The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are becoming increasingly frustrated. Every time we listen to parliamentary debates, we hear repeated explanations of what the PNM did wrong, the neglect of our roads, water infrastructure, employment and the state of the economy.
But the question is: How much longer must citizens listen to what they already know?
The electorate went to the polls and gave this Government its mandate to manage the country, not to spend its time reminding us of the failures of the previous administration.
When you were in Opposition, you knew that communities were neglected, that roads and pavements needed attention, that water shortages were affecting households and that community employment programmes provided opportunities for young people to earn an income while keeping their communities clean and maintained.
Now that you occupy the Government benches, where are the creative employment initiatives? Why have opportunities for community-based employment been reduced when unemployment and the cost of living remain major concerns?
Young people need opportunities, not parliamentary speeches.
So far, citizens have not seen sufficient evidence of fresh thinking, new investment initiatives or innovative economic programmes. Much of what we hear about are projects that were already in the pipeline before this administration assumed office.
Government must understand that managing a country requires vision, creativity and the ability to identify new economic opportunities.
TOBAGO CARNIVAL: WHERE IS THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT?
Let us examine Tobago Carnival. What was the actual economic benefit to Tobago?
My observation is that the overwhelming majority of masqueraders and participants were Trinidad residents. If that is so, how much international tourism did the event attract, and how much new foreign exchange did it generate?
What was the passenger traffic on Caribbean Airlines flights between Trinidad and Tobago during the Carnival period? Were additional flights provided? What was the passenger load factor, and how many travellers were unable to secure seats?
What was the occupancy rate of hotels compared with guest houses, villas and private accommodation? Many Trinidadians reportedly stayed in guest houses and private homes rather than traditional hotels.
These are important distinctions. Government cannot simply announce visitor numbers and declare success without providing a proper breakdown of who visited, where they stayed and how much they spent.
The Minister responsible for Tourism must demonstrate a tourism strategy that extends beyond Carnival. Tobago has beaches, heritage, culture, cuisine, eco-tourism and other attractions that can generate economic activity throughout the year.
Tourism cannot depend on a few annual celebrations.
THE COUNTRY NEEDS A PLAN, NOT ANOTHER EXPLANATION
The Government must now move beyond discussing the inherited problems and show the population what it intends to do differently.
Where are the new investments? Where are the employment opportunities? Where are the programmes to stimulate small businesses, agriculture, manufacturing and community development?
Citizens are not expecting miracles overnight, but they are entitled to see direction, measurable progress and accountability.
You asked the electorate for the mandate to govern. That mandate came with responsibility.
The time has come to demonstrate that you have a plan to move Trinidad and Tobago forward.
The population is watching, and parliamentary explanations alone will not put food on the table, create jobs or rebuild the economy.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
