You argue it’s unfair for a teacher in Mayaro or a nurse in Paramin to subsidise services they don’t use, like bus routes or customs fees for importers. Yet, your Government maintains vast taxpayer-funded subsidies for essential public services that benefit only segments of the population, forcing non-users to bear the cost—precisely the cross-subsidisation you condemn when it suits revenue needs.
The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) remains heavily subsidised, serving a fraction of commuters while taxpayers who drive private vehicles cover operational shortfalls. Why should a car owner in rural areas fund urban bus riders if equity demands users pay full costs?
The domestic airbridge, operated by Caribbean Airlines between Trinidad and Tobago, continues to receive substantial government support to keep fares low, even as it ranks among the busiest domestic routes. Non-travellers—most citizens—subsidise frequent flyers and tourists. If importers must pay unsubsidised duties for profit-making goods, why do airbridge passengers enjoy taxpayer discounts?
The inter-island sea ferry and water taxi service from Port-of-Spain to San Fernando also rely on subsidies for affordable fares. Highway users and non-commuters nationwide prop up these options.
Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), the state broadcaster, receives ongoing government funding despite competing with private channels and streaming services. Why should viewers of other media subsidise a station they ignore?
Water and electricity through WASA and T&TEC are kept artificially low via massive annual transfers, with residential users—even high consumers—benefiting at the expense of all taxpayers.
Fuel subsidies persist for certain grades, keeping pump prices below market rates for drivers and industries, while non-drivers foot part of the bill.
The GATE programme provides free or subsidised tertiary education, funded by taxpayers without university-aged children.
Public health services and the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP) offer free or low-cost care and medications, subsidised by healthy citizens or those opting for private options.
Housing subsidies via HDC grants and programmes, along with social welfare like Senior Citizens’ Pensions, disability grants, and food cards, are essential but paid by all, not just direct beneficiaries.
Even as plans emerge to phase out CEPEP and URP in favour of permanent jobs, these make-work programmes have long provided wages funded broadly by the public purse.
These examples illustrate the very inequities you decry: one group’s benefits financed by another’s taxes. Your administration preserves them—often wisely for social good—yet selectively enforces “user pays” through punitive measures that burden ordinary citizens most, introduced without open debate or budget announcement.
If road safety truly motivates the doubled fines (not mere revenue amid fiscal pressures), why not prioritise enforcement tools like cameras, as opponents suggest? Sneaking increases during the holidays, after campaigning against high fines, smacks of ambush governance—insulting citizens as enablers of a “lawless dump” while excusing systemic inconsistencies.
Madam Prime Minister, true patriotism demands uniform principles, not cherry-picking for political convenience. The backbone of this nation sees the hypocrisy: inconsistent leadership, not the people, weighs heaviest. Until subsidies face the same scrutiny as fines, your proverb rings empty—a revenue tactic cloaked as reform.
