The new government has barely settled in and already there are what would seem as apologists, forewarning the public of "rough, hard, dark times" to come.
Oil prices did not start falling last Monday; they has been falling for the past year now. An issue that embroiled the Persad-Bissessar-led government was not met with an ounce support of what the new PM is currently receiving.
She managed her last year in office well, comforting the population and ensuring that there were no untoward effects as far as she could manage.
There were no apologists for Persad-Bissessar as she was backed into a corner, bombarded by questions on how she intended to cushion their lifestyles.
The cries have now taken a 180 degree turn with all and sundry subtly warning us that we must "tighten our belts" and expect drastic changes in our lifestyles.
The very high standards and scrutiny to which we held the former PM's government must not lapse to accommodate apologies and sorry explanations from the current government. They must sit the same test that others have done.
The noose that was around the last PM cannot be loosened now, so let's start asking the new PM to be upfront and tell us what steps he and his finance minister are going to take in the upcoming budget given the state of the world economy.
What are the consequences for us? Remember, the population was comforted before and they will expect no less from this government.
Allan Hewitt
Maraval