Moonilal: Govt not communicating with the people

The lack of communication with the people on achievements and policies is a problem the People’s Partnership Government faces and intends to fix, says Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal.

The United National Congress (UNC) restarted its Monday night forum meetings last night at the Carapo RC School.

Moonilal, speaking to the Express by phone, said the party had pledged since last December to resume these meetings after Carnival.

“Everywhere I go people make the same complaint to me and the complaint is that we are not talking and communicating our achievements in particular,” said Moonilal.

The Government will communicate with supporters and the national community on achievements, polices and the track record of the People’s Partnership at these meetings, he added.

“I think we have had a solid record of achievement and we have observed the fundamental tenets of good governance in terms of fairness, equity and justice,” he said.

May 24 this year will mark three years since the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led coalition assumed office.

Questioned on the Government’s performance to date, Moonilal responded: “I think we have an admirable track record for the first three years and once we intensify our work, the general election would arrive and we can find ourselves in a comfortable place as far as our achievements are concerned.”

The Monday night meetings, said Moonilal, would allow people to receive first hand information from the Government.

He added that while there is a responsible media in this country, “There are particular writers and media houses that have been challenged in conveying accurate reports on Government business and Government policy. It’s very sad. I read this morning an e-mail that said ‘is it true or did you read it in the Guardian?’ And it’s a sad reflection when particular media houses must fall into dishonour this way.”

Express