PM and UNC Political Leader speech MNF Guaico
INTRODUCTION
Thank you Chairman…
Members and friends of the UNC here in Guaico, welcome!
Friends of the People’s Partnership and citizens of Trinidad & Tobago, good evening!
Thanks:
members of the party and campaign teams for bringing together this event.
MP, Dr Rupert Griffith, and his staff at the Office of the MP for their support and work in the constituency of Toco/Sangre Grande since 2010.
STRONGER, TOGETHER
This evening as we come together to update you on how we have worked to make our country better, we are coming on the heels of a very busy few weeks, all across our country.
(1) Recently we were in Fyzabad, joining hands with our friends in the COP, TOP and NJAC and re-affirming our pledge of unity and working together to build a nation where people love living and working.
(2) I went to Diego Martin to officially commission a new school for the children of Point Cumana. After years of ‘promises and ideas’ from others it was YOUR Government that finally delivered schools. About 100 new schools we have built in this our first term in office.
(3) I also met with the CEO of Shell in Port of Spain who is leading the acquisition of BG, and who assured us that Trinidad & Tobago remains a good fit in continuing to grow our relationship.
(4) Last Sunday, we were in Couva to commemorate the history of our movement, and our long walk to 2015 on our 26th anniversary.
(5) Last week, I was in Rousillac, formally commissioning yet another completed section of the San Fernando to Point Fortin Highway.
(6) I was also in La Brea, commissioning the newly constructed Police Station to bring the comfort of greater security to the people of La Brea and neighbouring communities.
And this evening, we are in Sangre Grande, with news on how we have worked for you, and a message on how, together, we will achieve the future you want.
We have got our country covered!
We are moving closer to a vision of prosperity for all!
PROGRESSIVE ECONOMY
Earlier, Minister Bharath gave you details on the measures that show how much progress has been made with returning our economy to growth, and restoring confidence in businesses and investors here and abroad.
The issues Minister Bharath raised with you are important for you to understand.
Because one thing detractors have always thrived on is mis-information.
When issues arise, if you do not take the time to understand what they mean and how they impact on your lives, you leave yourselves open to being fooled by career mis-leaders.
ECONOMIC STABILITY
A MISSION, A VISION
With the details Minister Bharath gave you earlier, I think it is important for you to think carefully on all you heard.
I want you to see what we mean when we say we say we came to office with a vision of prosperity for all, and an immediate mission of protecting you from economic decline.
In 2010 budgets for projects depleted, even though those projects were incomplete and contractors were not paid.
But rather than being truthful to the nation and explaining where the money disappeared to, detractors are now trying to convince you that the economy was in good shape in 2010.
In 2010 we found a terribly mis-managed bailout plan for CLICO and HCU.
We had to balance the need to advance the money that families needed to recover, with our mission to stop decline.
Today, five years later, our economy has recovered and is stable, strong, and growing!
We don’t just say that, we mean it!
We set out a vision that placed the people at the centre of development.
You and your families, and also the people of tomorrow, were the ones we placed at the centre of development.
And there is another point I want you to take note of this as well.
So that you will understand how despite this move by Moody’s, we remain confident of our stability, growth and progress.
Moody’s said the decline in oil prices and the diversification of the economy were also reasons for their move.
But even as we adjusted spending because of falling energy prices, revenues for the first half of the current fiscal year were just 5% below the original budgeted target.
This is prudent management!
We budget on an oil price of US$80 per barrel oil, but the oil price fell and we had to adjust down to US$45 per barrel of oil, almost half of the original price.
Yet, revenue has only fallen short by 5 percent.
And instead of a deficit projected at over 3 billion for the first half of this fiscal year we recorded a surplus
And, investments in the energy sector continue to be strong.
• The Juniper platform, a US$2 billion investment by BP is being constructed as we speak.
• Mitsubishi has committed to a US$1 billion investment.
• New rigs are in the country drilling for new reserves of oil and gas.
• In mid-2010, there was ONE offshore rig in this country; today, there are SEVEN!
• Since 2010, we have signed 21 Production Sharing Contracts and Licenses and we have doubled drilling activity.
So don’t be fooled by detractors claiming the economy they left in 2010 was strong and stable.
That is a shameful and distasteful distortion of the facts!
And I will not listen quietly to anyone misleading the people of Trinidad & Tobago by distorting history and hiding the chaos they left in 2010.
They hurt people and families enough in Government and I will not allow them to do it from Opposition.
They are saying that tall buildings in Port of Spain, for which budgets were fully spent, projects were incomplete, and contractors were not paid…amounts to good management.
No account for the money, no explanation for misdirecting our economy to the point of decline in 2009 and 2010, but that was management their style.
At the same time they are saying that protecting the vulnerable, providing more schools for children, re-building infrastructure, expanding healthcare and investing in children’s education…is NOT good management.
If this is how they see mismanagement, be very worried about if he ever gets control.
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE
Integrity
The future must be built on a commitment to Integrity in public life which we have demonstrated in the change we have made for example:
• Through Procurement Legislation;
• Through legislative changes for more oversight of financial institutions;
• Through new Parliamentary standards for more time for analysis of the national budget;
• Through opportunities to directly question the Prime Minister on issues affecting our daily national life, and
• Through taking the tough decisions that are needed to preserve the public trust.
Education
As we focus on the future, education will also remain a centrepiece of our vision.
It is through education that we will secure tomorrow, because the good jobs, good incomes, new homes and better institutions must be taken by our own children first!
We must:
• Build on being the first in the world to meet the UN Millennium Goal of universal pre-school education;
• Go beyond the about 95 new schools and almost 110 Early Childhood, Care and Education (ECCE) centres we have delivered;
• Expand further tertiary, technical, vocational and sports training that our young people want, and
• Take forward our plans for technology-driven learning in primary school education with the introduction of tablet devices. Tablets for primary school children.
Social Services
A focus on the future means that we must continue to transform our social services so that each citizen has equitable access to opportunities. We must:
• Advance social services to one that empowers the vulnerable;
• Continue building a system where training programmes deliver opportunities for better incomes;
• Build on what we have already done to secure the lives of our elderly;
• Advance a system that eliminates wastage delivers more efficiently, and
• Convert make work programmes into skills development channels.
We will now introduce the Biometric Smart Card which will have the effect of:
• Faster application processing;
• Better tracking of the progress of vulnerable families;
• Reduced risks of fraud, and
• Faster delivery of critical services and support.
Healthcare
Focusing on the future means that we must continue to advance the task of re-building our system of healthcare.
What have we been doing for a higher quality health services:
• Teaching Hospital in San Fernando thereby providing a modern hospital environment, 216 more beds, 108 for children, as well as more opportunities for training doctors
• Children’s Hospital in Couva with additional adult emergency services
• Longer opening hours for 46 Health centers across the country including opening on weekends
• RE-starting the construction of the oncology center, but at the same time increasing the arrangements with private institutions for the treatment of cancer patients
• Forging a partnership with 19 organizations for kidney dialysis treatment
• Modernization of the Women’s Hospital at Mt Hope
• Upgrade of Sangre Grande Hospital
• Arrangements with private sector for surgeries that cannot be obtained in public hospitals after three months
• Imminent sod turning for Arima and Pt Fortin Hospitals
• Repairs to 105 Health Centers by URP/CEPEP
• Complex brain surgeries by Chinese Medical team following my visit to China
• Public programs to combat NCD’s
• Introduction of 700 CSR”s to hospitals and health centers to improve customer/patient services
Of course we have yet to do more, to get a paradigm in attitudes to work, in improving management of the health institutions overall.
These are the things that we must now move to deliver if we are to stay true to our vision of prosperity for all and a better life for all people and families of our nation.
But we have made many changes and have positively impacted upon the experiences of our patients at health care institutions.
CONCLUSION
Let me tell you I’m an optimist.
Yes I’m here to defend my government’s record but I’m also here to tell you that Trinidad and Tobago has a bright future.
We are a resourceful and united people.
I’m proud to be leader of our country and I’m proud that in Government we have faced up to difficult challenges, taken tough decisions and delivered for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
We’ve come through difficult times together.
In 2010, after 9 years of stagnation and wasted opportunity with oil income frittered away or ‘lost’, the People’s Partnership coalition took power and started to repair a damaged Trinidad and Tobago.
The name was no accident.
This was a Government elected by the people, acting on behalf of the people and working with the people.
I was very proud and honoured to be the first female Prime Minister of my country.
After just five years we have achieved much but let me tell you we have much still to do.
Now is the time to stay on course, to stick to a plan that is delivering so much for our country and our people and for all of us to work together to deliver a better future.
I am under no illusion as to the task facing us.
I have learned how to lead our Country, dealing with issues such as sacking corrupt ministers and officials.
Of course as Prime Minister and as a Government we made mistakes.
All parties do.
But we have learned from them, delivered on our promises and improved the lives of the people of TT.
Yes for me and for many of you the last five years have not been easy.
Having to fire people I knew well and trusted was not an easy thing to do – but I did it because I believe in maintaining the integrity of any government I lead, which must be accountable to the people.
I am proud of the fact that with every tough decision I had to take I have grown stronger and better prepared to lead our country for the next five years.
We need another term to build on the work we have done.
Trinidad and Tobago is changing for the better with strides being made on improving our education system, creating jobs and improving our country’s infrastructure.
We have a vision for where Trinidad and Tobago should be going as a nation and a society AND we have a plan.
Not words, not rhetoric, not another politician promising you the earth.
Our plan for the next five years is one of delivery and progress that will ensure that we balance the books of our Nation’s finances, cut waste in the budgets to ensure we can spend money on citizen security, health, education, job creation and on our infrastructure.
And yes cutting crime too.
We have to cut crime.
I know from my own constituents and communities.
I also hear the same refrain from mothers, grandfathers and students from every part of our country.
We are not going to be frightened by criminals nor are we going to let them change the nature of our country.
That’s my solemn promise to you.
Although statistics show crime is not growing at the rate it was, it is still too high and it affects every community and is starting to tear the fabric of our society.
Enough is enough and I am determined that the next Government I lead will cut crime and deal with the causes.
Of course we are concerned at the blight of crime and I could stand here today and list the statistics for you; more police stations, more police, better equipment for our officers, fewer murders BUT we all know that one murder is too many.
So if I am given the chance to finish the job I have started I will be relentless in continuing my drive to cut crime and drive the criminals out of Trinidad and Tobago.
I am proud too of our record here in Toco-Sangre Grande.
In 2012 the new Ministry of Sport office opened in Sangre Grande which included modernisation of the existing public swimming pool on the site.
Soon the Sangre Grande Enhanced Health Centre will be completed.
Repairs to roads and infrastructure.
Valencia Bypass
• Expansion of COASTAAT in Sangre Grande to accommodate 1500 students
Unlike previous Governments we have delivered.
And we will continue to deliver:
Future Plans
The Guaico/Sangre Grande area has been identified by Town and Country Planning of the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development for Medium Intensity Development – this mean that this region will be developed to provide all satellite services within the precincts of the community core as part of Government’s thrust for development of regions and communities, strengthening the process of decentralization.
These will include banking services, financial services, buildings up to 6 stories high, professional offices, retail trades, restaurants, entertainment facilities, market development and of course Government services. These decisions have already been taken by Cabinet.
The same has been done for the Rio Claro area. Remember we are building a road from Mayaro to San Fernando. And of course we have already provided relief with the Valencia Highway. The village of Cumuto will be developed as a village centre that serves the immediate population with a range of services including Government satellite services.
This means that low intensity services such as banking, convenience shops, doctors’ offices and restaurants will be given the permission to operate in the main arteries. Buildings up to three stories will be allowed.
What this means is that opportunities for business and commerce will increase in Cumuto, Guaico, Sangre Grande and the whole Rio Claro/Princess Town area.
As you know we have 5 Growth Poles in Trinidad and Tobago now and the plans are being prepared for two more – in the Sangre Grande area and the Rio Claro area. This will open up this part of the country to investment and faster development and offer better options for jobs and through decentralization, investment, growth and people and community development.
Now Dr Rowley and the PNM want to come back.
They desperately hope that you will forget why you kicked them from office just five years ago.
They hope that you will forget their empty and broken promises.
Well unlike them, I won’t promise what I can’t or simply won’t deliver.
But I promise you this – if I am re-elected this year a Government led by me will continue to deliver for you and your family.
Let’s be clear – the choice you will soon face is between one Party of Empty Promises and One of Delivery.
The PNM and Dr Rowley Promise but Kamla Delivers.
Rowley has no vision, no idea, no plan to develop Trinidad and Tobago.
He does not know and does not care what the people want for themselves and their families.
It gives me no pleasure to inform you that Keith Rowley is one of the most untrustworthy and dangerous political elements this nation has ever had to face.
He continues to show the people of Trinidad and Tobago that he is unfit to lead.
Nothing he says can be trusted.
That’s why the Government moved in Parliament to have Dr. Keith Rowley suspended for making false statements.
His actions tarnish Trinidad and Tobago’s international representation.
I’m sorry to say he is not fit to stand for office.
In complete contrast this Government remains focused on working towards delivering its promises to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
We are not complacent and we are not scared of hard work and rolling our sleeves up.
We will continue to focus on identifying and addressing the needs of all our citizens and leave it to them to make a judgement on our performance.
We don’t take any vote for granted.
We know we have work to do to show the public we not only care about their concerns, but can also continue to deliver improvements to the quality of people’s lives over the next five years.
At this election, all voters across Trinidad and Tobago – wherever they live – will be asked to decide who they want to be their Prime Minister and who they trust to deal with the challenges and opportunities leadership provides.
We are confident that voters will opt for the Partnership rather than risk the dangers of a Rowley-led Government.
Let me say this to you very clearly.
Five years ago the partnership was formed to change Trinidad and Tobago’s politics from the lacklustre and slothful old ways of the PNM.
We have changed Trinidad and Tobago for the better and we will continue to be the change for the next 5 years.
It is our Party that has delivered for Trinidad and Tobago. The others talk (and talk and talk …) but my we deliver.
I am Proud of what my team has done.
Every person in this country deserves the right to own the roof they and their family live under.
That’s why we delivered the “let me take you there” housing programme.
A great country like ours needs an infrastructure fit for the 21st Century.
The Chaguaramas causeway that will be built is proof that in Trinidad and Tobago politics the PNM make empty promises, BUT we deliver.
In politics as in life we take for granted many things and we say ‘Government of course must do this or that’ – but we should not be shy in talking about the achievements by this Government.
Don’t forget why the PNM was thrown out just 5 years ago and why it should be rejected again.
We are a Party of fairness.
We must ensure that people from across Trinidad and Tobago, regardless of their age or race or religion, share in our prosperity.
Trinidad and Tobago will only be the best it can be if its people are all they can be.
There are many good reasons why the people of this country voted for change in 2010.
We have worked hard to change our country for the better ever since.
We have a proud record of delivery.
Healthcare has come on leaps and bounds from where we were 5 years ago.
We have delivered new hospitals and we have the vision to build a healthcare system second to none that will care for our people and also bring revenue into the country.
So as a nation we need to ask ourselves do we want to go back to square one and throw away what has been achieved? Or do we finish what we’ve begun?
Think about those you love and care about.
Together we have the chance to continue building a better future for you, your family and our country.
A nation that gives every child the best start in life.
This is my vision for the future of our great country.
A country where people from all our communities really thrive.
We want a thriving economy for whoever you are and wherever you come from.
We want to share that prosperity with everyone.
Trinidad and Tobago will only succeed if people are all they can be.
My Government is building a better future for all the people of our country – regardless of age, space, race or religion and we are doing it openly.
I am not in politics for myself.
I love my country and I am extremely proud to serve it.
I have delivered, when previous governments talked about doing something.
Now I say to you don’t throw away all we have achieved together.
We’re on a road to a better future.
I stand on my record and I have the vision and a plan to deliver for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
So Toco-sandre Grande, So Trinidad and Tobago. What’s your choice going to be?
Let’s not go back to square one.
Let’s continue and finish what we have begun.
Let’s work to create a country we are proud to call home…for you, for your family, for everyone.
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES
This month we celebrate five years of being voted into office.
General Elections 2015 is at hand.
To this end, we invite nominations of candidates for GE 2015.
From Monday May 11th nomination forms will be available at Rienzi Complex during working hours Monday to Friday. You are all invited to collect forms and propose nominees for GE 2015.
THE HONOURABLE KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR SC, MP
PRIME MINISTER OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
POLITICAL LEADER OF THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS
LEADER OF THE PEOPLE’S PARTNERSHIP
MONDAY NIGHT FORUM
GUAICO GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
CONSTITUENCY OF TOCO/SANGRE GRANDE
04 MAY 2015
(check against delivery)