In fact, it could even be all of the above. But what's worse is that this is not the first time. Mr Dookeran did the same nonsense in 1986 when he cut public servants salaries by ten per cent, removed COLA, and introduced the 15 per cent VAT and the rest is history. We eventually ended up by the IMF and now it seems that he has come back in 2011 with his same outdated/failed economic policies to do the same nonsense all over again. Madam Prime Minister my advice to you is to seriously consider reshuffling your Minister of Finance as soon as possible or have him removed altogether; and possibly replaced with someone of the caliber and pedigree of maybe a Vasant Bharath. Mrs Persad-Bissessar, if you and your Government are serious about getting another term in office, please treat with this situation urgently before it's too late.
R Lutchman
Via e-mail