Dr Rowley you can go to the head of the class. Your stewardship as Prime Minister has kept members of the government in check. You have stood by your word to provide accountability and transparency.
Marlene McDonald as Minister of Housing, the 'Minister in the Hyatt office' and Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health are examples of nipping problems in the bud. We are tired of politicians covering up for each other so these moves are refreshing. There is a lesson to be learned in each of these scenarios.
Dr Rowley took a stand against Marlene McDonald and the insurmountable allegations of corruption levied against her Ministerial capacity. This is what the population has been anticipating, true leadership requires that you make the right decisions and not only the popular decisions.
The Minister who was told to get out of the Hyatt Waterfront Tower office was a signal that ministers are not to focus on luxury and comfort but functionality and effectiveness. The waterfront offices were not meant to be used for minister's offices. Ministers are expected to be in their relevant ministries.
Terrence Deyalsingh learned a lesson while attempting to shut down public discussions on abortion. The public started to ask questions of the Minister of Health in relation to Zika and abortion. Minister Deyalsingh made an error by telling the public 'talk done' on abortion. Dr Rowley made it clear that the Minister of Health is not the government, let the discussion take place.
Politics is about power and, according to John Dalberg-Acton, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Those who get power, must have someone to whom they are accountable, least they believe they are above reproach.
The PNM campaign stressed that it would not be business as usual when in government.
The PNM manifesto opened by identifying the need for accountability and regaining trust and public confidence in the government. Dr Rowley's actions are on course to regain public trust and confidence.
Martin Huggins
Arima