SHALIZA HASSANALI
"We are not blaming the last government. We are informing the people of Trinidad and Tobago what the last government did. And it is up to you to decide if you want them back in office." Strong words by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, as he responded to Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar who said it was disturbing that after three years in Government the PM was still blaming the UNC for the state of the economy during his two-part address to the nation entitled "Mind Your Business."
On Wednesday, Persad- Bissessar also filed a motion to debate Rowley's presentation in Parliament.
Rowley accused Persad-Bissessar's government of wasting $29 billion of taxpayers dollar and utilising $16 billion from the National Gas Company's account.
Rowley said Persad-Bissessar gave an account of how she spent the $29 billion, stating that her government built 80 schools and hospitals and Rowley's presentation was a "political comedy central".
"So as far as she is concerned, burning up $29 million is a comedy and she can show you where the money went," Rowley said, as he addressed the public during his Conversations with the Prime Minister at Exodus Pan yard, Tunpuna on Thursday.
He said Couva, Arima and Point Fortin Hospitals were now being paid for through loan arrangements.
"So when Mrs Persad-Bissessar says to you that she could show you three hospitals that were built from the NGC bank account it is a lie."
Rowley said in building the schools, they awarded "probably 80 contracts. I don't know the exact figure....but it is in that vicinity. All of those contracts were awarded for the election in 2015".
He said some contractors who are still undertaking work at the schools have not been paid.
The PM warned the public that the Opposition was "taking them for fools".
Rowley said there was a map at NGC showing where the UNC spent money in its stronghold areas during their term in office.
"So when you make the mistake and put them back to run Trinidad and Tobago you doing it with your eyes wide open. How in God's name you could tell me that I tell you about our economic situation which governs the decision-making process that we are making now?...is because they want to lie to you that they don't want me to tell you what the situation is."
The PM said the Government was proud of its performance.