An opinion poll being conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers' Association (Nacta) found mixed reactions from 310 respondents over Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's firing of Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh.Ramadharsingh's appointment was revoked by Persad-Bissessar following allegations of misbehaviour aboard a Caribbean Airline's flight from Tobago.
The poll, coordinated by Vishnu Bisram, found that respondents were supportive of Persad-Bissessar's decision to fire Ramadharsingh–73 per cent said yes, 18 per cent said no, and nine per cent did not respond.The poll said many felt the PM's action "sends a strong message that she will not tolerate the arrogant behaviour of her ministers. Overall, people are of the view that Persad-Bissessar's action demonstrates strong leadership and that she took the right action to preserve the integrity of her government."
However, others said Persad-Bissessar could have found an alternative way to discipline Ramadharsingh. Many of the respondents felt that Ramadharsingh should be given a second chance as he was a very good minister. The poorer class is supportive of Ramadharsingh, while the middle, professional and business classes felt he had to send a strong message of zero tolerance against ill behaviour by public officials.