PM Kamla will deliver on priorities; says Jack will do what's right

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has promised again that her People's Partnership government will keep its promises, but admitted that like her finance minister, she too is concerned with the state of the economy.

Speaking with reporters ahead of a 'thank you' motorcade Sunday, she said she would guarantee that the government fulfills its short-term promises made during the election campaign.

These include laptop computers for school children, old age pension of $3,000 a month instead of the current seniors' grant, a $100-million Life Fund and scrapping the property tax.

"We have always been careful with the promises and pledges that we have made. We can fulfil the promises made in the short term, but we will have to prioritise those in the medium term," she told the media.

There are three months left in the current fiscal year and Persad-Bissessar and her government would have to work with the budget passed by the previous administration.

"Then we will have an early budget and reprioritise funding for the national community. I am certain that we would be able to find the funding for the next three months," she said.

Thjr Prime Minister also launched what she called a "Clean and Beautify Movement" that would involve all private and corporate citizens "to assist us to begin some flood alleviation and clean up as we enter into the rainy season. We would begin cleaning up throughout the city."

She added Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma, will lead the project.

"It would place a lot more soldiers on streets and communities and could also serve in the fight against crime. It will involve every member the national community," she said.

Reporters also asked Persad-Bissessar about concerns raised on Friday by opposition leader Keith Rowley about Jack Warner's role as a government minister and Vice President of FIFA.

She said she would give "active consideration" to the matter but assured reporters that Warner would always do the right thing.

"I am sure that Mr Warner will do what is appropriate in all circumstances," she said.