No political ploy

However, these meetings must be more than just political window- dressing. They must deliver results and be conducted in as fair and transparent a manner as possible.

Unfortunately, recent remarks by Persad-Bissessar are an indication that this may be easier said than done.

“I will meet with him because there’s so much I want to tell him. I want to tell him that he has brought this country to a ruinous state,” Persad-Bissessar said on Monday, playing to a crowd of supporters.

She lamented the high crime rate and said the Prime Minister had not fulfilled a single undertaking he had given her at a first meeting last year. “Not one thing they said they would do, has been done.” If it is true that the Prime Minister set out goals which have not been achieved, then it is important that the Opposition Leader go into this meeting not simply to ramajay.

She must listen, get an account of why objectives were not fulfilled; what progress was made and what needs to be done moving forward.

Crucially, both sides should offer an account of what must happen to turn plans and goals into reality.

This meeting is a good opportunity for both sides to develop and implement policy in the long run.

Rowley leads the Government and as Opposition Leader Persad-Bissessar leads what is often described as a government-in-waiting. No one should be under the illusion that all the country’s problems can be solved in one year, or even one term. Which is why a bipartisan approach to key issues is required.

Further, there should be consistency and continuity when it comes to State policy in certain areas – such as national security – so that leaders do not have to return to the drawing board after every new government is installed.

Still, the population has voted in both Government and Opposition MPs to do one thing: give us results.

While everything cannot be solved overnight, we expect more than just ole talk and politicking inside and outside the Parliament.

The most pressing issue which calls for attention is the problem of crime. This matter has been, under successive administrations, the most distressing matter facing the State. Parties have come and gone and it is still a problem, with figures suggesting the murder rate is simply getting higher.

Also on the agenda is the need to revitalise the economy. This includes the need for greater levels of sustainable employment (note: we do not regard government makework programmes as a legitimate part of the employment statistics).

There is also a pressing need for diversification so that we continue to become less dependent on oil and natural gas. This means more than just stimulating the agriculture sector (an important end in itself given our high food import bill which places great pressure on foreign exchange). This means more retail, service and manufacturing endeavours.

The political situation in Venezuela and the challenges facing us here must also be dealt with.

Trinidad and Tobago has historic and social ties to Venezuela with many citizens having Venezuelans in their family.

The flood of immigration of Venezuelan nationals brings with it opportunities for further linkages in trade and commerce. However, there are attendant risks involving security matters and trading in illegal arms and narcotics.

The health sector requires attention.

There must be a clear timeline for the new wing at the Port of Spain General Hospital as well as a status update on other hospital projects in the country such as in Couva and Arima.

We hope these meetings remain ongoing and that they are fruitful and not just a political ploy.