- Photo by Lincoln Holder
INCUMBENT Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal says the People's National Movement (PNM) has made Trinidad and Tobago unrecognisable from the paradise the UNC left in 2015.
At a UNC general election community meeting in Debe on April 1, Moonilal said, "Today, this country is being seen throughout the region as a basket case."
He was scathing in his criticism, adding, "It takes 20 years to destroy a country. But the PNM did it in nine years.
"You didn’t need a visa to go to England. Remember that? Now, even if you need to go to the Privy Council, the highest court in this land, you need a visa. A visa just to go to court!"
He was referring to a decision taken by the UK government on March 12 requiring all TT nationals to have a visa before they can travel to the UK. He said the restrictions pose a potential threat to TT nationals' freedom of movement.
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"This is where we are today: our freedom is under attack, and it’s all thanks to their ‘pussyfooting and footsy’."
Turning his focus to crime and insecurity, Moonilal questioned PNM’s previous promises.
"Remember when they promised free Wi-Fi hotspots? What we have today is a crime hotspot! That is their legacy – crime and poverty."
Addressing economic and infrastructural decline, he painted a grim picture of neglect in Oropouche East, as he criticised the government for "allowing essential services to deteriorate.
"There’s a leadership vacuum in the PNM and (Prime Minister) Stuart Young doesn’t have the charisma, gravitas, or heart to lead. He has nothing – he cannot fill the shoes of a leader."
He contrasted the leadership of the UNC under Kamla Persad-Bissessar, saying in the UNC, there is no vacuum.
He said the UNC has a leader with the compassion, expertise and heart to serve the people.
Moonilal said the PNM is struggling to find support for its election campaign, specifically its meeting in Mt Lambert on March 28.
"They couldn’t even get 15 people to attend. No one is attending their meetings any more."
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Moonilal also took aim at newly appointed Attorney General Camille Robinson-Regis, saying, "This is a woman who admits she couldn’t pass math in school. How can we trust her with the economy when she can’t even count?"
On the issue of public servants and workers’ rights, he reaffirmed the UNC's commitment to workers and addressing issues of unemployment and infrastructure.
"We will throw away the PNM's subcommittee report on retrenchment. We will work with the unions and ensure that workers' rights are protected. And we’ll fight to reopen the Petrotrin refinery."
Moonilal said the UNC will review the demerit point system and refocus the Couva Children’s Hospital for its intended use: "The children of the nation.”
He promised support for security guards before discussing the UNC's plans for reducing crime through economic development.
"We will create a manufacturing hub in the East-West Corridor. Crime and unemployment go hand-in-hand and by creating jobs, we can reduce crime significantly."
Discussing housing, he said the UNC's track record speaks for itself.
"The PNM can’t even finish projects like the Mosquito Creek project. When they give you keys to a house, they take them back."
Moonilal believes the PNM will introduce a pension bill in December.
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He warned if PNM returns to power, they will also introduce property taxes, as he dismissed Young's claims of ushering in a new era.
"We must stay vigilant and protect what is rightfully ours."
Moonilal said the National Gas Company (NGC) has failed under Young’s leadership.
