Kamla calls out Rowley for neglecting the poor

Supporters at the UNC rally in Moruga/Tableland

In her most stinging attack on Keith Rowley so far, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Friday took Rowley apart on policy judgment and trying to pull a confidence trick on the people of Trinidad and Tobago and betraying the legacy of the past 53 years. 

The speech to a packed public meeting in the Moruga/Tableland constituency, was used by the Prime Minister to contrast the Plan she and the People’s Partnership have put to the people to improve the lives of citizens, versus the vacuous empty rhetoric of Keith Rowley. 

Mrs Persad-Bissessar highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of a Keith Rowley government that would bring back the hated property tax, increase VAT and cut vital public services. 

She said, "As we approach our 53rd anniversary of Independence on Monday, the people of our country will reflect on how loyal, forgiving and united we are as a people. Do not allow Keith Rowley to use this mood to spread his dubious distortions and make you think that after 50 years of betraying the people, they will now change. 

"If you want a glimpse of how Keith Rowley will manage our nation, look first at how they managed the fortunes of the most faithful who wedded themselves to the PNM since the beginning! In over half a century, and over 40 years of power, East Port of Spain and Laventille have never turned their backs on the PNM. 

"Even when the PNM was almost wiped out in 1986 and 2010, the people of Laventille stayed loyal. Yet by 2010 when you elected us, outhouses (*latrines) were still a way of life for the people of Laventille! 

"It is my Government, during this term, that launched a programme to finally bring dignity to families and homes in Laventille. Through this programme we eradicated pit latrines and replaced them with septic tanks and soakaways, showers, sinks and all electrical plumbing, tiling, painting and doors. This is what prevailed with Keith Rowley and the PNM after two energy booms!
 
"Keith Rowley’s PNM has built fortunes and enriched their closest friends for years on the backs, the indignity and the blood of the faithful poor and vulnerable. They rewarded loyalty with contempt, and today take pleasure in the challenges they think you face by using every conceivable way to panic you. 

"Keith Rowley and the PNM would see this country burn if they felt confident they could rule and dominate the ashes…If that is how Rowley’s PNM condemned the people who always stood by them, what could possibly make you think they will stand by you? 

"The task has always been ours to rebuild, renew and restore hope and opportunity for a secure future. It is a job I took on in 2010 and it is a job I commit myself to continue doing with another term as your Prime Minister. This is the choice you face. 

"I have promised you better jobs, better communities, more access to homes of your own, new sectors where our young people can build their professions and a good future. 

"And I have gone further to tell you how I will deliver those things, how the economy will be expanded, how investments will be made to create the space for your own homes, better jobs, more security and a secure future. 

For further information and details of all aspects of the forthcoming campaign, please visit www.kamla2015.tt