Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
One year after voters in key marginal constituencies helped bring the United National Congress (UNC) into office, a return to those communities reveals a persistent and pressing concern: unemployment.
Across San Fernando West, Tunapuna, and Toco/Sangre Grande, residents say that while they voted for change in hopes of economic relief, unemployment and limited opportunities continue to define their daily reality.
From small business owners to young job seekers, the refrain is consistent: work is hard to find, income is uncertain, and the improvements many expected have yet to materialise.
San Fernando West: “Plenty youths not doing anything”
In San Fernando West, UNC candidate Dr Michael Dowlath secured victory over the People’s National Movement’s Faris Al-Rawi by a narrow margin. Almost one year later, however, economic pressure remains a central concern.
Residents told Guardian Media that their decision to turn away from the PNM was driven largely by hopes of improved job prospects and greater economic activity.
Praim Bharath, who operates a small chow business in Gulf View, said he had expected a noticeable uplift in the local economy following the change in government.
“In this area here, everything remains the same. No big set of changes really, but as they say, progress is very slow,” he said.
He explained that customer traffic over the past year has been inconsistent, with many households cutting back on non-essential spending.
“Sales have dropped due to the economy. We have good days and bad days, but for me it has dropped a lot.”
Despite the challenges, Bharath said he still hopes for development in the constituency.
That sentiment was echoed by Theresa Benoit of Jack Street, Marabella, who said employment opportunities for young people remain limited.
“I am hoping that they would get something better to do because plenty of the youths not really doing anything and they just interfering with people’s homes,” she said.
Even among some supporters of the government, there is a growing view that job creation needs to accelerate.
“I don’t regret my vote,” an elderly resident said. “But people need work. That’s the real issue.”
Elton Duff also directed a message to MP Dowlath, suggesting that the removal of the Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme Company (CEPEP) had worsened unemployment in the area.
“Just how you were visiting looking for votes, you need to visit the area and you will see what is happening on the ground,” he said.
Tunapuna: “People need to see something going on”
In Tunapuna, an East-West Corridor constituency known for its mix of students, professionals and entrepreneurs, residents say security concerns have eased, but economic expectations remain largely unmet.
Business owner Vinai Charran, who previously raised concerns about safety in the area, said conditions have improved since last year’s general election.
“From a security standpoint, we’re seeing changes happening. We’re seeing the crime rate dropping. Granted, we have a state of emergency, but it has dropped significantly and you’re seeing a steady decline,” he said.
At the polls, UNC candidate Roger Alexander secured the seat from the PNM’s Esmond Forde.
Charran, who is also a director at the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said attention is now turning to ease of doing business and access to foreign exchange.
However, resident Ameena Leith said expectations for development have not been met.
“I’m not happy because in terms of development for our area we expected a lot and we are not seeing that happening. People are unemployed,” she said.
She added that programmes such as CEPEP had previously supported both employment and economic activity in local markets.
Toco/Sangre Grande: “It has gotten harder”
In Toco/Sangre Grande, unemployment is compounded by geography, with residents saying job opportunities have historically been limited and remain so.
The constituency changed hands last election, with UNC candidate Wayne Sturge defeating the PNM’s Roger Munroe.
A fisherman, who requested anonymity, said income instability remains a major concern.
“We was hoping for more support, more opportunities, but we still waiting,” he said.
Business owner Cindy-Lee Rodriguez said weak employment levels are directly affecting economic activity in the area.
“I think right now employment is very tough in Sangre Grande and people are looking for it, so young people feel they have to do whatever is possible to get money fast. It’s the wrong way, but somebody has to do something about that,” she said.
Thirty-one-year-old Cassious Chandree said many residents are still waiting on promised improvements.
“Basically, it has gotten harder. The majority of my customers are URP people and they are still waiting,” he said.
A victim of crime, Chandree said he believes unemployment is fuelling social pressures.
“I’m not downing them. I know it takes time for things to get better. But I know people personally struggling, and that is what is causing robberies. The crime rate is getting higher because everybody under pressure.”
While some residents remain hopeful, others say the pace of change has been too slow.
“At least we tried something different,” one elderly resident said. “But people need to see jobs coming out of it.”
Despite differing views, all three constituencies are united by one recurring issue: the need for employment. While frustration is evident, many residents say they are not ready to dismiss the government’s efforts entirely.
Responses to whether they regret their vote range from firm support to cautious uncertainty.
“No, I don’t regret it,” one resident said. “But they need to deal with jobs, fast.”
That sentiment is echoed across constituencies: a willingness to allow time, but a clear demand for results.
Guardian Media is awaiting a response from MPs Dr Michael Dowlath, Roger Alexander and Wayne Sturge regarding the concerns raised by constituents.
