On Friday 22 September, the United National Congress held a Pre-Budget Consultation at the Duranta Gardens Community Centre in Sangre Grande. The hall was packed with citizens hailing from the region, who were yearning to express their grievances and discontent with the PNM Government’s continued dire performance in office, and offer their recommendations.

The UNC, in a statement, said “the contribution from the floor vividly illustrated the hardships faced by citizens as a result of the PNM’s oppressive and corrupt rule over the past eight years”. “Importantly, the participants also offered many ideas to improve the lives of citizens, which are totally ignored and untapped by this government” it added.

Residents spoke of issues such as

– the absence of sporting facilities and its relation to crime

– the importance of incorporating religious organisations into government’s social programmes

– the need for activity centres for youths, job opportunities, and more educational and training institutions in the area, particularly at the tertiary level, including the reopening of the regional COSTATT campus

– making access to social services easier, without the red tape and unnecessary difficulties and obstacles

– the need for a fishing depot, restoring ice-making facilities in Toco, bringing back the Seafood Industrial Development Company

– agricultural support, especially with regard to the price of chemicals and fertilizer

– dealing more effectively with praedial larceny, allowing farmers easier access to licensed firearms to protect themselves

– the need for drought mitigation measures

– taxes going out of Sangre Grande instead of developing the Eastern seaboard, undertaking tourism projects in Nariva Swamp, and developing a parkade and more welcoming facilities in Sangre Grande

– the need for employment in the area

– the dilapidation of the Court, and bringing back the death penalty to curb crime and allow people to live their lives, run businesses, and enjoy their property in peace

– developing proper infrastructure along the north coast for agriculturalists, fisherfolk, and tourism

– support for single parents

Residents came from Valencia, Matelot, Salybia, Sangre Chiquito and elsewhere. They were businessmen, taxi drivers, students, housewives, church leaders, a recently widowed woman having to deal with single motherhood, and others, who all shared their experiences and perspectives.