Kamla calls Manning's interview staged propaganda

Kamla Persad-Bissessar responded to Prime Minister Patrick Manning's Sunday night television show by stating that his interview on national media was stage managed.

Manning's one-hour long interview by three journalists was broadcast on all radio and television stations in the country. The host was journalist Hans Hanoomansingh.

The opposition leader dismissed Manning's suggestion that Calder Hart's involvement was as a private citizen, pointing out that correspondence on the project was addressed to the chairman of UDeCOTT.

She produced the same documents she showed the media Saturday and pointed out that Manning did not answer any of the questions raised by the opposition.

She scoffed at the idea that Manning stated that the term PM in the correspondence was project manager. She insisted that she is not convinced with anything that Manning said.

The opposition leader said she could not buy the Prime Minister's explanation that special purpose committees like UDeCOTT were established to make the system more efficient and speed up development.

Manning admitted that UDeCOTT might have cut corners in the haste to get things done.

She said that is not acceptable since the record shows that UDeCOTT's projects exceeded budgets by more than three billion dollars. Commenting on what she would do if elected to government Persad-Bissessar gave the assurance that there will be no witch hunt of PNM members.

However she said there will be an investigation of criminal activity and those who have committed crimes would pay the price. She said she needs to properly investigate all the allegations of corruption.

Persad-Bissesssar expressed concerns at Manning's flippant dismissal of the hijacking of her vehicle on Friday, saying that it is Manning's attitude that causes crime. She said her niece was traumatized and so was her driver but Manning just decided that the whole thing was bogus.

The UNC leader said dealing with crime first requires the political will and proper utilisation of the security resources. She said a People's Partnership government would allow police to do policing and let others handle other aspects of criminal investigation. She said her plan involves for ministries to deal with justice.

Commenting on measures to prevent corruption in government, Persad-Bissessar said a People's Partnership government would set up a permanent anti-corruption commission. She said this would operate 24/7, eliminating the need for the government to be pushed to establish probes.

She said she would take every possible step to stamp out corruption and stated categorically that "none shall escape" because there would be legislative and administrative measures in place to guarantee transparency and accountability.

She promised that she would introduce a public procurement bill within 30 days of taking office.

Persad-Bissessar stated that she has confidence in the team that has been put together because everyone has the same goal.

Asked specifically if she trusts all members unequivocally she said even Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of his loyal disciples. So there is no absolute trust, but she said when people are working for common goals then they can work well together.

She said the choice for voters next week is one between a government that has failed to deliver and a partnership of people who are committed to create a better quality of life. She did not reveal who might be in a cabinet, but suggested that some members would come from outside through the senate.

The UNC leader said there will be non-elected officials but they would have to operate with a new sense of transparency and accountability.

Speaking about funding all the opposition's campaign promises, Persad-Bissessar said she would not find the money from the property tax or income tax.

She said cutting corruption - which she described as a leaking tap - would generate revenue to pay for the promises, which include a $3,000 old aged pension.

She pledged that she will keep her promises for a laptop for every SEA graduate and increases in pensions. "We will find the money," she said. She said the pension issue will go to Parliament within the first 30 days of taking office.

Persad-Bissessar also promised to review pensions for retired public officers. She said there will have to be a harmonization of pensions, but she did not outline a policy on the matter. However she said seniors and retirees must have the kind of pensions that would allow them to live with some dignity.

She also addressed the undecided votere and invited them to come on board with then opposition because Manning and the PNM are offering nothing new while the People's Partnership is about change and fairness and equality for all.