These results are from a nationwide survey on current issues conducted by the ANSA McAL Psychological Research Centre, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, for the T&T Guardian. The major intention of this survey is to assess popular opinion on a number of major issues. A representative random sample of 503 respondents were interviewed and comprised people 18 years and over with 34 per cent Afro-Trinidadians, 40 per cent Indo-Trinidadians, 25 per cent mixed and one per cent other ethnic groups. The sample consisted of 51 per cent females. Respondents were selected using the Random Digit Dialling Method. The margin of error is plus or minus four per cent. This poll was conducted during the period May 10-12, and was supervised by Dr Derek Chadee, director, ANSA McAL Psychological Research Centre and senior lecturer, Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine.
In response to this question, respondents were more likely to give a "fair" rating for the Government's handling of the economy. Specifically, one per cent said "excellent", 24 per cent said "good," 41 per cent said "fair," 26 per cent said "poor" and eight per cent said "extremely poor." For the analyses that follow, the responses "excellent" and "good" were re-coded into the category "good," while "poor" and "extremely poor" were re-coded into the category "poor."Across ethnic groups, the response of "poor" was more likely stated by Afro-Trinidadians (42 per cent) than by Mixed people (36 per cent) and Indo-Trinidadians (25 per cent). Similar percentages of the ethnic groups said "fair". The response of "fair" was stated by 42 per cent Afro-Trinidadians, 42 per cent Mixed people and 40 per cent Indo-Trinidadians. Indo-Trinidadians (35 per cent) were more likely to state "good" than Mixed (22 per cent) and Afro-Trinidadians (16 per cent).
Analysing responses by sex showed that there were no significant differences between males and females across ratings of the Government's dealing with the economy. Precisely, the response of "poor" was stated by 35 per cent males and 33 per cent females. Of those stating "fair," 41 per cent were female and 40 per cent male. The response of "good" was given by 26 per cent females and 25 per cent males.
Exploring responses by age showed that the 51 and over age group were more likely to give a rating of "poor" on the issue. Precisely, 29 per cent of those 18-30 years old, 29 per cent 31-40, 33 per cent 41-50 and 41 per cent of those 51 years and older indicated "poor." The response of "fair" was stated by 42 per cent of the 18-30, 50 per cent 31-40, 38 per cent 41-50 and 37 per cent of the 51 and over age group. The response of "good" was stated by 29 per cent of the 18-30, 21 per cent 31-40, 29 per cent 41-50 and 22 per cent 51 years and over category.Analysing responses by education showed that technical/ vocational educated respondents were least likely to rate the Government's performance regarding the economy as "poor". Specifically, 42 per cent of the primary, 35 per cent tertiary, 33 per cent secondary and 21 per cent technical/vocational educated people gave this response. Technical/vocational educated persons were more likely to respond "fair". Specifically, 59 per cent were technical/vocational, 42 per cent secondary, 37 per cent primary and 35 per cent tertiary educated people. Of those who indicated "good", 30 per cent were tertiary, 25 per cent secondary, 21 per cent primary and 20 per cent technical/vocational educated.
Economy
How would you rate the performance of the Government over the last three years on the economy?
Excellent 1%
Good 24%
Fair 41%
Poor 26%
Extremely poor 8%
PUBLIC COMMENTS
How would you rate the performance of the Government over the last three years on the economy?
EXTREMELY POOR/POOR
�2 They need to create more stable jobs for the people.
�2 Food price still very high, so how it will improve.
�2 The Government has to stop depending on oil money.FAIR
�2 The economy looks to be stabilising.GOOD / EXCELLENT
�2 The Government removed VAT on plenty things.