CEPEP, Government’s success story

THE EDITOR: The country’s new logo should be: “To each according to his ability, for each according to his needs.” This is what is being practised with the implementation of the CEPEP programme, with startling results. CEPEP is a success story, worth heralding, especially when other government ventures pollute our environment, displace our citizens and exploit the Government.

The government should be complimented for the CEPEP programme instead of being maligned and criticised for its implementation. I was impressed with the work being put out by CEPEP, in areas in Point Fortin and Guapo. Impressive high quality work that one would find hard to rival. The CEPEP workers can teach our teachers, public servants and even our policemen, how to go about discharging their duties with uninhibited commitment and dedication. I was taken by surprise when I went past the different gangs of CEPEP workers going about the business of keeping and maintaining the environment. Their approach to their duties was above board: no gossiping, no skulking, no lackadaisical conduct in the workplace.

The problems that exist in the URP programme are being thrown at the CEPEP programme regarding bad work habits and questionable management. Most of these criticisms are contrived while others are because of ignorance. There are many of us in the society, who are hell-bent on watching the present government fail in all its ventures, whether they are well managed and successful makes no difference. CEPEP should be viewed as a role model agency in TT, worthy of emulation. I was privileged to hear a radio talk show host, interviewing two top management CEPEP employees, which was something to behold. Every question directed to the guests was answered with aplomb. The radio talk show host tried his best to unearth a corruption trail that was non-existent. I knew the Government was “on to something,” when the doomsayers who are usually on seek and destroy missions could not find any flaws in the programme.

The fact that CEPEP workers seem to be well disciplined, with exemplary work habits; it behooves us to ensure that the workers, because of the temporary nature of the job, be enrolled in a type of “compulsory saving programme” originating from the payroll department. This would serve as a “financial-safety net” for the worker when he/she is furloughed. We must bear in mind that CEPEP does not offer any job security. What impresses me the most with regards to CEPEP is when one hears about “contractors.” We are not talking about contractors with “deep pockets,” with inexhaustible capital, who can come in with dump-trucks and tractors. Instead we see the poor-men/women doing the job usually given to the big contractors. And doing it effectively and efficiently, with no drain on the economy or the existence of widespread corruption; the latter which goes hand in hand with such major undertakings.

The detractors, who continue to discredit the CEPEP programme are angry, because they were left out of the process, which they would have exploited at best. This is an engraved opportunity for the poor man/woman to show his/her “mettle,” consequently expanding his/her horizons. We should all support the Government in this venture, and ensure that the much needed funds 0required to keep the CEPEP programme afloat is made available for its survival.

ULRIC GUY
Point Fortin