Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath has responded sharply to recent criticisms from the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) regarding the state of the country’s Meteorological Services and service disruptions due to alleged staffing shortages at the Synoptic Branch.
In a statement, Minister Padarath dismissed the Opposition’s concerns as predictable and long-standing, noting that the issues raised did not come about in the five months since the UNC won the General Election.
“Inheriting the Meteorological Services after 9½ years of neglect is like inheriting a car that has been sitting abandoned in the garage for years. You can’t just turn the key and expect it to run smoothly without first checking the engine, replacing old parts, and performing essential maintenance. Jump-starting a neglected system without addressing its underlying issues only risks further damage and failure.”
According to the Public Utilities Minister, his administration has been working “tirelessly” since taking office five months ago.
“We inherited a system desperately in need of repair. We have received reports on staff shortages, outdated equipment, and a lack of focus on critical maintenance. We have established a dedicated team, led by Parliamentary Secretary Shivanna Sam, to tackle these challenges head-on. Contrary to what the Opposition concocted, the Permanent Secretary has confirmed that there have been no disruptions in the essential services provided by the Meteorological Services.”
He criticised the previous government’s approach, saying, “The projects the former Minister highlighted were mere band-aids applied to deeper systemic failings that they chose to ignore. It is ironic that they now purport to have all the answers, yet they were deaf to the cries of public servants and citizens alike when it truly mattered. The former Minister just wouldn’t listen, just wouldn’t hear and just wouldn’t do the job that was entrusted to him.”
Minister Padarath called on the Opposition to acknowledge their past failures and support efforts towards sustainable solutions that truly protect the public and secure the nation’s meteorological capabilities.