Commendable first year by PNM Govt

Not so an economy works.

Indeed, some commentaries seem to be a predilection of what the 2017 Budget statement may contain.

From the views hereinafter expressed, some readers may consider me an apologist for the Government. I am not.

Indeed, this is but an attempt to instill some balance to the commentaries which have been proffered. In this regard, allow me to make the following observations: 1. Any government taking office in September 2015 would have had to face a population with characteristics of “gimme gimme”, “every man for himself ” and, more especially, high expectations.

2. Notwithstanding the worrying matter of crime (which, in my opinion, is a national and not solely a government issue), a major “plus” for the Government has been the relative stability in the atmosphere which has permeated the sociopolitical landscape since September 2015.

Indeed, there has been a marked absence of tension and overtones based on race and the like. How long this will last is left to conjecture.

3. There has, however, been a less than positive atmosphere in co-operation within the Parliament itself.

4. It is clear that, given the state of the economy in September 2015, any responsible government, of whatever “colour”, would have had to impose corrective austerity measures.

My own assessment is that the PNM Government has taken the correct path by devoting its first year in office to steadying the “ship of state” and, as a means of so doing, has been attempting, despite some measure of unpopularity, to keep spending in line with much lower revenues projected.

5. Indeed, failing an approach such as at item 4, recourse would have had to be to the International Monetary Fund and the resulting harsh and uncompromising “conditionalities” which would have had to be met. Commentators should credit the Government for having avoided this path which would have amounted to abdication of some measure of sovereignty.

6. What we are witnessing is an economy having to face a much lower input in its revenue stream, is at a much lower level of equilibrium than has been the case during the relatively recent past. However, the Government has been able to maintain an economy free from foreign exchange shortages, runaway price inflation, commodity shortages etc.

One area which has suffered significantly has been infrastructure development, due to the relatively high contractual commitments which were inherited.

7. Finally, one negative characteristic of the Government which needs to be corrected, is the lack of assertiveness and political flair of some ministers. Are they awaiting a return of energy prices at a level of yesteryear before engaging the population?

Errol OC Cupid Trincity, Tacarigua