The United National Congress has issued a statement condemning Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s interview, which aired on some television stations last night (January 13). They criticized the prime minister’s plan for 2020 and added that they didn’t agree with the how the nation’s funds are being used.

Take a look at the statement below:

“It comes as no surprise that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley failed to put forward any plans or proposals to move our country forward in his political campaign advertisement aired on the major media channels on Sunday 12th January 2020.

The Prime Minister used Government air-time in a pathetic attempt to bolster his party’s image, however, what was revealed was his administration’s failure to govern this country.

Rowley all but threw his hands in the air regarding major national issues such as crime, joblessness and the state of the economy- offering no solutions, policies or initiatives to improve our circumstances.

His account of his Government’s term in office and his claims to have averted economic collapse are a work of fiction, given that more than 60,000 people have lost their jobs under this Rowley regime, our revenues are declining, foreign direct investment is slowing and businesses are closing down.

What was truly appalling, however, was the Prime Minister’s justification for spending millions of dollars on restoration projects while our health system is in crisis, several schools remain closed or incomplete, and critical infrastructure needs such as roads and drains are neglected.

While we recognize the importance of preserving our national heritage, our view is that addressing the critical needs of the people should be prioritized. The responsibility of any Government is to provide for its people, and this PNM administration has shown that buildings are more important than helping people who are struggling on a daily basis to care for their families, who cannot afford basic goods, who cannot get proper health care, or even afford books for their children. 

Keith Rowley has asked the population to judge his administration “fairly”. The UNC is confident that when the General Election is called, the people will reject this failed Rowley Government, and choose a leader and team with a vision and plan to return good governance and move our country forward.

Unlike the PNM, whose leader had no plan in 2015 and still has no plan today, the Political Leader of the United National Congress, the Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar has presented a comprehensive and practical plan to get T&T working again. Our National Economic Transformation Masterplan sets out a clear path towards growth, stability and sustainable development.

The UNC has a proven track record, and we are ready to hit the ground running.”