It is important that the entire nation continue to remember and pray for the full recovery of Dr Gregory Bissessar, the husband of the honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago after his successful recent heart surgery. It is at times perplexing how the goodly gentleman copes with the quantum of political tension, leadership pressures and media reports associated with the politics of the day.
Consistent scandals
Never before in the post-independence political history of Trinidad and Tobago has a government been so much embroiled in weekly scandals during the first year of its governance. From the undisclosed data surrounding the Reshmi Ramnarine/Julie Browne intelligence imbroglio, to the public furore over allegations and denial of threats to two Express workers by special adviser to the Prime Minister, Sasha Mohammed-questions and concerns about the honourable PM's credibility and political judgement is now in the public domain. Can the duly elected first woman PM survive these ongoing national public concerns, or will she buckle under the firestorm of public antagonisms? These consistent scandals appear to recoil around poor judgement and decision making. Also, the apparent returning of favours which may be in turn now haunting the coalition of partners, gross immaturity and a beehive of ineffective and meaningless statements emanating from the office of the Prime Minister. These media releases are apparently designed to "pull wool over the population's eyes and minds." It now appears that there is a stark reality between running for elections and governing a challenging democracy as exists here.
Good work Warner, Glen
Despite the visible efforts of the Ministry of Works and Transport and Ministry of the People and Social Development, what changes have been implemented to accentuate the progress of reliable governance, transparency and accountability? Any individual can answer that question. Some people have viewed this column as anti-government, but a very careful analysis would show that this column deals with the issues affecting the stability of the country as well as positing effective recommendations.
Can the PP settle down?
It is one thing to grab for political power, but another to manage, control, co-ordinate and deliver the mantra of the People's Partnership political manifesto. The PP's mantra on sound governance, transparency and accountability, so much bandied in all the media, and televised networks. With all the weekly scandals in public life, the PP Government appears unable to settle down and provide the type of governance so acutely needed and which was promised to the citizenry. The quantum of scandals and alleged inappropriate behaviour do suggest that the moral and spiritual values are not only declining, but comes to vigorously engage the Prime Minister against the backdrop of her own statements such as, "I will not let you down," " I will not betray you," and "My hands are clean and my heart is pure". What the population at large may be witnessing is quite the opposite in numerous arenas of public governance and decision making. Can the hastily united coalition really survive any pending future public scandals again, or would the population rise up and demand collectively the necessary changes? Or have we lost our consciences and intelligence so that when a nation votes for a party, it means that they can do anything they want with our votes and we have to accept it? Or for how long will we continue to say, "We like it so."
The PM and her constituents
In my dealings with former prime ministers, Basdeo Panday and Patrick Manning, this column can honestly vouch for their weekly interaction with their constituents. No one can dispute that fact. Even today, one can make an appointment and visit any of them at their offices. Perhaps the honourable Prime Minister can take a cue from these former prime ministers. Since her ascension to prime ministerial office, and despite her hectic schedule, she has not spent any time to deal personally with the concerns and complaints of her constituents. Instead she has representatives acting on her behalf. The point is, the people did not vote for these representatives, but for her. There is much solace and comfort when they can speak personally to the person they voted for and who ought to be willing to hear their grievances. Her appearances have been evidenced mainly at functions, social gatherings and opening of places to be constructed.
Covert employment discrimination
In the quagmire of domestic politics, it would be foolhardy for anyone not to notice or observe that segments of the People's Partnership are now practicing a very subtle form of unequal opportunity and selective discrimination. This is apparently based on a volatile mix of religion and disenfranchisement for not belonging to the political order of the day. If one is perceived to be associated or aligned with the People's National Movement, you are automatically disqualified in a manipulative and highly form of discrimination. You may ask me why? In my discourse with senior officials of this People's Partnership Government, this column has discovered that the modus operandi is certainly unconstitutional and this Government is treading on dangerous grounds. To criticise constructively the Government of the day suggests that you are placed in their black lists; they are above the law and that they can do no wrong. So much for the change for which this population voted.