Suruj: Govt still strong and committed

The equilibrium of the Government is in no way disturbed by the Movement for Social Justice’s (MSJ’s) withdrawal from the coalition, Foreign Affairs and Communication Minister, Suruj Rambachan said yesterday. On the MSJ’s departure yesterday, Rambachan said: “The move was not unexpected since both Roget (Ancel) and Abdulah had been telegraphing that they were going to do this.   

“In my view this does not in any way affect the functioning of the Government and it does not affect the strength of the Government. It does it affect the Government’s ability to carry out its mandate that it got on May 24, 2010,” he said. Asked if the situation was akin to a member of a family leaving home, Rambachan said: “No, not at all. This was not unexpected as a good government is always prepared for any eventuality.

“Indeed the Government continues to enjoy  widespread popularity because the Government has been working for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the labour movements. “This is a good time to remind that we have settled 36 agreements in two years which had been left unresolved by the former government. We also passed legislation including amendments to the Masters and Servants Ordinance.”

Asked about the effect on the unity image, Rambachan said: “The image of the Government is not affected. This doesn’t affect the Government’s strength. Those who believe that are deluded.” On the fragmentation of the unity based profile, Rambachan said: “The MSJ doesn’t represent all of the labour movement in the T&T. The National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) has said they support the Government.

“If the MSJ decided they won’t be part of the partnership, this doesn’t mean that the majority of people who support the MSJ may do the same. That’s a misconception you must separate the agenda of Roget and Abdulah from the agenda of the people. The agenda of the people is to ensure  they achieve prosperity as a nation,” he said.

Asked about the issues the MSJ had expressed  concerns about, Rambachan said most of the issues were being addressed via certain legislation. On who would replace MSJ leader David Abdulah as a Government senator, Rambachan said: “The Prime Minister will decide who will replace him.”