IT is an unconscionable act to capitalise on the grief of the Mahdia tragedy for political mileage, and in times of devastation, leaders need to rise above partisan interests and work towards uniting the country, providing solace and hope to those in need. Only through genuine unity and collective resilience can a nation heal and emerge stronger from tragedy.

To politicise the grief of those affected by the tragic Mahdia dormitory fire, less than one week after 19 children lost their lives, as many families await the recovery of those who are still hospitalised with injuries, is something along the lines of insanity, since there is a time and place for everything.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton allegedly during an appearance in a media outlet in Trinidad and Tobago tried such.

Norton, who heads a party that is strongly accused of attempting to rig the 2020 elections as the world watched on in condemnation, is also facing significant backlash from members of the public after he called for the resignation of Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony and Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill following Monday’s tragic fire at Mahdia.

Across social media platforms, members of the public took to the comment section and called out Norton for these remarks. Some persons questioned how such an action would help the situation even as they called Norton out for playing politics with such a delicate situation.

In one comment, one person stated, “Why does everything have to be political? These leaders have no dignity and jump at every opportunity to defame the other.”
Nevertheless, the country will overcome this current devastation, as President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that the government will be launching a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the causes and circumstances of the Mahdia fire.

The Head of State said: “We will never forget these children. They will remain in our hearts forever. But we will overcome this tragedy. Of this, I am confident and even more so because we are a resilient people.” Dr Ali called on the nation to band together, and find comfort in unity.

Tragedy strikes deep at the core of a nation, shaking its foundation and leaving its citizens in a state of vulnerability and grief.

In such times of immense suffering, it is imperative for political leaders and their supporters to rise above personal agendas and come together in pursuit of national unity.
However, regrettably, some leaders and their acolytes succumb to the temptation of exploiting these tragic events, particularly the deaths of innocent children, as a means to gain political mileage and sow divisions within a nation.

Tragedy, especially when it involves the loss of innocent lives, commands reverence and respect. The deaths of children represent an exceptional sorrow that touches the hearts of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliations.

Exploiting such tragedy for personal or political gains undermines the dignity of these events and tarnishes the memory of those who have perished. Political leaders are responsible for demonstrating empathy, compassion, and sensitivity, ensuring that tragedy remains a unifying force rather than a divisive one.

By exploiting the deaths of children for political advantage, leaders and their acolytes betray the trust of the people they are meant to serve. Citizens look to their leaders for guidance and solace in times of tragedy, seeking reassurance that their nation will emerge stronger and united.

When leaders instead use these devastating events as tools to further their own agendas, trust is eroded, and cynicism takes its place. The resulting division only compounds the existing pain and hampers genuine healing and reconciliation prospects.

Exploiting tragedy in pursuit of political points inevitably leads to increased societal polarisation and fragmentation. By capitalising on the grief and anger of the affected citizens, leaders risk exacerbating existing divisions, pitting one group against another. This dangerous path can have far-reaching consequences, undermining social cohesion, and hindering efforts to rebuild and move forward as a united nation. Political leaders must resist this temptation and prioritise unity over short-term gains.

In times of tragedy, nations require leadership that can bring people together, transcending political boundaries to foster healing and resilience. Instead of seizing these opportunities, leaders who exploit tragedy for personal gains squander valuable chances for national healing and growth. By redirecting the focus away from the collective good towards their own interests, they perpetuate the cycle of pain, preventing the affected society from moving towards a shared vision of a better future.

Exploiting tragedy, particularly the deaths of children, for political gain is an unethical act that undermines the principles of compassion, unity, and trust. Political leaders and their acolytes must recognise such actions’ destructive consequences and prioritise the nation’s well-being over personal ambitions.