The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) yesterday sought to clear up what it called a misrepresentation of statements Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley made at a function in Laventille last weekend, as he referenced the merits of the public-private partnership model to deal with economic challenges.
During the launch of the School Improvement Project (SIP) at the Success Laventille Secondary School last Saturday, the PM was reported as telling the audience citizens needed to become weaned off the Government because it could not carry the weight anymore and that the 2017 Budget allowed greater participation in development.
His reported statements sparked heated social media debate—including on Opposition discussion sites—with some querying if the public would have to handle services Government usually does, and others calling for Government to “cut taxes and allow people to handle development themselves.”
Yesterday, however, OPM press secretary Arlene Gorin-George issued a statement clarifying the situation. She noted that the SIP where Rowley spoke was a pilot project encompassing 25 schools in the Laventille area and brings together the principals, teachers, students and residents with the Ministry of Education in an effort to improving the physical environment of the schools and the overall results and performance of the students.
The OPM stated, “It has been reported Dr Rowley said that citizens can no longer depend solely on the Government to provide all that they need. To make it clear, Dr Rowley was referencing the merits of the Public/Private Partnership Model as a means of dealing with the economic challenges facing T&T. This is a conversation that seeks to identify the role of the Government working alongside and in harmony with citizens who are being encouraged to take more responsibility for their circumstances.
“The School Improvement programme can be seen as a laudable initiative which he indicated is to be used as a model for future development. The Prime Minister was simply holding out to the population that to continue to develop, in spite of economic constraints, we need to do things differently and take a more active role in developing and improving our communities.”
The OPM added, “It is truly unfortunate the amazing talent and positivity put on display on Saturday by young people of Laventille and the paradigm shift towards actively working with Government to improve the lives of those in the area escaped national focus.”
Mixed views
Rowley’s statement last Saturday received support from the Heliconia Foundation—headed by Government Senator Michael Coppin—and the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Coppin said the foundation supported reduction of overdependence on the State as the primary driver of economic activity and economic stabilisation.
“There’s an urgent need for a rethinking/reshaping of the welfare state into one that reflects modern economic thought and social realities. Therefore, we commend government’s stated intention to pursue private-public partnerships in the financing and managing of projects and government social programmes, as the economy adjusts and weans itself off overdependence on the State.
“We’re in full support of targeted entrepreneurial talent grants and specific subsidies as a means to promote innovation, while leaving the management of these businesses in the hands of the private sector. Citizens who can afford to do so must take greater responsibility for their economic destinies, so we agree with government’s intention to encourage greater individual savings and investments via the introduction of savings bonds.”
Coppin added, “In T&T there’s heavy dependence on the Government more than in developed states. The public feels the State should get involved in investment, economy and other aspects, but there’s never been a conversation on what the role of the private sector should be.
“The PM is right—we need to start the conversations. But it doesn’t mean you have to cut your own grass or build your own roads. Government’s role is to intervene where there is market failure, but public-private partnerships haven’t been looked at fully.”
T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce CEO Gabriel Faria holds a similar view.
“I agree with Dr Rowley’s comment. We must recognise that based on the economic environment, it’d be difficult to continue to expect Government to subsidise and provide all support to people and organisations. But it’s not unreasonable for citizens to ask for an efficient public service and facilitatory environment that allows us to operate effectively against global competition.”
He noted, for example, port, customs and licensing office issues where transactions may require a day to complete and labour time is lost in focusing on that.
“As the Chamber, we accept the PM’s comment. However, it’s not unreasonable to want to have an efficient environment in which to operate.”