Saturday, August 27, 2011

PM promises big plans to put new life into Port of Spain

"This Friday is brighter than ever." 

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made that declaration Fridaya as she handed out keys to homes at the Clifton Street Towers Housing Project in an area that she said is considered both depressed and a hotspot for crime.

She called it evidence of her government's commitment to looking after the needs of everyone and bringing government back to the people.

Her declaration about a "good Friday" has tio do also with the fact that the state of emergency is working, criminals and gang members are behind bars and there appears to be a calm on the industrial front.

"I wish to share with you the fact that all unions...are at the table negotiating with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) or management of State entities depending on the particular situation. 

" We are happy for this. We thank all unions for their cooperation as we proceed in the spirit of peace, security and stability for our blessed nation of Trinidad & Tobago. I, say again, whatever may have been our challenges during this round, the Unions are our partners in development."

She also made it clear that the main objective of the State of Emergency was to take criminals out of the communities, prevent escalating gang wars and killings and to take back our country from criminals involved in drugs, murders and crime.

"We want to strengthen our communities and our people and in a few days even before the State of Emergency first phase of fifteen (15) days is over, we will unveil a plan of action for communities now regarded as hotspots focusing on individual, family and community rehabilitation and development including programmes for young people," she promised. 

"As we speak the Minister of Planning and the Economy and the Minister responsible for Women, Youth and Children are working with their staff on the details and they will involve the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism as well.

"I want to indicate as well that there will be a major thrust for the development of Port of Spain from the Seafront at Invaders’ Bay to East Port of Spain including the City Centre...(we expect) construction will begin within a twelve month period, for industries that will help to diversify the economy and yield good jobs beyond the construction phase."

She said a committee is also looking into the cultural revitalization of East Port of Spain, which has been designated one of five economic zones for development. 

Persad-Bissessar also spoke of a plan to recreate the City Centre of Port of Spain as a living city. 

"With a thriving seafront on one side and a reinvigorated East Port of Spain and the City Centre between the two we should do something to bring Port of Spain City Centre back to life with, commerce, jobs, activity, residences, office space and attractions and entertainment.

"We will approach the business community for a collaborative strategy to achieve this, and agree on the right climate and frame work to make this possible...
"This is my vision and the vision of the People’s Partnership of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for our people in this part of the country and we ask you to work with us to make this possible.

"Yes we must arrest criminals and bring them to justice and curb crime. But we must also build and create and generate wealth and we must do this together – Government and people and their institutions: the Unions, Business and Civil Society."

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai