Poll: Kamla's rating lowest in 3 years; Government takes a beating but PP can still win an election

Private celebration - Kamla celebrates the third anniversary of becoming leader of the UNC

A new poll by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) suggests that Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar's has dropped from a high of 73 per cent in 2010 to 44 per cent, the lowest it's been since she won the internal election in which he beat Basdeo Panday to become leader of the United National Congress (UNC).

The poll also suggests that the opposition People's National Movement (PNM) and its leader, Keith Rowley are gaining ground and would win at least seven of the seats now held by the People's Partnership if an election were held now. 

However it said the PP would likely win office because a majority of voters don’t view the PNM as a viable alternative at this point time. 

NACTA said 30 per cent of respondents said they prefer a third force comprising individuals of "integrity and honesty". The organisation interviewed 500 individuals "over the last couple of weeks", representing the demographics of the population. It has a four per pent margin of error.

NACTA said while Persad-Bissessar's approval rating as PM has slipped that of Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley has improved. 

The survey said respondents were concerned what they perceive to be poor delivery of service and the failure of government to meet high expectations. Other negatives recorded include, rampant crime, perceived corruption and nepotism, Section 34, unemployment, rising prices, and failure to fulfill manifesto promises such as term limits and right to recall MPs.

The poll also suggests that people are concerned that local government Councillors who are not servicing constituents. 

On a personal level, people appear to be impressed with the PM for her ability to keep the People's Partnership coalition together.

NACTA said while PP supporters expressed confidence that the coalition's fortunes would turn around it said a majority of voters said they would like to see the PM reconfigure her cabinet to "cut off dead limbs" and bring in new 

blood. 

The minister who get the highest ratings in the survey are:

1. Vasant Bharrat
2. Glenn Ramadharsingh 
3. Jack Warner
4. Roodal Moonilal 
5. Fuad Khan
6. Fazal Karim
7. Tim Gopeesingh
8. Kevin Ramnarine

The Tobago landslide in last month's Tobago House of Assembly election has been good for Rowley who now enjoys an approval rating of 42 per cent, according to NACTA. His disapproval rating is 38 per cent.

President Max Richards address a joint sitting of Parliament

NACTA also asked people about the performance of outgoing President Max Richards who came to office ten years ago with an approval rating of 68 per cent. The poll found that the president's approval rating is 46 per cent with 43 disapproving of his performance.

NACTA said people believe the Nizam Mohammed court ruling has brought the office of the President in disrepute. At the same time NACTA said there is
widespread endorsement of the government’s choice of Judge Anthony
Carmona as T&T's next President. 

NACTA said the manner in which the nomination was handled by the PM has given both Persad-Bissessar and the government a boost.