Manning: Too much lawlessness in TT

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning declared that while Trinidad and Tobago is set to experience “significant economic growth and prosperity” in 2006, there remains “too much lawlessness and recklessness” in the country. In his Christmas message, the Prime Minister said the realisation of expansion in key and new sectors of the national economy in 2006 will bring great socio-economic benefits for TT. However, Manning noted that amid all of the nation’s achievements in 2005, and those expected in 2006, “there will be challenges with which we must contend and problems we must do our best to eradicate.” “There is still too much lawlessness and recklessness. There is still too much poverty and homelessness and a lack of care,” he said.

The Prime Minister said while some of these challenges require specific programmes for which the State must take the initiative, “almost all require as a starting point a change of heart, a commitment to be our brother’s keeper, a concern to look out for the elderly and less fortunate.” Saying that people needed to remember the true meaning of Christmas, Manning said: “Materialistic progress alone does not a sound nation make.” He urged all citizens to allow themselves to become spiritually and philosophically enriched. Manning added that by doing this, citizens will develop a goodness of heart and spirit “that will manifest the goodwill we must share with our fellow men.”

Manning said TT had much to be thankful for as “a progressive, liberal democracy” which enjoys levels of racial and religious tolerance which are unheard of in many parts of the world. He said TT continues to be blessed with an abundance in natural and human resources. The Prime Minister observed that the latter shone brightly in 2005, with TT’s Soca Warriors qualifying for the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany and West Indies batsman Brian Lara becoming the number one Test batsman in the world. Manning reminded citizens to use the Christmas season as a time to life the standard of care and concern for those less privileged or fortunate. “Most certainly in doing so, we shall be adding greater meaning and purpose to our lives and creating a better society for all,” the Manning said.