On her first day in office, Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen is calling for unity and support as the new administration gets to work. The Minister highlighted flood prevention as a top concern, and the state of the nation’s watercourses.
Newly appointed Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen began her first day as Minister meeting with Acting Permanent Secretary, Peter Mitchell, heads of departments and supporting staff.
The former local government councillor and former Chairman of the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation, said she is concerned with the state of neglect of our water courses by the former government.
“The fact that we have had numerous floods in recent times, devastating floods and the prevention work that should have been done and I could tell you from experience that you do not wait until there is flood to decide how you respond.”
Minister Ameen is asking Trinidad and Tobago to stand with this new government as they properly assess the situation. She highlighted that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been given an overwhelming mandate to rescue Trinidad and Tobago out of the present state of affairs, which she said may be worse than initially expected.
“We know that the former government there were many allegations and instances of overspending, abuse of power and suppression of funds. I saw regional corporations as being abused and we have to fix those things.”
Ms. Ameen said she is coming into this portfolio with a wealth of experience and knowledge, having shadowed local government while in opposition. She said, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar made a wise choice by preparing her members of parliament in such a way.
“And so we have a good understanding of the financial status of issues within the ministries, the challenges. So, I expect that every minister who was appointed would be, we were just ready for the job. It is also about working together as a team to deliver to Trinidad and Tobago, because many of our policies that will become law, requires us to cooperate.”
According to Minister Ameen, while regional corporations are prepared to respond, there is still a high level of concern. She added that citizens may have to battle some floods due to the constant neglect over the years by the former government and we must prepare ourselves.