Dr Rowley’s address at Fyzabad – no plan, no vision, no ideas to advance workers’ agenda

In spite of, and notwithstanding, his address to workers today in Fyzabad, the country still awaits word on the Opposition Leader’s plans and policies to advance the cause of workers in our country. As such we are still in the dark and entirely unaware if the PNM has a vision and an agenda for workers if elected.

Every time he gets an opportunity to articulate a vision to take this country forward he fails miserably. Today was no different.

All we got from Dr Rowley was hot air on his perceived grievances, a practiced penchant for flinging mud at the government, trite remarks about the state of the country, and the usual statements about corruption.

Dr Rowley is indeed a bitter, angry, visionless Opposition Leader unable to rise to the challenge of making us a 21st century, knowledge driven, computer literate, critical thinking, first world nation.

Not a word about a well thought out and comprehensive pension policy, absolutely nothing on minimum wages, total silence on finalizing wage negotiations on time, and no acknowledgement of the significant worker friendly record of this government led by Kamla Persad Bissessar.

As the Prime Minister indicated in her message to workers: “Our government saved 3 unions from decertification under the PNM. Our Government reduced unemployment to 3.6% and increased the minimum hourly wage twice, from $9, to $12.50, to $15.

We also facilitated the settlement of 97 state and public sector collective agreements during the period May 2010 to April 2015. And, among other things, we amended the Maternity Protection Act to provide paid maternity leave from 13 to 14 weeks in accordance with international standards.”

Given what we heard from both leaders today and on previous occasions, it is manifestly clear that Kamla Persad Bissessar is more eminently suited to lead our country at this time and make Trinidad and Tobago a place in which we can live, raise our families, and of which we can be justly proud.

For further information please contact: Rodney Charles, PRO/Campaign Chair
Phone: (868) 322-1766 – email: rod_char@hotmail.com