Rambachan promises merriest Christmas ever: 600 projects to generate 6,000 jobs in T&T

Local Government Minister Dr Surajrattan Rambachan has promised to make Christmas 2012 the “merriest ever,” as he announced an “explosion” of work in Trinidad and Tobago. He promised to launch 600 projects nationwide to jumpstart the economy.

Rambachan, addressing supporters at yesterday’s People’s Partnership pre-budget rally at Mid Centre Mall’s carpark, Chaguanas, put Finance Minister Larry Howai on notice that he will be approaching him immediately after tomorrow’s budget for funding for 600 projects. “Local Government is going to kick-start the economy and 600 small contractors will be given 600 projects in 600 communities,” Rambachan declared.

He said the projects, which he did not elaborate on, will provide employment for 6,000 persons nationwide. “It will be the merriest Christmas you will ever have under any government,” Rambachan said, to the delight of supports who tooted horns and waved flags. At the start of the event at 3 pm, the mall’s carpark appeared scant as many supporters sought shade under trees and tents to avoid the afternoon’s blistering sun.

By 5.30 pm, the sunshine had faded over the carpark and the crowd began to spill over onto the Uriah Butler Highway and Chaguanas Main Road. Rambachan, pointing to the crowd, said, the pre-budget rally was called by the people to “make it clear that the People’s Partnership is alive and well and ready to rumble to 2015 and beyond.” He said, “If anyone had any doubt about the strength of the People’s Partnership, of the Government, we are stronger today than we ever were.”

A National Security helicopter circled above and armed police officers kept watch over the crowd. Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod was listed to speak at yesterday’s rally, however, at the last minute he was dropped from the programme. Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation chairman Khadijah Ameen, MC at the rally, said Mc Leod completed an all-night negotiation for wages and was unable to speak. Minister of Gender and Youth Affairs Marlene Coudray called on supporters to stand tall and stand firm and “do not be intimidated.”