Let's begin by looking at the PP's performance in the last four years, comparing where we are now with where we were at the beginning of 2010.By 2008, the world had already begun to realise the adverse effects of a global recession. We were also experiencing our own financial turmoil as a result of the Clico and Hindu Credit Union fiascos. Under the previous governments and the Central Bank, there was too little oversight of, and virtually no restraint on risky loans and business practices.
Saving Clico was necessary to prevent a total collapse of an already failing T&T economy. On assuming office, the PP government embraced the mandate for responsible fiscal management.Based on the data released by Standard & Poor's, a worldwide rating agency, T&T's economy has grown in stability despite the global economic downturn and the falling price of oil.
Secondary school children are the recipients of laptop computers and mothers will benefit substantially this year.The PP Government contained the effects of severe natural disasters (mainly flooding) and we have seen natural disaster response co-ordination like never before. All elections have been called by the PP when they were constitutionally due.
The PP has acted without fear or favour and without political agendas. Dr Keith Rowley, Leader of the Opposition, himself was asked and did oblige in attending Nelson Mandela's funeral.This showed the Prime Minister's commitment to patriotism and exemplified true statesmanship. Despite such achievements, it is amazing how the detractors easily managed to promote political propaganda.
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections, Chaguanas West and St Joseph by-elections were filled with inaccurate facts and political propaganda aimed at ferociously attacking the PP.Regrettably, there were also racist attacks coming from the rank and file of the PNM. Statements about a "Calcutta ship" invasion of Tobago were downright wrong but proved to be effective in the Tobago THA elections.
Remember the draconian property tax laws passed by the PNM but repealed by the PP. On this policy issue, it is obvious that the PP's refusal to return to any form of property tax over the past four years was simply to provide breathing space for the local economy.
Imposition of such a tax may slow down sustainable recovery and the much-needed diversification in our local economy. Yet Dr Keith Rowley and company manage to spin the facts suggesting that there is something untoward by such a measure.The PNM and cohorts have embarked on a campaign that the PP has only focused the country's resources south of the Caroni River.
Have they not seen the extension of the Diego Martin Highway or Valencia Bypass Road to Sangre Grande or walkover at Oropune Gardens to name but a few? The worst part of all of this propaganda is that the media have always seen it fit to give them full air time without providing a balanced analysis backed by hard facts.
Dr Keith Rowley, who only found his voice after former leader Manning booted him out of his Cabinet, have now become conveniently silent on the reported Marlene McDonald payment of state funds.However, he has been audaciously "calling out Ministers" (his most-recent attack was aimed at Senator Larry Howai) to fight them behind advertisement banners with unfounded allegations.
Granted that the PP may not have succeeded in every endeavour and made some mistakes along the way, these mistakes can be attributed to a government which is genuinely trying to get the job done rather than reckless decision making or corrupt practices.
The challenges we face as a people are tough (especially now that the oil and natural gas prices have dropped again) and will be made even more difficult by propagandist Rowley and the PNM in this election year. The Maha Sabha has always fought for a T&T which is fair to all and provides equal opportunities.
"The idea that no matter who you are or where you're from, if you work hard and play by the rules, you'll have the freedom and opportunity to pursue your own dreams and leave your kids a country where they can chase theirs." (Bill Clinton, former US President). Since the PP Government has come into power, we have been spared the worries of obscene PNM nepotism and rampant corruption (including the secret scholarship funding).
Under the PP we have witnessed a symphony between the Government, the private sector, NGOs, civil society groups, religious bodies and the nation's youth. The progeny of this union has been promotion of a stable and better economy, increase in jobs, rising incomes, increasing exports, greater diversification and a paradigm shift in favour of national unity.
The anti-government propagandists are blinding us to these simpler realities. Media colleagues must be fair in their reporting and journalistic ambitions during this election year. Let us all give the PP what they deserve, a fair chance to continue with their hard work.