Let goodwill and common sense prevail in SEA dispute

THE EDITOR: Simply defined, hubris may refer to a person’s sense of exaggerated pride, self-confidence, and importance. Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, has been defined as the capability of a person to manage and control his or her emotions and possess the ability to influence the emotions of others as well.

For me, the national interest represents all that is good for the existence, survival, and development of TT. It is an imperative to which all patriots in TT should subscribe.

Unfortunately, history has consistently documented the error of humanity in getting right our approach to promoting the national interest. A case in point is the current controversy between the Ministry of Education and TTUTA as to when the 2020 SEA exam should take place.

As I see it, we face a situation which can seriously impact the national health, the education of our primary school students, the welfare of our teachers, and the smooth operation of our secondary education sub-system.

From a leadership, management, and an administration perspective, tell me what is so difficult to agree on with respect this SEA controversy?

First of all, the stakeholders involved, as leaders in the education system, should know that data and experience are critical to influencing their stand and ultimate decision.

Next should be the determination – if not sacred duty – to promote the national interest.

If such a simple issue cannot be resolved by our esteemed educational stakeholders, then only God’s mercy can save us in this country. We seem totally incapable of uniting to overcome and address our problems.

One would have thought that covid19 has taught the world in general and us in particular that without communication, collaboration, co-operation and goodwill the world will collapse as our civilisation unfolds into more complex stages.

By way of conclusion, all I can now recommend is that stakeholders reject hubris and embrace a combination of emotional intelligence, love for the national interest, and simple strategic decision making to allow goodwill and common sense to prevail.

RAYMOND S HACKETT

Curepe