Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s address at the UNC’s Monday Night Report in Couva was a calculated display of political authority, tightening control within her Cabinet while projecting decisive leadership by challenging the nation’s economic elite and state governing bodies.
She did not pull any punches, stating that anyone in her Government “cavorting with the same crooked contractors and lawyers, PNM financiers and corrupt fake elite” would be fired, exposed before the UNC faithful, and possibly face the courts.
This was aimed not only at party loyalists but the entire country, as she sought to set expectations for her ministers and signal the standards by which she intends to be judged.
Her warning to those who mimic the old regime’s behaviour was blunt: She would “bust your head,” a phrase which not only conveys her administration will not tolerate political ambiguity or perceived disloyalty, but ironically suggests violence in the course of weeding out perceived misbehaviour. We wonder aloud what would have been the response to former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley or any of her male predecessors, had they dared to share such highly charged, colourful public sentiments, albeit targeted at alleged wrongdoers.
With that said, Mrs Persad-Bissessar’s hard line must be viewed in the context of her 2010–2015 term, when she was forced to dismiss several ministers for misbehaviour in public office.
That experience seems to have strengthened her resolve to set a firm standard for good governance from the outset, or at least ensure the public sees her as committed to discipline and control.
From a leadership perspective, this is not unusual.
A Prime Minister has every right to set the tone, and she likely sees no better moment than just after her first 100 days in office.
Whether her words will be matched by decisive action remains to be seen. Beyond her Cabinet, Persad-Bissessar targeted those she views as the economic elite, accusing the previous administration of funnelling public assets to an entitled few, including alleged attempts to sell off Clico-owned malls at giveaway prices.
While such populist rhetoric may energise her base, it should be tempered by a pragmatic understanding of the country’s economic history. She is not the first prime minister to challenge those deemed to be powerful business interests. UNC founder Basdeo Panday once denounced a similar grouping that he called a “parasitic oligarchy,” positioning himself as a champion of the grassroots.
Yet, portraying governance as a choice between the grassroots and the elite runs counter to Mrs Persad-Bissessar’s own swearing-in pledge to be a Prime Minister for all.
A more holistic approach would recognise that both groups are essential to national success. Government can remain committed to grassroots communities while engaging the so-called elite as partners in development. Such an approach fosters unity, resilience, and shared progress. Her posture on Monday risks creating the perception of hostility toward wealth or private enterprise, which could ultimately deter investment and partnerships vital for growth.
While she may see her stance as defending the average citizen, the private sector creates jobs, drives innovation, and generates tax revenue to fund public services. Partnership, not adversity, is the more effective path forward and can only be achieved if government ministers and private sector leaders, whoever they may be, meet more often on national development.
The Prime Minister’s challenge now is to balance rhetoric that inspires public confidence with the collaborative work required for sustainable economic growth.
If she can pair her zero-tolerance stance with a forward-looking economic vision that treats responsible business as a partner, she can set a new standard for leadership, one that cleans house and builds a foundation for lasting prosperity.
