Kamla: PNM illegal

Addressing the packed hall of supporters the former Prime Minister, now Opposition Leader, said both the economy and infrastructure projects had stalled under the new PNM-led government, that people were losing their jobs, and that many were unable to pay their bills.

She noted that the Rowley government is a “do nothing government” and that the country could no longer wait for them to kick-start.

“It is time to make a change and that change could come with the local government elections,” she said, adding that the citizenry does not know who is in charge at times as someone is always acting as the Prime Minister.

This has been the case, she says, on nine occasions in nine months under the PNM rule. Persad-Bissessar noted that although the country is a few days away from the one-year anniversary of the PNM government it seems the Prime Minister is always on vacation.

She called on her supporters to put an end to this kind of rule as they carry the strongest weapon in their own hands.

“Send a message with your hands,” she told supporters. “We do not need violence, we do not need guns, it is with you finger you could vote them out.” Persad-Biss essar urged the nominees for the local government elections who are not selected to contest the elections to stay united “as a house divided against itself can never stand.” She reminded that this has posed a problem in the past and what gave victory to the PNM.

She urged nominees to support those selected and work hard, as they can be selected for aldermen and other positions within the regional corporations.

Continuing to knock the Government over the removal of GATE and food cards, Persad- Bissesar claimed that people are texting her to report the hardships they are facing regarding schoolbooks for their children and that students are no longer receiving free eye examinations or spectacles under the PNM.

“No textbooks, no laptops, and now you taking away the children’s ability to see,” she said.

The UNC leader further took the Government to task over its handling of the crime situation in the country declaring that crime was at an all-time high with four murders in twelve hours and 290 murders to date.

Turning her attention to the property tax, Persad-Bissessar noted that the government is now ready to implement it.

She claimed this will bring further hardships as homes would now be assessed on certain standards. She claimed property taxes will be higher for homes with more than one bathroom.