One day after Sport Minister Gary Hunt admitted to making an error in the construction of a $2 million national flag, his boss, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, says the Government "will try to do better in the future."
Manning spoke yesterday during the latest in PNM's walkabouts in the Laventille West constituency. It was a continuation of a series of meet-the-people tours he has embarked upon on the theme, "Explaining Policies, Providing Opportunities". This is geared to audit the ruling party's impact where Government policies on the community is concerned. On the flag issue, Manning said an error was made and Government has acknowledged the error and would move on "and will try to do better in future." He said, though, that the flag would stay since it was a symbol of T&T's sovereignty and nationality. Sport Minister Gary Hunt (Port-of-Spain North MP) was noticeably absent from Manning's walkabout yesterday although Port-of-Spain South MP Marlene Mc Donald and Laventille East MP Donna Cox, among others, were present. Manning said the concerns that were raised during yesterday's Laventille walkabout focussed generally on three aspects – housing, unemployment and roads – none of which, he said, surprised him.
He said the PNM had been doing walkabouts since last year and did not start recently as some people had said. He acknowledged that some constituents during yesterday's walkabout had asked him about councillors' representation. He said representation was generally something that was a major concern, even in his constituency. While stating it was impossible for councillors to be everywhere all the time, Manning assured the party would address that issue. Asked if he was satisfied with his MPs' performance Manning said: "By and large, yes." He said all the MPs and co-ordinators were mandated to walk in their constituencies and as a result the PNM was in greater position to tell what people felt and believed in various parts of the country.
Manning acknowledged concerns about crime, noting that a lot of crime occurred in Laventille. "Everyone knows that," he said. He said in two weeks Government would commission six fast patrols boats and this was expected to boost crime- fighting efforts. Speaking at Despers Pan Theatre Manning noted some of Despers players living outside of the Laventille area have been uncertain about their security in the area. Manning, accompanied by MP Nileung Hypolite and other PNM officials, received a warm welcome in the PNM stronghold. However several residents expressed concern to him along the way. PNM continues constituency mobilisation activities without let-up, hosting another in the series of organisational conferences on February 20, immediately after Carnival.