Gail Alexander
What do the political powers expect for 2019?
Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her message which arrived early Sunday morning, expects problems "ahead" and "trying times", but she looks forward "with hope for brighter days in 2019". She acknowledged the UNC has to "evolve and usher in a new generation of young leaders guided by some with competent experience" and pointedly added UNC's way forward won't be "shortcuts or coalitions" or "sleeping with the devil to win".
Other government and opposition members shared their projections with the Guardian yesterday.
PUBLIC UTILITIES MINISTER ROBERT LE HUNTE :
"In 2018 it wasn't 'business as usual'. This continues ahead. TSTT following restructuring's now poised to compete and improve service, I don't forsee more job cuts. TTEC's operated fairly efficiently. Restructuring was done at top executive level, reducing managers from eight to four. That's working well. WASA continues having inherited legacy issues. Cessation of contractors' services was completed in 2018 and focus now is for staff—which we're not cutting—to improve productivity.
"Local staff repaired 2,900 leaks in 2018. We fell short of the target but in 2019 we'll pursue bringing leaks to below 500. New wells are being drilled in the West. No staff cuts are planned for TTPost. But the business model must transform to improve efficiency and enter new business lines. People hardly use mail. Finally, 2019 will be the year T&T's rid of waste beverage containers since legislation on this is top priority."
UNC WHIP DAVID LEE:
"Expect a lively Opposition in and out of Parliament in 2019. Special majority support will depend on whether constitutional rights are being eroded. Several no-confidence motions against frontline personalities are coming. I wish things will be better for T&T, but hold little hope it'll actually happen. UNC begins election planning in January including with a National Assembly. Lastly, I was happy to see the man who's always preached unity in the party—MP Fuad Khan—attend our open house last Sunday. Others (who made the call) didn't come...but all are welcome."
NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER STUART YOUNG:
"Tight operations in 2019: this ministry will continue close work and collaboration with all law enforcement and National Security apparatus to better citizens' safety and security. Look for more use of technology, more intelligence incoming, more equipment, tighter intelligence-driven operations plus more collaboration locally and internationally to deliver on our mandate: safety and security in T&T.
"I'll personally continue to give of my best and provide leadership to all under the National Security umbrella...it's a team effort. And T&T will see the positive effects of the plans we've begun to implement."
UNC MP RUDY INDARSINGH:
"2019 will be tough for people. Economic indicators and evidence from the 'ground' shows worsening conditions for some. We're yet to see what will happen to jobs at WASA, BIR, Customs, and the public service. I don't expect job creation improvements and the fall-out could mean worsening crime. In my area, ArcellorMittal, Centrin and Petrotrin closed. One former Petrotrin worker showed me where his benefits cannot offset his mortgage payments. Another can no longer pay rent for his daughter to live near UWI. She's forced to do a daily Central-St Augustine commute."
EDUCATION MINISTER ANTHONY GARCIA:
"We'll build on 2018 curriculum successes including implementing plans to assist SEA students who fell below the 30 per cent performance level. Major initiative is an education policy being prepared involving governance, administration, quality/equity education, access for all and special needs. Regarding unfinished schools, we're making efforts to pay contractors owed large sums. I'm confident that'll be done very shortly. Next step: resuming construction. We identified 22 schools as priority. Plus we intend capitalising on the drastic reduction of school violence. In a country of 700 schools, 15,000 teachers, and 250,000 students—in a very violent society—reduction was a major achievement."
OPPOSITION MP PRAKASH RAMADHAR:
"I can foresee due to the political vibes, T&T will be further divided when we truly need to understand we're all in this together. I look forward to unifying forces that go beyond the politics—the unity 0f T&T. We need to appreciate a uniting force will help deal with global warming, economic and other issues. We need people who have a country at heart. I make it abundantly clear this isn't a call for political expediency but a need for us all to understand we should bring out the best with the best ideas. My political life has always been about unity and unifying interests to protect the environment, economy people, and homes."
TOURISM MINISTER RANDALL MITCHELL:
"With the new company Tourism Trinidad Limited up and running, expect fresh new marketing for Trinidad which includes strong rebranding representing our energy as a people, our festivals, food, our music and uniqueness, distinct from other destinations. Also, expect increased marketing and continued improvement to our destination’s products. And: get ready for a return to a clean, pristine Maracas Beach Facility as Nidco brings the Phase One project to a close."
UNC MP BHOE TEWARIE:
"I don't expect anything dramatically better in 2019 economically as Central Bank's recent report gave no encouraging news. This shows Government's on a wrong path in many ways economically with its heavy reliance on natural gas performance. I'd like to see T&T headed for economic recovery and job creation—but to achieve that, we need to change governments. I'll be contributing to see if my thinking and that of the majority are the same so we can make the change necessary to rebuild—with the UNC in Government."