Rowley: Panday always tells two stories

MINISTER of Planning and Development, Dr Keith Rowley took issue with former Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday on Friday night for being a “two-story man.”

Rowley said Panday, who is also Political Leader of the United National Congress (UNC), told a recent meeting of the United National Congress in Central Trinidad, that the Peoples National Movement (PNM) was discriminating against Indians. “Then at another meeting in Diego Martin regarded as a PNM stronghold, Panday told his audience that the PNM was discriminating against them. “He always has two stories to suit his convenience.” Dr Rowley spoke at a PNM meeting at Harpe Place in support of four PNM candidates for the Port of Spain City Council in the July 14 Local Government  Elections. He said “the UNC are out of office, they know the value of money, but when they are in office is to thief.”

In a wide-ranging address, Dr Rowley raised several issues on health, transport, education, crime and housing, among other things. On health he criticised the former administration for purchasing second hand buses and ambulances from England and Canada respectively. “Imagine, fifty 12-year-old buses without windows,” he said. According to Dr Rowley the buses took months to be re-conditioned, “and where are they now?” he asked. And about ambulances — “second hand ones,” how can they last more than five years?” In this context, Dr Rowley disclosed that the government had placed an order for 40 new brand ambulances.

Dealing with crime, Dr Rowley begged parents to take an interest in their children and encourage them against deviant behaviour. He was saddened by the fact that many parents relinquished their responsibilities. “Let them know that violence destroy young people,” he said. “Tell them to put down their guns. Tell them to look to the future with hope and patience.  Tell them nobody will employ them if they are unemployable.” He pointed to the fact that he came from a poor family in rural Tobago and it did not mean taking up a gun. “It meant going to school and learning, so today, I am able to help to shape public policy in Trinidad and Tobago as Minister of Planning and Development. “Tell your children to stop their nonsense and look to the future with hope and patience,” advised Dr Rowley. “Encourage them to learn skills, if they are not academically inclined,” he added.