“While private sector employed persons are bearing the burden of loss in wages and salaries, the public service continues to be paid.” This is the argument put forward by Tabaquite Member of Parliament Dr. Surujattan Rambachan in support of his call for more businesses to be given a green light  to resume operations. 

In a statement on Monday, the Opposition MP said the efficiency of the private sector  is affected by the way the public service responds to their needs. “The Public Service and public servants in my humble view have yet to appreciate that they survive because of the wealth created mainly by the private sector and more so now that oil and gas prices are at an abysmal low,” he said.

With specific reference to construction sector, he said  businesses will face “a terrible situation of forced delays” upon reopening given the closure of significant facilitating institutions and departments of government.

“For example, in Town and Country Planning massive delays are expected due their closure. As well, the Electrical Inspectorate has also been closed at least in San Fernando. WASA will have to speed up Clearance Certificates if mortgages are to be completed causing money to get into further projects and creating employment. At the Regional Corporations monies are not now being accepted for completion certificates thus causing further delays in mortgage processing,” he said.

He added that a tremendous shift in workplace attitudes will be required if the speed of recovery is to be achieved.