Kamla calls out Rowley: Let’s Debate the Economy
Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, says Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley must account to all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago on the true state of the economy, and not hide behind flashy and expensive television productions.
While the country remains besieged with a crime epidemic, loss of more than 50,000 jobs and crises in health, education, indeed in every sector, Dr Rowley engaged in a self-indulgent show on prime time on two nights, which was a campaign speech disguised as an address to the nation.
With over $160 billion spent so far by this administration, Rowley failed to account for what was done. Apart from focusing heavily on the previous term, he went from 2015 straight to proposed spending in 2019, with no mention of the years between.
The Prime Minister had nothing to show for the three and a half years that his Government has been in office and offered no viable plans or proposals – or even nominal hope – to an anguished population, who are enduring a steep decline in the quality of their lives.
Rowley’s lecture was a feeble attempt to launch the PNM’s re-election campaign, and it is clear that he intends to continue his custom of speaking to and representing only his party faithful, with the farcical “Conversations with the Prime Minister” this week.
The Prime Minister has told citizens to “Mind Your Business”, but I remind him that he was elected to serve the people, and he must do so in the nation’s Parliament. Is Dr Rowley afraid to report to Parliament?
I have challenged the Prime Minister to debate this critical issue and I draw him out now – let’s debate his “address to the Nation” in the Parliament.
I have filed in Parliament notice of a motion to debate the details of his address.
The Opposition will continue to seek to hold this Rowley Government accountable, and defend the interests of the people of our nation.
The ball is in your court, Prime Minister. Do the right thing and account to the citizens of this country over your Government’s incompetence and inability to manage the nation’s affairs.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition