By: Paul Sarran
May 26, 2026
Economic frustration is no longer a private conversation whispered in homes and taxis across Trinidad and Tobago. It has become a national discussion. Citizens from every community are expressing concern about unemployment, underemployment, and the growing feeling that hard work and education are no longer enough to secure a stable future.
After speaking with people across various communities, the same concerns continue to emerge repeatedly. Some are unemployed, some are hustling from one small job to the next, while others are working in positions far below their qualifications and experience. Parents continue to sacrifice to send their children to school, believing education remains the pathway to success. Yet many graduates are now leaving universities and technical institutions only to face rejection, uncertainty, and disappointment.
This growing frustration is dangerous because it weakens public confidence in national institutions. Young people are beginning to question whether merit, qualifications and dedication truly matter in Trinidad and Tobago. When citizens lose faith in fairness and equal opportunity, the social fabric of the country begins to erode.
Recent scrutiny surrounding hiring practices at the Water and Sewerage Authority has intensified these concerns. Reports published by local media highlighted allegations that several social media influencers were hired within the Authority following the 2025 General Election. According to the report, questions have been raised regarding qualifications, recruitment procedures and whether political considerations influenced employment decisions.
It is important to emphasise that allegations are not convictions. Every individual employed has the right to work and to be treated fairly. However, the broader issue being raised by the public is whether recruitment within state agencies is being conducted transparently, competitively and based on merit.
For years, Trinidad and Tobago has struggled with accusations of political patronage under successive administrations. Citizens have repeatedly criticised the use of state programmes and agencies as political tools. Whether the criticism was directed at CEPEP, URP or other state institutions, the complaint has remained consistent: too many people believe connections matter more than competence.
That perception alone is damaging.
A country cannot progress if talented and qualified citizens feel permanently sidelined. The public sector should never become a reward system for loyalty, influence or online popularity. State agencies exist to deliver services efficiently and professionally to the population. Every appointment should strengthen institutions, not weaken public confidence in them.
The issue extends beyond one agency or one political administration. Trinidad and Tobago faces a deeper crisis involving governance, accountability and national development. Across the country, many skilled professionals remain unemployed or underutilised while industries struggle with productivity, innovation and service delivery.
This contradiction raises a serious national question: are we building institutions based on excellence, or are we normalising mediocrity?
A developing nation cannot afford to waste its human capital. When educated citizens are overlooked repeatedly, many eventually migrate, disengage from national life or lose motivation entirely. The result is brain drain, declining productivity and increased social frustration. Young people begin to believe that success depends less on talent and more on political affiliation, social influence or personal connections.
That belief is toxic for democracy and national development.
The concerns surrounding employment practices also come at a difficult economic period for many citizens. The cost of living continues to rise while wages remain stagnant for thousands of families. Small businesses are struggling, job opportunities remain limited and many communities are dealing with increasing financial pressure. In that environment, allegations of politically connected hiring naturally provoke public anger.
Citizens are demanding fairness, transparency and accountability. These are not unreasonable demands. Taxpayers fund state agencies and therefore expect recruitment practices to withstand public scrutiny. Governments of every political persuasion must understand that trust cannot be demanded; it must be earned through action.
At the same time, the national conversation must remain responsible and balanced. Public criticism should focus on systems, policies and governance issues rather than personal attacks or defamatory accusations against individuals. Constructive criticism strengthens democracy when it is rooted in facts, accountability and respect for due process.
The real issue before the country is not whether one individual deserves employment. The issue is whether Trinidad and Tobago is creating a fair and competitive society where all citizens have equal access to opportunity.
Young professionals are tired of hearing promises while watching opportunities disappear behind closed doors. Many graduates are now asking whether their degrees, training and sacrifices truly matter. These concerns cannot simply be dismissed as political noise because they reflect genuine frustration within the population.
As a nation, Trinidad and Tobago must decide what standard it wishes to uphold. If meritocracy is abandoned, national institutions will continue to decline. If transparency is ignored, public distrust will deepen. If nepotism and political favouritism become accepted norms, the country risks moving backwards instead of forward.
The nation’s future cannot depend on loyalty over competence. Trinidad and Tobago possesses talented, educated and capable citizens who are ready to contribute meaningfully to national development. What they require is a system that values fairness, professionalism and equal opportunity.
Citizens are watching closely, and many are asking a painful question: are we truly progressing as a nation, or are we slowly becoming a society where merit no longer matters?
The author holds a BSc in Political Science from The University of the West Indies.
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