The writer and philosopher Edmund Burke, who spent several decades in Parliament, was most famous for the expression that the triumph of evil requires only that good men do nothing - or, in the Caribbean, remain silent. He also said that a principled opposition is necessary to prevent the abuse of power, something equally important for islands awash with corruption, lies and very little integrity.

They know who they are.

Yet every single voter who abstains from publicly correcting political misbehaviour, by any means necessary, is as guilty as those in the ivory towers who sell out their country internationally, arrest or impede citizens going about their daily lives, as well as perpetrate the other usual evils of entrenched political leadership.

Do not take my word for it. A brief review of the first days of the Hadeed tragicomedy in Trinidad saw many family members, friends, associates and members of the general public remain silent as lambs while the state rode roughshod over the human rights of a few, abetted by descendants of their former English masters. The English, you will remember, were prime movers of slavery, for which reparations remain unpaid, and pioneers of early concentration camps, later formalised by the Nazis.

A few brave souls, such as their lawyers, stood up to the monstrosity of a government aided by many public officials whose family members must bathe in shame every single day.

Caribbean silence

This lack of response and societal muteness is not itself unusual in many Caribbean countries, with the notable exception of Jamaica. Critics regularly cast their views into the media pool and even provide their contact information. Such is their courage and willingness to confront the status quo. Jamaican native son Chosen Brown is one of them, having memorably stated that a leader should fear failing the people. No greater truth.

Perhaps the anecdote about the most fearless slaves on the Middle Passage ending up in Jamaica has some truth to it.

Some politicians there today, who now ride herd on emergency detentions, were themselves interned and oppressed in the 70s.

How the wheel turns.

Cayman Islands

At the other end of the scale is the Cayman Islands, home to perhaps the largest number of anonymous comments and opinions per capita in the Caribbean, as well as a culture of general secrecy. Perhaps it has something to do with the enormous number of government employees or fragile immigration policies. Whatever the reason, the government of the day has a much easier ride than that of Jamaica, which has a vigorous opposition.

Trinidad

In Trinidad, the deeply divided opposition must acknowledge that unity is essential if it is to provide voters with a reasonable choice; otherwise, the odious status quo will continue.

Time will tell.