Both the current Member of Parliament for Mayaro, and a candidate from another political party hoping to win the seat in the upcoming General Election, agree and admit that unemployment is one of the major issues affecting citizens in the constituency.
Incumbent MP Rushton Paray admits unemployment has been a concern for him, and he is hoping to continue the work he has started, if he is re-elected as the constituency’s Parliamentary representative. He has been selected to run again, by the Selection Committee for the United National Congress.
“We have a huge unemployment issue in Mayaro. I think that is one of the biggest problems that we have, but it is also connected to a very weak business ownership ratio,” he explained. “We don’t have enough small businesses in Mayaro.”
Meanwhile, Sterling Lee Ha, who is the candidate for the seat from the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP), says he has been speaking with residents who are fed up of being deprived of their own resources.
“Almost forty-years later it is the same issues,” he points out. “Housing, as well as jobs, and watching the fishing industry in Mayaro deteriorate over the years.”
He added: “Just like every other community in Trinidad and Tobago, the people here do not want your typical ten days job. Many of those who are unemployed have degrees, and cannot get jobs commensurate with their skills and qualifications.”
He says Mayaro is in desperate need of major infrastructural works, especially improved roads and drainage.
Trinidad and Tobago goes to the polls on Monday 10 August 2020.