Govt must learn from bitter lesson

It is difficult to defend the piano and Reshmi fiascos but it is equally difficult to argue that both reflect the Government as incompetent. Agreed that there would be different degrees of disapproval over them, but paradoxically, it is because they are ad hoc developments arising directly from misin- formation and not choices which stem from complicated and controversial issues, that to conclude that they reflect the Government’s overall incompetence is disproportionate, and at best premature. What it does reflect is a bitter lesson that this Government must learn—that it will always be under public scrutiny and should take nothing for granted, and that it must critically assess its choices before making them.

Of course it must bear the cross of these two recent faux pas, but this electorate, disappointed as it may be over these two events, is not ready to join with those who only yesterday would have had this country in ruins. Rowley’s fury is nothing but the embers of a dying PNM fire from which no phoenix will arise any time soon.
We who put this Government into office will continue to keep the faith, and even as we may see these two developments as part of its growing pains, we will instead draw strength from a PM who has shown the tenacity to overcome all odds in becoming the PM of this country and from those in her government like Warner and Rama-dharsingh whose work in the interest of the people is plain for all to see.

Dr Errol Benjamin
Via e-mail