Discrimination by whom?

WE RECALL during the time of the UNC administration the chairmen of many regional councils controlled by the PNM complaining repeatedly, sometimes bitterly, that their corporations were being starved for funds by the central government. This complaint was particularly vociferous with respect to money for road improvement since the inequity became all to obvious with UNC- held corporations getting the lion's share of the vote while many PNM-held corporations actually received nothing. Let us illustrate the discrepancies by citing the official disbursements with respect to the Road Improvement Fund. First, here is a list of the UNC-administered corporations in the "heartland" of the party and the sums they received from the UNC government for the years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001: Chaguanas Borough Corporation - $420,000; $6,671,123; $1,874,020; $6,698,169. Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation - $6,056,766; $9,843,850; $17,175,629; $8,249,872. Princes Town Regional Corporation - $1,785,000; $7,727,784; $4,736,905; $10,468,019. Siparia Regional Corporation - $500,000; $732,498; $1,225,000; $2,670,000. Penal/Debe Regionl Corporation - $2,335,000; $1,300,000; $852,546.

Now, here is a list of PNM-controlled corporations and the money they received during the same four years: Port-of-Spain City Corporation - $0.00; $0.00; $0.00; $0.00. Arima Borough Corporation - $0.00; $0.00; $0.00; $0.00. Diego Martin Regional Corporation -$0.00; $0.00; $0.00; $0.00. San Fernando City Corporation - $0.00; $0.00; $0.00; $0.00. Point Fortin Borough Corporation - $0.00; $0.00; $317,160; $0.00. These official figures speak for themselves. We are inclined to believe that some grave error was made by the UNC government when it actually gave $317,160 to Point Fortin in 2000. Now in the Opposition, UNC leader Basdeo Panday is shamelessly strident in his accusations of discrimination by the PNM government against the UNC and its supporters. We have no idea how the Road Improvement Fund money disbursed to UNC corporations was actually spent, but we also remember Mr Jerry Narace when he was chairman of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation claiming rampant discrimination and corruption in the award of road repair contracts. If the UNC-held councils expected that the PNM government would "return the favour" they got something of a surprise. As examples, look at what some of them received from the Road Fund over the last two years: Siparia - $1,500,000; $956,474; Sangre Grande - $1,010,000; $1,010,000; Penal/Debe - $900,000; $722,000; Couva/Tabaquite - $929,000; $929,000; Chaguanas - $598,000; $520,490. Mayaro/Rio Claro - $1,00,000; $1,000,000.

It is now clear why there were no complaints during the recent Local Government elections from UNC corporations about being starved for funds. Indeed, the realisation among UNC supporters that their corporations were being equitably treated under the PNM government may have helped to influence the eventual results. Also, the even-handed administration of Mr Jarette Narine's Local Government Ministry, his experience in the field and the quiet but effective work he has done among the corporations may also have had their effect. We conclude this editorial by making the point: Contrary to what some may believe, this newspaper is not against the UNC or any other political party. Our exclusive concern is to ensure the good governance of our country, that the people's affairs are conducted honestly, fairly, equitably and in a democratic manner. And the only way we can fulfil that sacred responsibility is to expose and condemn all those in public office who would corrupt, undermine and destroy that standard of government, the quality of administration our society deserves.