Rowley-led PNM Govt one year later

For example, there are reports of the government owing contractors billions of dollars. Given that the typical mark-up on construction jobs is ten percent overhead and five percent profit, one can safely assume that contractors spent more than $1.5 billion of their own money and are now awaiting payment.

Scepticism arises as to the source of all that investment money or the accuracy of the claims for payment.

These acquired debts certainly demand dispassionate research as they threaten to strangle funds for development and sustainability.

So one year after the 2015 general election, the Government is allegedly burdened with debt and an almost 75 percent decrease in income compared to that of the last 15 years.

There are many people who are dissatisfied that the Government has not rewarded them with uncontested contracts for useless box drains and minor construction projects. Our population seems to have gotten used to Cepep and URP projects that pay for little in return.

One can argue that the nation has an insatiable appetite for free State lands, free drugs, free groceries, free tertiary education, free healthcare and grants for almost every personal endeavour.

Many are unhappy that after supporting an alternative to the previous government they cannot get their turn to buy Rolls Royce cars or build their empire of private developments. They cannot believe that it is not their turn be given positions with large salaries that has no relation to their level of competence. So dissatisfaction abounds.

On another level there are some genuinely disappointed that areas for immediate attention like restructuring the justice system, implementing structured police patrols, developing tourism to be a major source of income, partnering with the private sector for increased investment and investing heavily in agriculture for food security and income generation are not at the top of the PNM agenda.

There are many who believe that too much effort is spent on retaining the failed systems of the past and blaming the last administration for corruption with little action to support the complaints.

The lack of investments in youths and new ideas continue to be a challenge for the present administration and what seemed like a spark of hope with a new leader can be seen as slowly beginning to look like the “same old same old”.

There are bright sparks like the determination to repair the neglected buildings like Whitehall and President’s House, investment in industry and efforts to reduce crime. The Prime Minister seems to be on the right track with regards to restructuring the management model for TT through comprehensive local government reform. The PNM’s biggest challenge however will be its ability or inability to break loose from the clutches of party controllers and embrace the wider population in an effort to get all on board in rebuilding our nation.

The success or failure of the Rowley-led PNM lies with its ability to build partnerships with business, communities and international agencies in order to generate new income and rebuild our failing infrastructure. Implementation of new ideas is only possible with “buy-in” from stakeholders and dealing effectively with the resistance to change.

Steve Alvarez via email