Oropouche West MP Condemns PNM’s Lackadaisical Record On Diversification

The MP for Oropouche West, Mrs. Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh has condemned the PNM’s lacklustre approach towards the economic development and the diversification of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Member of Parliament for Oropouche West, Mrs. Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh, MP

In a release on Monday, the MP slammed the abysmal standard for national development being set by the Rowley led PNM administration, which has negatively impacted the quality of life for citizens.

Referring to recent statements made by Prime Minister Rowley in which he claimed that diversification is an “annoying term” due to its constant use, the MP stated “The Prime Minister as leader of this country, is obligated to set a higher standard and lead by example in such matters, he needs to choose his words carefully and remember the decorum befitting of his portfolio when addressing the public; he has disrespected many citizens with his callous statements.”

The MP further noted that such contempt for the country and its people seems to be the central theme for this incompetent PNM government. Throughout their tenure they have not engaged in any meaningful projects for the nation’s betterment. Instead they have opted to alter or complete projects conceptualized and initiated by the former Kamla Persad- Bissesar led, People’s Partnership’s administration.

These range from the Fishing Depot at Carenage to the Tamana InTech Park and the numerous Highway projects all of which were intended to facilitate greater commercial activity, accessibility and living standards for the people of this country. A central theme of the Partnership’s plan for this country was ‘Looking Ahead’ and this was demonstrated by the creation of thousands of new jobs under the Partnership administration.

Mrs. Gayadeen- Gopeesingh pointed to the Partnership’s multifaceted approach to economic and human development which involved agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, tourism and a focus on renewables and sustainability.

The MP continued, “The Partnership engaged in an initiative towards ‘Accelerated Diversification’ catered to each of the nation’s demarcated growth poles. This in comparison to the current PNM’s fixation with an energy dependent economy such that the Minister of Finance saw it as some manner of triumph and economic success when oil prices, a reality completely out of his control, had increased.”

Mrs. Gayadeen Gopeesingh concluded, “It is common knowledge that PNM will demit office soon, however it is imperative that they serve the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and not themselves. This can only be done through embracing the need for holistic and comprehensive diversification immediately.”

MP Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh
Monday 11th June, 2018