Where has money gone in last year?

We see, feel and know of numerous works done with the billions collected between May 2010 and September 2015. One can see the vast amount of infrastructural development throughout the country in new educational facilities, sporting facilities, road works etc.

More importantly, in its first year in office, about $50 billion was spent and here are a few of the things done: * Free laptops given to every child entering Form 1, regardless of their parents’ political affiliation, ethnicity or financial status.

* Increase in old age pension to $3,000.

* Increase in minimum wage from $9 to $12.

* Establishment of the Children’s Life Fund for critically ill children whose parents are financially challenged.

* Improved GATE to assist all students.

* Establishment of 13 police surveillance bays along the northsouth highways.

* Increase in grants for those less fortunate for house and electrical repairs.

* Purchase of medical equipment, eg oxygen tanks, domestic help for special needs children and much more.

There were also the settlement of scores of outstanding wage negotiations and a special increase of five percent for public servants.

In the PNM’s first year and with the collection of over $60 billion, a withdrawal of millions from the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund, what has the Government done with the money? A PNM that boasts of being exceedingly experienced in governance and overflowing in quality human resource is challenged with Cabinet and ministerial quality, so where has the money gone.

Was any outstanding wage negotiations settled? No? Did it provide laptops to all Form 1 students? No? Did it use the billions for critically sick children? No? Did senior citizens receive an increase in old age pension? No? Was there an increase for NIS pensioners? No? So tell me how has the country benefitted from this PNM Government?

Lystra Lythe Sangre Grande