Jesse Ramdeo
Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Less than two weeks before the April 28 General Election, the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) has unveiled its manifesto, promising “a bold, new chapter” of national transformation if the party is re-elected into government.
In unveiling the manifesto at the PNM’s Balisier House, Port-of-Spain headquarters yesterday, Prime Minister Stuart Young said the party would be operating within the country’s means.
“What you will see is us gathering the experience that we’ve had and to be reminded, through some difficult times, having finally guided our economy post COVID, where you had global markets that were hit from left field by this virus, destabilising many economies across the world. That experience gave us the first- hand expertise on how we must balance and manoeuvre,” Young said.
He explained that the 182-page promissory election document was broken up into six core priority areas.
Asked about how he planned to implement the new promises, given Government’s failure to fully roll out its 2020 promises, Young, who was installed as PM on March 17, noted that there is now a difference in strategic approach.
“What you’ve seen us do is measure exactly that: having a better idea of revenue and not putting the country in an irresponsible manner. So you’re not seeing there I’m going to build a new campus or build 100 schools or build 500 homes a week. We know the resources available and it’s how we now redirect some of those resources.”
Young maintained that at the heart of the manifesto is a pledge to overhaul outdated systems through transparency, digitisation and community-driven development. The party’s proposal for a new ministry to fast-track high-impact projects, he said, will also allow for the monitoring of service delivery and reduce bureaucratic red tape.
Also addressing the manifesto launch, PNM leader Dr Keith Rowley advised the population to be realistic with their projections and what was being committed. He warned against political parties making unrealistic promises that threaten the country’s financial standings.
“It is not only our dollars and cents that will affect us, it is our attitude, because if the Government starts talking about some of the things non-government people are talking about as things to do, rest assured that those who evaluate us and look at us in terms of making pronouncements on our financial future and whether we should be downgraded or supported, will be influenced by what is said and not only what is done.”
Prime Minister Young also provided an update on talks with US officials following the recent revocation of OFAC licences, which allowed for the cross-border development with Venezuela for both the Dragon and Cocuina-Manakin gas fields.
“We remain very engaged in conversation with Washington,” he said.
The six priority areas are:
1. Government and public service
The major objectives of this category include the establishment of the Ministry of Implementation and Efficiency; strengthening the strategic alignment and delivery focus across all ministries; strengthening Tobago’s autonomy and support for the THA; strengthening public sector performance and accountability reporting; strengthening public communication and citizen engagement; establishing a National Task Force on Traffic Decongestion and Public Service Decentralisation; decentralising and digitising public service access; transforming the public service; automating pension processing and benefits; reforming food and disability grant eligibility systems and implementing a maintenance first approach to public infrastructure.
2. Safer communities and a secure country
This category focuses on the establishment and strengthening of elite units; advanced technology for crime prevention and response; strengthening “protection and accountability” via legislative reform; prioritising vehicle and equipment management, and strengthening immigration security and border control.
Under this priority, the Government proposed modernising and upgrading national security infrastructure and technology, ensuring law enforcement agencies are equipped with cutting-edge tools to improve intelligence gathering, predictive policing, and response capabilities. Also expected is the expansion of AI-driven CCTV monitoring and automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) to track criminal activity in real time.
Young announced, “We are also boosting our border security not only with the vessels that exists but we are placing an order for 12 state-of-the-art interceptors from the United States.”
3. Nation of learners, leaders,
and innovators
This category pledged comprehensive educational reform for a future-ready workforce, inclusive, equitable education, and holistic student support, strengthened vocational, technical and youth development training, and strategic youth employment and entrepreneurial pathways.
It also proposed a reform of the CXC syllabus through collaboration with Caricom Heads of Government to ensure it reflects modern realities, emerging industries, and diverse learning pathways.
4. Sustainable energy, infrastructure & climate resilience
This category pledges to strengthen energy infrastructure and affordability by expanding renewable energy and green innovation,; creating “Green Jobs” and a skilled energy workforce, and advancing maritime transformation and the Green Marine Economy.
5. A dynamic and inclusive economy for all
This category focuses on a national land ownership, access and development strategy; establishing a national local content and participation policy; empowering SMEs and expanding trade and export capacity; expanding strategic infrastructure for economic growth, connectivity, and diversification; establishing an Arts and Cultural Innovation Council (ACIC), workforce transformation for a diversified economy, strengthening sport, culture, heritage, and eco-tourism; advancing the ICT and innovation economy and advancing agricultural innovation and food sovereignty.
6. Wellness, dignity, and opportunity in every community
The category focuses on the expansion of modern, accessible and people-centred healthcare; strengthening community-based mental health and wellness services, strengthening community hubs for wellness, culture and digital inclusion; launching a strategic and integrated community transformation model; and establishing a national Volunteer Corps for community support.