Speaking Notes of Political Leader MNF St Augustine
Impact of increase in fuel prices
I must tell you, when the finance minister raised the price of Super Gasoline last Monday, I was taken by surprise.
It was just two years ago when in a laughing tone Imbert spoke of how many times he raised gas, and then joked, ‘they ain’t riot yet’, promising another increase, and he has. And again he hinted that there would be increases in diesel in the near future.
Super gasoline, without a doubt, is the most used gasoline by families, taxi drives, middle and low-income citizens, public servants, including those who use their car to make a little money on the side.
Super gasoline has gone up by 84% in the last 3 years and Imbert is trying to brainwash the country stating there is only a $1 increase.
The facts are clear, however. If you are the owner of a Nissan Almera, before this PNM government, you paid $163 to full your tank, as of last Monday you are now paying $205.
If you are a taxi driver working the Arima to Sangre Grande route using an Almera, you have to full your tank every day.
This driver now pays $41 more to full his tank.
Which works out to $1,148 more every month.
The removal of the gas subsidy has to go hand in hand with the revitalization of our Public Transport system.
If our bus service was running a reliable service, the public dependence on the gas subsidy would be reduced… the cost of fixing our nation’s roads would be reduced and our traffic woes would be reduced.
The minister is right about one thing, citizens of this country will not riot, but they will vote soon enough and they will remember this lack of conscience and vision.
Your time is running out.
And when the time comes and the people cast their votes, the UNC will implement a phased reduction in corporation tax to 20% over five years, to boost investments by small and medium manufacturers who create more jobs.
Increased taxation cripples innovation and growth. The non-energy sector needs all the support they can get.
The UNC has a vision and a plan to support entrepreneurship in the Digital Age. We will encourage and empower entrepreneurship with a policy for the prosperity of emerging entrepreneurs in technology and manufacturing.
Our plan not only includes rebuilding the middle class and restoring the social safety net, but also includes establishing ways for upward mobility of both.
We will focus on creating the opportunities for the middle class to not only expand, but also for those who are willing to take the risk of getting into business or the risk of investing, if are willing to take those risk, we will ensure that the tools are in place for them to grow out of the middle class and become the business owners and investors that may be their dream.
It is my mission to help you to make those dreams a reality. If you are willing to do the work, the UNC is willing to show you the way!
This is what our party is about. A new UNC is focused on you and it is about you.
UNC and Proud
Tonight, I call on anyone who thinks that what is happening in this country needs to be changed, to join us.
I am telling you that now it the time to put whatever differences aside and step forward and support the United National Congress.
Where ever you live, we are calling on you to step up, step forward and volunteer… Even if it is only one hour a week… Your support on the ground, in our party groups, at the planning table, is welcome. We are going from street to street and door to door and we want you to join us.
From Local to General, join the mission to remove this government, so that united we can bring balance back to Trinidad and Tobago.
From Local to General, we will work together and we will vote the PNM out!
We will rebuild the economy by lowering taxes.
We will promote our young entrepreneurs.
We will make GATE accessible once again.
We will help the private sector to create jobs.
We will ensure that no child is left behind because of a lack of focus in the Children’s Life Fund.
We will ensure that the Couva Children’s Hospital is a free hospital.
We will ensure that the rights of workers are heard and understood.
We were born out of the struggle for equal rights and justice for all. We understand that performance beats old talk and we know that if you work hard for what you believe in, success will come.
Stand with us…Volunteer to work with us.
Call your councilor, MP or Alderman.
Write to me at kamlapb1@gmail.com
And I tell you, one hour a week will take your party back into government and get Trinidad and Tobago working again.
I am committed to our party’s original vision, which has always been to create a better future for all. And we will continue to do so by investing in education and health; creating jobs; and most importantly, by restoring a safe and secure environment in your homes and on our streets and in our communities.
Our party, the United National Congress will embrace the challenges that lie ahead by continuing our focus on people centered development.
Let us work together to return our beloved nation to greatness.
As I was walking to the parliament on Monday I saw an elderly man and his grandson holding a placard and today I will share the words on that placard, “we will riot with our fingers come 2020 or before”.
If you want to see a real turnaround, turn your faces to the rising sun and let the shadows fall behind you.
Call elections now!
Are you ready?
I am UNC and proud!! We are UNC and we are proud!
Great is our beloved country of Trinidad and Tobago.
God bless and thank you all.