Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is questioning the Government’s management of State institutions, pointing to the “reported 24 departures from State boards” as she calls for greater accountability.
In her Independence Day message, Beckles said the departures, including the resignation of the Heritage Petroleum chair, raise serious questions about the competence of those appointed to national state institutions.
“The people deserve accountability and clarity about the management of institutions that belong to them,” Beckles said.
“Tolerance is one of the defining strengths of our society, but it must never become an acceptance of circumstances that diminish the quality of life of our people.”
Beckles said the issue speaks to the principle of discipline, one of the three national qualities highlighted by Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister, Dr Eric Williams, in his first Independence Day address.
She stressed that discipline “must be reflected in the governance of our nation.”
Beckles also pointed to the major oil agreement announced by the United States and Venezuela involving Venezuela’s energy reserves.
She asked, “What deal is T&T getting?” in reference to the government securing opportunities for the country’s energy sector, businesses and workers.
Beckles also raised other hardships that she says citizens are currently facing, such as job losses, delayed book grants as the new school term approaches and shortages of certain medicines under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP).
Despite her criticism of the Government, Beckles said she remained “immensely proud” of the people of T&T.
She highlighted the country’s steelpan, calypso and chutney, as well as its cultural and religious diversity.
“At 64, let us therefore renew our commitment to the national interest and the national cause. Let us demand discipline in governance and in ourselves, production that creates opportunity and equity, and tolerance that strengthens the fabric of our society.”
