Councillor Roopnarine: Ministry of Local Government sabotages UNC Councillors

Landlords are threatening to evict sitting UNC Councillors of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation in January. This is a direct result of the failure of the Ministry of Local Government to release funds to pay Landlords since October 2021.

As Local Government Representatives we are entitled to an Office where Burgesses can be facilitated, and which is open to the General Public. Any eviction would severely compromise the ability of Councillors to do their job and negatively impact the ability of thousands of burgesses to raise their concerns and queries with their elected representatives. Landlords have also expressed tremendous frustration as this is a recurring situation.

Local Government has been the first responders in all emergencies, this PNM Government has failed to recognize this important role and continues on a path of destruction! It is ironic that this government continues to spend over 4 billion dollars per month but refuses to pay its rental obligations despite provision for same having been promised in the annual budget debated and passed in the Parliament.

The UNC Members of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation are calling on the Government to do their jobs and ensure that all the necessary resources and funding is released in an efficient manner to all Corporations. It is high time that Local Government is given the importance and recognition it deserves because it is the backbone of Central Government!

If this PNM Government cannot do their job then please step aside and let the UNC show you how to get the job done!

-END- UNC Council Members of Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation

J-lynn Roopnarine- Minority Leader/ Councillor
Sookdeo Prakash Barath- Councillor
Seema Ramsaran-Augustine- Councillor
Richard Rampersad- Councillor
Samuel Sankar- Councillor
Dianne Bishop- Alderman
Kevan Gibbs- Alderman