The difference between PNM snails, UNC foxes

The PNM is demonstrating a very cautious and admittedly slow delivery of government programmes and services. The mantra that says “slow and sure” seems to be the PNM’s order of business, which has its advantages and disadvantages.

The critical factor remains the verdict delivered by the people in terms of how their daily lives are affected by the Government’s slow delivery.

This snail-style government requires the population to have a considerable level of patience and understanding. The Government also has to have an effective communication strategy to establish accountability and transparency.

This Government has expressed the position of being “cash strapped” due to the conditions it met when entering office. This is coupled with a significant loss of revenue from falling oil and gas prices. The strategy therefore seems to be extra cautious methodology.

The UNC-led government however demonstrated a significantly different style of governance during its tenure. Programmes like food cards, the Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme and the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses etc were being expanded, not contracted; minor and major construction projects from box drains to highways were increased, and Housing Development Corporation developments started under the previous PNM administration were completed.

The reality of this fox-style government carried fast-paced momentum and delivery but not without the sly nature of the fox. The founder of the UNC, Basdeo Panday, nicknamed the “Silver Fox”, may still have some legacy prevailing.

The allegations of corruption, however, which accompanied the UNC-led Partnership while in government were outrageous. Cabinet ministers were fired and were resigning in double digits over its five-year tenure.

As it stands we are now witnessing the change in the style of governance between the two major political parties. The PNM’s first year in office has received mixed reviews.

One poll of 961 respondents says there is a 79 percent level of dissatisfaction among citizens with the first-year performance of the PNM Government. Another poll of 601 respondents says that the Prime Minister has a 51 percent approval rating.

The electorate will decide on its preferred style at the local elections this year. Whatever is decided will reflect the value system of the citizens of TT .

Ronald Huggins St Joseph