Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar launched a new phase of the Colour Me Orange program Tuesday at the Hilton with a pledge to extend it beyond three months if necessary.
However she told her audience that she won't allow anyone to pressure her into making a decision.
The project is part of Government’s social intervention efforts that is built into its anti-crime plan to follow the state of emergency. The aim of the initiative is to create jobs hot-spot and low-income areas.
It is a project of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). This phase of the program involves refurbishing HDC rental units in Port-of-Spain, Morvant, Maloney, San Fernando and Couva.
HDC chairman, Henckle Lall, noted that HDC tenants are clamouring for repairs to their homes, noting that there have been 11,154 requests for repairs.
Persad-Bissessar said the program will "breathe new life into the heart of our most troubled communities,” adding that community members will regenerate and restore their neighbourhoods.
“We are listening and we will give it consideration, so don’t despair. We’ll give it consideration...We will look at it again, I’m sure the Minister of National Security and others will come up with some good things for you,” she said in response to demands from the audience for the program to be extended.
Earlier, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said his ministry will assess the program and if necessary, the HDC would approach the Prime Minister and Finance Ministry for further funding and further jobs.
Persad-Bissessar took aim at the opposition PNM without naming anyone. The party has called the job creation program an insult.
Persad-Bissessar took aim at the opposition PNM without naming anyone. The party has called the job creation program an insult.
She said, “All those who say we are insulting you by giving you an opportunity to earn money to get a food, I say, they should take your mouths and put it where you don’t want to show it to anyone and let’s take the youth forward.”
The put the question directly to the audience.
“Are we insulting you by providing you with a job?...Is your Government using you by offering an opportunity to earn some money?” she asked.
She got a thundering "NO" to each question
“Gone are the days of quick fix, hand-outs that take you nowhere. I want to give you a hand-up instead, into a future of self-determination,” She said
She announced that Government’s next programme would be “CEPEP Santa” where CEPEP contractors would identify the disabled, elderly or very poor in their communities and engage in clean-up activities for them. It would include a Christmas meal for such persons.
HDC’s chief executive Jearlean John said HDC has processed 7,000 “Colour Me Orange” applicants. However she warned that anyone employed in the program would be expected to be puntual and to complete a full day's work.
She stressed that the program is for people who don't have work. “One strike and you’re out. You can’t do two jobs with this job, When you are found out, you’ll have to leave,” John warned.
Read related speeches by clicking the links below:
PM's Speech
Remarks by Minister of Housing and the Environment
Remarks by HDC Managing Director
For a PHOTO ALBUM of the event, please CLICK HERE
“Gone are the days of quick fix, hand-outs that take you nowhere. I want to give you a hand-up instead, into a future of self-determination,” She said
She announced that Government’s next programme would be “CEPEP Santa” where CEPEP contractors would identify the disabled, elderly or very poor in their communities and engage in clean-up activities for them. It would include a Christmas meal for such persons.
HDC’s chief executive Jearlean John said HDC has processed 7,000 “Colour Me Orange” applicants. However she warned that anyone employed in the program would be expected to be puntual and to complete a full day's work.
She stressed that the program is for people who don't have work. “One strike and you’re out. You can’t do two jobs with this job, When you are found out, you’ll have to leave,” John warned.
Read related speeches by clicking the links below:
PM's Speech
Remarks by Minister of Housing and the Environment
Remarks by HDC Managing Director
For a PHOTO ALBUM of the event, please CLICK HERE
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