NACTA: Manning outperforming Govt

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning is outperforming his own Government on several fronts, with his only flaw being his plan to relocate Parliament from the Red House. According to the findings of the latest North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) poll, the Prime Minister’s approval rating is 42 percent, a ten percent improvement since June. The increase in Manning’s approval rating was attributed to his handling of regional hurricane disaster relief efforts, the Commission of Inquiry into the Landate affair, his statement of integrity in public life, presentation of the 2004/2005 Budget and his trip to the US in September (during which he addressed the United Nations General Assembly). Of the 422 potential voters interviewed by NACTA for this poll, 53 percent said Manning’s trip to the US was successful.

Manning’s disapproval rating was 38 percent, while 11 percent gave him a neutral rating (interpreted to mean satisfactory) and nine percent offered no response. The Achilles heel in Manning’s performance to date is his plan to relocate the Office of the Prime Minister to the Red House and relocate Parliament. Some 58 percent of the respondents were opposed to Manning’s plan to relocate Parliament. Asked if they felt Government was performing satisfactorily, only 31 percent answered in the affirmative. Respondents claimed that some Government ministers “are incompetent and inefficient in the delivery of service, and should be replaced.”

Many respondents also said Government ministers “seem more interested in acquiring power and pursuing their own interests as opposed to promoting the nation’s welfare.” Public Administration Minister Dr Lenny Saith (currently in the US undergoing medical treatment) was rated as the most effective Government minister with 28 percent. He was followed by Trade and Industry Minister Ken Valley (22 percent), Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley (16 percent), Works and Transport Minister Franklin Khan (14 percent) and Education Minister Hazel Manning (nine percent). Asked if they believe Government will keep its promise to assist former Caroni workers with housing, land and employment, 45 percent of the respondents said no. Most Indo-Trinidadians hold this view, but also believe the Opposition UNC is not doing enough to help these people.