Padarath to Gonzales: PNM Sabotaged Beetham for Over 60 Years
Padarath stated that this was a tactic of the PNM government to deflect from their incompetence and inability to effectively address the issues plaguing their own constituents. He however noted that this was nothing new since one just has to look at the conditions the PNM has residents of Beetham living in despite decades of rule under the Balisier.
He added that decades of failing infrastructure, poverty and underdevelopment has contributed significantly to the problems facing the Beetham community. The Princes Town MP categorically denied any involvement of the UNC in the protest action by residents of the Beetham.
He further challenged the Minister of Public Utilities to bring forward any evidence and take it to the authorities with regards to his claims of sabotage.
The MP stated that Gonzales has a history of making excuses for his failed leadership by casting blame on innocent citizens. He called on the Minister and the government to take responsibility instead of burying their heads in the sand for what they have done to the people of Beetham for the past 60 years and more.
Padarath indicated that these sewage treatment and infrastructure works have been promised for the past year and the slow pace of work coupled with daily challenges of running raw sewage exposed to children and the elderly has exacerbated the frustration of residents. However, Minister Gonzales appears to be unfazed by this and is looking for a scapegoat for his ineffectiveness.
The Princes Town MP added that the PNM should be ashamed of what they have done to the people of the Beetham for the past 60 years by having them live in squalor, engulfed in raw sewage and still expecting them to remain silent while they suffer.
MP Padarath added that by the actions of the residents of the Beetham, they have signaled to the government that they will no longer be taken for granted and just used as a vote bank. He congratulated civic minded citizens for letting their voices be heard and reiterated once more that the UNC was in no way involved in any act of sabotage.