I must express my surprise and disapproval at the proposal outlined in the much anticipated PNM manifesto. Having been in opposition for five years one would have thought there was adequate time to prepare in-depth policies and ideas to excite the voting population.
I, for one, was looking forward to creative, innovative suggestions that would show them as a true alternative to the present government. I am truly disappointed that I saw nothing of substance in the manifesto.
The one year promise reads more like a seven year-old's letter to Santa with a wish list that includes a real red Ferrari. The "we will" is a constant repeat and offers no real and tangible solutions to fix problems.
It is no secret that PNM boast supporters with Central Bank experience, a previous senior executive of a commercial bank who write letters to the editor, other retired high-ranking personnel with in-depth knowledge of national security, to name a few. So why is there a dearth of thorough and detailed policies in these two areas, finance and security? Were they not consulted?
Anyone reading the one-year promise would recognise that most of what is proposed already exists. How come the PNM is not aware that free Wi Fi is already available at existing Hot Spots. The same goes for some of the benefits, incentives and subsidies outlined in the proposals.
My major concern is that of the proposed reduction of VAT to 12.5 per cent. In the current economic climate we all know it would be virtually impossible to decrease VAT rates and have an increase in revenue.
The Opposition PNM needs to tell the nation in detailed, unambiguous language exactly how they intend to achieve this goal. If not, we would have to assume it would be by the devaluation of the TT$. Is this the plan?
R Ballard
Diego Martin