Jack, Ramesh get top scores in NACTA poll

A new opinion poll by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) puts Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner at the head of the class in public perception of performance by the 41 MP's in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament.

And it says Warner's colleague, Tabaquite MP Ramesh L. Maharaj, is the most effective opposition Member of Parliament, with 22 per cent of respondents giving him top marks.

His opposition colleague Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar is close behind at 19 per cent but opposition Leader Basdeo Panday's score was just 12 per cent.

Pollster Vishnu Bisram believes that voters are of the opinion that Panday has served his time and "should step aside and give younger people an opportunity to rise."

NACTA said one significant finding was that many people suggested that opposition representation was not satisfactory. It said many people in most opposition constituencies saying they have rarely seen their representatives since the last election. It said the exceptions were Tabaquite and Chagunas West.

The poll, which was conducted a week ago through interviews with 670 people across the country, also asked respondents who they considered to be the most effective government minister.

NACTA said when Prime Minister Patrick Manning was taken out of the equation, Health Minister Jerry Narace emerged at number one choice with 21 per cent support.

Others were:

• Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert - 17 per cent
• Social Development Minister, Amery Browne - 12 per cent
• Local Government Minister Hazel Manning - 9 per cent
• Energy Minister Conrad Enill - 7 per cent

Nacta said voter perception of Narace is that he is hard-working and personable.

Commenting on Warner, Nacta said, “Voters from both sides of the political divide say Warner gets things done for his constituents, even if it means spending his personal funds to address their concerns.

“Almost every resident of Chaguanas West says Warner has been the best representative to ever serve them,” the agency said.

The poll also asked people their opinion of Natasha Navas, the controversial new mayor of Chaguanas. It said about 86 per cent of respondents said she should be a get chance to prove herself, with young people seeing the rise of the 30-year-old as an opportunity for young people to have upward political mobility.

Related: NEWSDAY's exclusive interview with Mayor Navas

NACTA reported that a majority - 59 per cent of respondents - were happy to see Suruj Rambachan vacate the mayor's office; 20 per cent were unhappy with his his removal.

NACTA did not report on its methodology and margin or error.

Commenting on the poll, opposition Senator M.F. Rahman said while the findings might reflect popular view they do not necessarily indicate voting patterns. "The Nacta poll may be accurate in reflecting sentiment, but cannot be a sure guide to voting pattern," Rahman said.