Decision to reinstate lockdown measures is incoherent: UNC

Trinidad and Tobago: Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, Opposition Leader of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, issued a statement on 15 April 2021.

UNC Leader stated, “Instead of a rollback, Govt should roll out measures to fix the economy.”

UNC Leader’s statement as follows:

The recent decision to reinstate lockdown steps is incoherent and indicative of the clueless and ineffectual Rowley-led administration.

These recent measures will be a “knock out” punch for hundreds of businesses already struggling due to this government’s failure to ensure proper economic stability and stimulus from the first lockdown.

After thousands missed their jobs and income because the administration mishandled the crisis, more job losses are likely as many businesses will be required to either cut staff or shut their doors completely.

Most troubling is that the administration has imposed this current lockdown in a complete ad hoc way. What data is the Administration using to guide these lockdown measures?

How is it that boats at the Buccoo Reef can proceed to ply their trade but cannot play music? Is the Administration suggesting that Covid 19 is now spread by sound waves?

Lockdown rules have little impact on PNM ministers and their friends who proceed to engage in arm wrestling limes, golf matches in Tobago and throwing extravagant weddings in St. Clair. That is conceivably why the PNM has little consideration for how lockdown measures have affected the public.

It is unsettling that the administration has enacted measures without reciprocating any support towards the workers who will unquestionably be affected by these new organisations. 

During the last lockdown, we saw the administration splurge as it was pre-election; yesterday, with no election, they could not think less about this nation’s workers who are struggling.

From the Covid 19 pandemic onset, the Opposition understood the need to balance lives and livelihoods. But the PNM appears intent on destroying both the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

The PNM’s laissez-faire approach to dealing with vaccines’ acquisition highlights their deficiency of care or concern for this nation’s people.

The PNM’s much-touted “roadmap to recovery”, like all of Keith Rowley’s plans, has occurred to the wayside. 

This PNM administration is simply using the COVID-19 pandemic to mask their failings and control autocratic control of the country.

Dejectedly, the PNM’s only focus during this dilemma is to continue to raid the Heritage and Stabilization Fund while the nation falls into ruin.

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