Letter: Why can't we have fair and objective commentaries on PP performance?

(TnT Mirror photo)

As I continue to read the various commentators in all of the newspapers it is becoming abundantly clear that while they may have valid points to make about the performance of the PP Government, they are very short on suggestions for correcting what they criticize, and further seem to be on a path of discrediting all that the government is doing without objective evidence. 

For example, the many references to corruption have not been backed by evidence. As well, the references to mismanagement have not been backed by evidence. 

It might be true that the PP Government has been slow in some areas of delivery. However, the commentators have not taken into consideration what the PP Government inherited and as such from where it started to govern. This is no excuse of course for the performance of the PP. 

However, in the eyes and words of the commentators little appears to have been done by the government which of course is a far cry from the truth.

It is interesting that once the government changes and it is not a PNM government the cries of corruption, discrimination, unfair treatment, lack of transparency rear their heads. 

Is it that the commentators feel more secure under a PNM administration and if so why? 

Is it that the commentators most of whom are Afro-Trinidadians are of the firm belief that the East Indians should not have a leading role to play in the politics. 

In other words they should be Ministers but not Prime Minister. It happened to Kamaluddin Mohammed and Errol Mahabir. They should not have control over the government. 

The Afro-Trini commentators must examine with honesty their feelings about this matter. It would appear to me that the East Indian is far more nationalistic that the Afro in that whether in opposition or government they work in the interest of Trinidad and Tobago.

Then there are East Indian commentators like Indira Sagewan Ali whom it seems feels that she must criticize the current government in order to gain credibility amongst the Afro population. 

Ms Sagewan Ali over the last two years has not said one good thing about the government and one may be led to conclude that she has some deep resentment that is playing off against her need to be objective as a commentator and as well as an academic. 

It is well known that she was screened for a seat and did not get it and in addition refused the position on the Prices Council. 

The only objective commentary is coming from Dr Dhanyeshwar Mahabir who has been living the values of his profession in his comments. Michael Harris continues to place himself on some kind of pedestal and adopts a know it all attitude that smacks of condescension towards the government. 

It is of course part of the ‘attitudinal culture” of Tapia wherein they believe that they are superior intellectual beings and scoffs with indignity at whom they perceive to be lesser mortals. No doubt they have never found political space. When last has Michael Harris said something that is nationally uplifting. It is easy to find matters to criticize in this country. How about providing viable solutions?

The negativism of the commentators in the newspapers is also encouraged by the media since it sells their papers. 

In addition, under the PP, the ability to make deals and benefit without working has been drastically cut. The PP government’s drive for transparency is not going to be easily accepted by the Opposition and those who are accustomed to freeness, cost overruns and having go giver value for money. 

They are not going to be happy with new entrants into the construction industry in what was a cartel under the PNM. The emphasis on fairness and wider geographical distribution of goods and services especially to rural communities is not going to find favour with the old elite. The culture change is challenging the old patterns of behaviour.

This PP Government has been under scrutiny from its first day in office. Like the PM said it is being held to higher standards than any other government in the past. 

The reason may have to do with much more than issues of governance and may really have to do more with prejudice and which group is perceived as entitled to political power. 

Thankfully the PM has governed with a vision that has at its center equality of treatment and equality of opportunity for all no matter the colour of your skin, your ethnicity nor religious persuasion.

Arjun M Persad | Lengua, Barrackpore.