“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world usually do.” 

This famous line from Apple’s iconic Think Different campaign, launched in 1997, remains as relevant today as it was nearly three decades ago. In our region, attempting to change anything often labels you as crazy. Yet, it’s precisely this audacity that we need.

I presented “A Land of Opportunity – Why T&T is Great for Entrepreneurs” a few months ago during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The presentation was inspired by a speech I did a few months before in a group I’m a part of. Unsurprisingly, the comment section on our post was filled with scepticism and criticism:

• “Only for the 1% and Rowley’s chosen friends. Is pressure for everybody else.”
• “Is this a joke?”
• “Somebody needs to tell Trinibiz that April’s Fools Day has passed.”
• “Name 1 opportunity for young people, PNM stooge.”

These comments echoed common concerns:

• Our crime situation
• Corruption
• Lack of infrastructure
• Difficulty of doing business in our country

These are not secrets; everyone knows about them, and most are vocal about them. 

But who is actively working to improve our situation? 

When that question is asked, the noise of a stadium at a World Cup Final suddenly sounds like a whisper in the arena. Everyone can complain, but very few are committed to change.

Crisis: Facing Our Problems

Our problems are real. The crime situation alone motivates many to consider migration. Despite having the world’s largest natural asphalt deposits, our roads are terrible, and the traffic is unbearable. Government institutions are inefficient, prices are rising with fewer value-added benefits, and the government seems oblivious to the realities on the ground.

Reality: We’re Not Alone

But let’s face it: these issues aren’t unique to Trinidad or the Caribbean. England struggles with potholes going unrepaired for over a year. Canada faces an ongoing housing and healthcare crisis. Australia and New Zealand grapple with the rapid increase in the cost of living. Even Singapore, a country we often benchmark ourselves against, is not immune to challenges.

While our challenges are formidable, they are not insurmountable or unique. This universality means that solutions tried and tested elsewhere can be adapted and applied here if only we were to focus on the solutions.

Alternatives: Imagining a Better Future

Imagine a future where we lead in sustainable energy by harnessing our abundant solar and wind resources. Imagine if we became one of the first territories to harness the power of ocean currents as a form of renewable energy. What might be possible when we drastically reduce our energy costs? (which are actually already low, but a topic for another day.)

What about a future where Trinidad and Tobago are not just known for our festivals but also as a global culinary capital, rivalling countries like France? Our rich, diverse cuisine offers a unique gastronomic experience that could captivate the world. Envision our local dishes such as doubles, bake and shark, pelau, and roti, becoming as internationally recognised as French croissants or Italian pasta.

What opportunities do you believe that can create for our people? What might an environment where our creativity isn’t just a hobby but a viable career path supported by robust infrastructure, policies, and educational systems yield?

Our local comedic talent is a testament to our cultural vibrancy and unique perspective on life’s absurdities. By investing in this sector, we could see a renaissance of local content that resonates both domestically and internationally. This would involve funding for comedy shows, support for comedy clubs, and educational programs in schools that foster comedic talent from a young age.

These are not just dreams; they are attainable alternatives. If we commit to thinking differently and adopting new approaches, we can leverage our creativity and ride the wave of advancing technology to catapult our progress.

Zeroing In: Focusing on Solutions

Now, it’s time to zero in on solutions. We need to focus our efforts where they can make the most significant impact. That means not just addressing the symptoms of our problems but getting to their roots. We must harness technology, streamline processes, foster transparency, and build infrastructure that doesn’t just serve our current needs but pioneers the future.

Why Now? Acting Before It’s Too Late

But we have to act now. Because the longer we wait, the further we fall behind. As the world moves forward with AI and technology, as global standards for governance and business evolve, we cannot afford to be left in the dust. The time to act is now. We must leverage every tool at our disposal, think differently, and be those ‘crazy ones’ who see not just what is but what could be.

Let’s Be the Crazy Ones

So here’s to the crazy ones—the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules and have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. But the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. While some may see them as crazy, we see them as geniuses.

Let’s be those crazy ones. Let’s think differently, but more importantly, let’s act now.