The People's Partnership government of Trinidad and Tobago was swept into power a year ago last month. The new government bested a burnt-out PNM government and its megalomania-tainted leadership with a majority 29 seats to 12.
It was a refreshing change. Having been swept into power, the new government was within days put to the test with a country awash with serious flooding.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar quickly excelled by seizing the day. The new prime minister left her swearing-in ceremony behind, donned rubber boots and a raincoat, and went out among the suffering people.
It was a moment that saw the promise to lead with a caring, motherly approach. It was a scenario unlike what Trinidad and Tobago had ever known. Swept into power, the new broom that was the PP government was sweeping clean. The words that echoed throughout the PP's campaign were being seen in action – the new administration was serving the people with its own, caring hands; it was also leading by listening and by example.
A year later, the PP government has made strides. It found solutions to the troubling issue with doctors in the country's southern city. The administration settled a labour dispute with public servants. It is to the government's credit that this settlement would be saving millions of dollars in additional salary, backpay, as well as ensure continued productivity rather than time lost through protests and industrial action.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has also performed well when the glaring national spotlight called on her to make tough decisions. She responded with alacrity and determination to the unfortunate comments from the chairman of the Police Service Commission Nizam Mohammed. Again, she responded promptly in revoking the appointment of government senator Mary King, who had failed to maintain an appropriate distance in the award of a contract to a company owned by herself and her husband.
There has also been significant fallout for this young government. It has not been an easy ride. Undoubtedly the days were long for the Prime Minister and members of her government when it became public knowledge that a junior 31-year-old official had been appointed interim head of the spy agency. Add to the sleepless nights for this government its ongoing failure to deal decisively with the continuing contestation regarding the national airline and the Caribbean Airline board.
There are other thumbs-down on performance. Its failure to deal with the failed insurance giant Clico issue has put the lives of thousands of policyholders in limbo. These policyholders continue to live with uncertainty regarding their investments that total millions and with the loss of interest income.
But despite the mistakes and missteps, which are reflected in the loss of some support indicated in recent polls, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and her government still retain a large measure of the goodwill earned a year ago. There remains a reservoir of approval throughout the country, with nationals pleased with critical infrastructural work being undertaken with bridge building and upgrades to roads and highways. Strides have also been made in education, with pupils provided with laptops. Tobago has also benefited with historical inconveniences resolved and a technical college underway.
The handling of the recovering economy also remains a key area of concern. With the world's confidence returning, the government has been praised for its restraint in holding back on the Clico payout as well as the wage settlement with the public service. However, the thinking is the government needs to now ease up on its braking manoeuvres and on the fiscal restraint.
Despite the mix of compliments and criticism, goofs and gaffes, achievement and admiration, this young government's steadfastness and commitment remain strong, and for this, a sense of optimism still prevails both at home and here abroad.
Year two of the People's Partnership should see most of the diffidence left behind and giant steps being taken as this government continues to grow.
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