I find it very suspicious that a "source" would "reveal" the Government's decision to charter a Caribbean Airlines jet to attend the Brazil meetings, which the Prime Minister discussed and promoted in the past few weeks. The impression is being given that there was some wrongdoing by chartering a jet. But I don't see the big deal. A number of government officials are all going to the same destination and are being accompanied by state company chairmen and directors in order to bring home what is said to be up to $30 billion in investments to T&T. If even half of that figure translates into investment in this country, then what exactly is the problem with spending US$85,000 on flying everyone to Brazil?
When one also considers that non-government delegates are paying their own way, together with the fact that at 40 delegates we are looking at US$2,125 a person return, this really boils down to a non-issue.
We in T&T have every right to ask questions but one thing we must not allow to escape us is that at least this Government is accounting for its trips abroad, unlike the previous government which had to be hauled to Parliament and forced to reveal actual costs, which were astronomical. The Prime Minister has already proven that she has gained some level of value from her trips abroad and I for one trust that, like previous trips, the PM will deliver value for the Brazil trip as well.
Razia Hassan
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