Kamla rises, PNM down: NACTA poll

A new survey suggests that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s popularity is at 57 per cent among respondents in a poll of 350 people.

The NACTA poll by Vishnu Bisram sought the opinion of people on the government's performance after 20 months in office.

Its findings suggest that while Persad-Bissessar's popularity remains high people are losing confidence in the government with only 37 per cent of those polled saying that they are satisfied with the government's performance so far.

NACTA said the Prime Minister’s rating got a boost following her recent trips to India and Australia. It said government supporters strongly supported her on the India trip, in particular with receiving the honour of Chief Guest at the Pravasi event in Jaipur and connection with her roots.

"Almost every Government supporter was pleased with Persad-Bissessar visiting her ancestral roots while PNM supporters felt she should also visit Africa to expand relations," the poll revealed.

It noted that a majority of respondents - 56 per cent - felt that the PM’s trip to India would bring benefits to Trinidad & Tobago; 32 per cent disagreed.

NACTA's findings also suggest that citizens do not see the People’s National Movement (PNM) as a viable alternative for governance.

However the PNM's leader, Keith Rowley, is rising in popularity according to the poll. It suggests that his rating is now up to 42 per cent. At the same time it said party supporters are concerned about what they see as a division in the PNM and its leadership.

On other issues covered in the poll:

• The government has been criticised over the SILK controversy
• Citizens are concerned over the recent spike in crime 
• Respondents expressed concern over the high cost of living, the economy and infrastructure problems 

It suggested that the three top performing ministers are:

• Jack Warner
• Roodal Moonilal
• Glenn Ramadharsingh