In marking its first year in Government, the PNM yesterday sent out a listing of its achievements, including the resumption of work on what was considered as T&T’s biggest “white elephant,” the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The cost of repairs to the stadium had been estimated at $90 million. An estimated $800 million was already spent to construct it.
Construction on the Brian Lara Stadium began in May 2005 with an initial cost estimate of $275 million. The stadium, which has a capacity of 17,000, was to be completed before the hosting of the Cricket World Cup in 2007 but was hit with multiple delays and cost overruns.
Yesterday’s listing was despatched by PNM’s general secretary Ashton Ford.
However, it contained an obvious mistake where it listed three blunders made by the former administration, the United National Congress (UNC) as PNM achievements.
They were: Shutdown of Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT); insulted Jamaicans (ATM slur) and insulted St Lucians in despair when in hurricane they were told that in order to get aid from T&T they must agree to buy from us.
Those three were listed as 35, 36 and 37 under PNM Government Achievements after one year and also listed as the last three points in the comparison listing to the UNC blunders after their first year.
Achievements
PNM Government achievements after one year:
1. Smaller Cabinet size from 33 to 23 members.
2. Decreased perception of corruption evidenced by CPI.
3. Dialogue and consultation in
decision-making.
4. Local Government reform embarked upon (Policy Document).
5. Successfully brought the overdraft facility from negative $9 billion to zero.
6. Resumption of ongoing projects, viz Brian Lara Stadium, NAPA etc, despite financial constraints.
7. Completion of cycling velodrome.
8. Completion of aquatic centre.
9. Completion of tennis centre.
10. Rationalise fiscal expenditure.
11. Timeframe set out for minimising Budget deficit and returning to balanced budget.
12. Inflation subdued at 2.1 per cent core and 3.5 per cent headline at April.
13. Outfitting and occupancy of Government buildings to reduce rental fees.
14. VAT reduction decreased to 12.5 per cent.
15. Personal allowance increased to $72,000.
16. Phased reduction of fuel subsidy and savings of $340 million.
17. OJT stipends increased by 20 per cent.
18. Removal for fees for persons over 60 years old for drivers’ permits and passports.
19. Gate reviewed to ensure savings and efficiency.
20. Legislative Agenda for 2015-2020 prepared and published.
21. Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Properties Amt Bill passed paving the way for implementation.
22. Simplified process of selecting Police Commissioner.
23. Enforcement of speed limit; noticeable decline in road fatalities.
24. Firm action to reduce violence in schools; decline in school violence.
25. National Tripartite Advisory Council established, paving the way for greater consultation.
26. National Statistical Institute of T&T being established.
27. Landmark Paris Agreement on climate change signed.
28. Co-operation agreements signed with Ghana in oil and gas.
29. Opportunities created to expand trade into Venezuela.
30. State visit to Jamaica to avert a potential foreign relations crisis.
31. Cut out wastage in the delivery of food cards.
32. Improved working relationship with Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
33. Commenced the housing programme under the HDC.
34. Paid Caroni workers outstanding money.
35. Shutdown of Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT).
36. Insulted Jamaicans (ATM machines slur).
37. Insulted St Lucians in despair when in hurricane they were told that in order to get aid from T&T they must agree to buy from us.