PM’s Blunder?

The recent pronouncement by the Prime Minister has sparked outrage from many at home and abroad. This is understandable, considering that people are left with no homes after the passing of hurricane Tomas. Early in her role as PM, she indicated that T&T must no longer be considered an ATM to other Caribbean countries. This is a situation where a PM is saying to her citizens, just as the United States would say, our first priority is to our citizens. But no one condemns the US, they instead line up to beg for the privilege to visit there.

The statement must be placed in the proper context, which is, for every dollar spent, there must be returns. Considering the fact that we are not where we were a few years ago, we must look at how tax payees monies are spent.

My personal view on this was that it was insensitive and had indicated this early on. The chief secretary of the THA, echoed similar sentiments when he indicated that some things should not be said in public that they are better negotiated in private.

I can understand the PM eagerness in making this comment, she is yet again trying to please everyone. On the one hand she has a duty to assist our neighbours in need and on the other hand she has a duty to help those less fortunate at home and god knows we have real issues to address.

What was indicated by the PM is nothing new, many countries provide aid in this was, its called tied aid. Where donor countries look to ensure that they benefit from the aid in some way. In this way, those in need benefits and something goes back to to citizens of the donor country. For example, T&T may very well say that we will provide building materials to the tune of say 100 million dollars. Local suppliers provide the materials and the taxes from that sale go to the state.

Maybe, the confusion is in the interpretation of "getting something back" which was most likely based on emotions rather than an understanding of the concept itself. You see the citizens of this country has a very backward mentality based on hand-outs and a live for today philosophy.

If we could only spend our time and energy on real issues rather than trivial ones, we could be well on our way to becoming a developed people.

One of the real issue for me is who benefits from this aid, would the intended recipients benefit?

Who gets the contracts to supply materials, services?

There is no better way, I think, than in providing aid, for one to be corrupt. For example, a roofing sheet which cost say $100 can escalate just so. Now that is a real issue.

So who benefits?
Eh talk now nah, allyuh damn asses.

So, as you kick up a storm to rival Tomas, do yourselves a favour and think before spewing rubbish, cus the cleaning up will cost you.

Read also:

The PMs Statement

Jamaican PM responds

Open letter to TT PM on Facebook

Online campaign to boycott TT products