. Time and money wasted on studying a long-decayed Health system. Studies which will produce no publicly published reports. No solutions.

Healthcare, like education and so many other failed systems in Trinidad and Tobago, will not be worthy of the name until ALL OF THE PEOPLE take responsibility for the governing of the country. Each person must decide to stop depending on "the bright boys, the big people" to make things right. It is not up to the NAR, PNM, UNC nor any other party to fix this mess. Until our only allegiance is to ourselves, our children and our neighbours, we won't stand up and take charge.

We will keep getting Promenades and Miss Universe Contests until we come together and fight for ventilators, Intensive Care Units, Operating Theatres, modern well-equipped, well-staffed hospitals. The call must be constant, not just when you're actually in need of the service. When only 4 cars participate in a rally for better Healthcare or a new hospital, it won't happen. They'll just put up a new sign. If just 1 day every month, every one in T&T stages some form of visible, legal protest for better Healthcare, THEY will pay attention. Don't wait until the lump is rotting in YOUR breast, until YOU need a ventilator.

The first requirement for a Healthy Lifestyle is good self-esteem. We all have the power to make a difference. We just need the will and the faith. The Honorable Hochoy Charles is right. Don't vote for the party in power, unless you're satisfied with what they've delivered. If you have good Healthcare, you're satisfied with the education system, vote the status quo. If not, give someone else a chance, but don't believe the promises, watch their actions and results. Refurbishing official residences, buying new cars, travelling away for what they're not making available to you here, is not keeping the promise.

No one gives you what you don't tell them you want. If you truly want an improved Health System, tell the government everyday with your phone calls and letters, on election days with your votes. Think of that woman waiting outside the hospital while the lump in her breast grows and spreads. For God's sake, can we truly not do better?

Pray for courage

Lynette M. Lewis
A member of FRIENDS