Who is planning now?

THE EDITOR: It is interesting to read the statements of both the PM and his AG on the (unanticipated?) taxi fare increases on the heels of their minor price adjustments for the price of gasoline, which, according to Morean is “in the order of 5.3 to 8 percent — 23 percent at the most” and “we have worked it out down to the cent.” The remark by the president of the Route Two Maxi Association, Victor George, “They didn’t think (fares) would go up when they planned the budget?” is cause for amusement, if not concern, in view of the PM’s admission that no prior study was undertaken prior to his announcement in Parliament on Budget Day of this increase which he proudly announced would fund substantially increased allocations to URP (and CEPEP?). Mr Manning goes on to threaten that Government will use “persuasion” and “muscle” to prevent the increase in maxi taxi fares.

Strong talk from one whose government has been unable to use those powers to prevent degenerating social mayhem as a result of crime, kidnap and internecine warfare between participants of said URP scheme! The soon to be released new special force has obviously inspired the PM with confidence. Even those barely out of kindergarten can also appreciate the fact that a gas increase has a roller coaster effect on the cost of living which expand further than the actual increase. The bottom line in trade is to maintain a healthy balance sheet at the end of the day. Common sense also tells me that if there are increased spoils to be fought over most of us are not going to be too elated to ring in the New Year in 2004, given the results of the last two. Others may be “planning” too. One might be forgiven for presuming that it is “unconscionable” to knowingly contribute further to degeneration of the social status in the nation. Where is the planning? Is Mr Manning “planning” for the same things that most of us are, despite an obscure Vision 2020 being dangled in front of us repeatedly? Notwithstanding the anticipated windfalls coming into the Government coffers from gas it would seem that the poor, tormented average citizen can only look forward to an increased cost of living, lower standards and further anxiety over their basic safety.

VIRGINIA VERITY
Port-of-Spain