Baksh: Paul’s prayer was for PNM

THE Government’s callous disregard to deliver on its promises was the motivating factor for president of the Inter-Religious Organisation, Rev Cyril Paul to ask for forgiveness for parliamentarians. That was the view expressed yesterday by Opposition UNC Senator Sadiq Baksh, during debate of the Budget in the Senate. Baksh said that was the only reason for the impassioned prayer delivered at the ceremonial opening of Parliament last month. Baksh identified as undelivered by the Government: 10,000 homes a year, Project Pride and crime prevention measures. Among the delivered measures, he said, were more unemployment, poverty, murders and kidnappings. Baksh described the Budget as very “poor” rather than being one for the “poor.” He noted that increased fuel prices would have a ripple effect and cause more suffering.

On the issue of introducing mandatory fingerprinting for all citizens, Baksh urged Government to take note of the fact that in countries like New Zealand, Germany, Australia and the UK, there was no fingerprinting nor even national IDs. He said over the last 22 months no sustainable jobs had been created and instead there were “work schemes.” He was also critical of what he described as “social engineering,” or the building of houses in marginal constituencies. He said that for Government to get the support of the UNC “we must have confidence that you will provide just and equitable governance.”