Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC says her government will direct the country’s revenues towards the working and middle classes, pledging to cut what she describes as corrupt welfare schemes, employment programmes and non-performing State agencies.
In a statement on social media on Tuesday, one day after contributing to the budget debate, the Prime Minister said society must be rebalanced in favour of working people, whom she said have carried the country through economic hardship but often feel overlooked.
She said many citizens believe opportunities are reserved for those with money, influence and the right connections, adding that her government intends to change that perception.
“The working and middle classes of Trinidad and Tobago are not asking for miracles. They are asking for a fair chance. They want a rebalancing to stop government from rewarding the swine culture of laziness, schemes, negative attitudes and dishonest behaviour.”
Mrs Persad-Bissessar accused the former PNM administration of encouraging what she described as a breakdown in law and order and a culture of mediocrity, anti-social behaviour and disregard for personal accountability.
Referring to the concept of “swine culture” coined by the late Dr Morgan Job, she accused the former administration of turning temporary welfare programmes, State contracts and government assistance into permanent schemes for generating personal income dishonestly.
She said her government will continue cutting welfare schemes, corrupt employment programmes and non-performing agencies and employees to ensure State revenues benefit law-abiding citizens who contribute to the country’s development.
“My government will direct the country’s revenues to benefit these citizens who give honest effort at their places of employment, pay their taxes, obey the law, take personal responsibility for themselves and their children and respect each other.”
The Prime Minister ended her statement by quoting Jeremiah 29:11, expressing optimism about the country’s future.
“There is much more to come, Trinidad and Tobago’s future is bright.”