Based on ongoing engagements with large sections of the voting population by this writer, Dr Vishnu Bisram for the NACTA Polling Organization, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar continues to enjoy overwhelming support and confidence in her leadership including for the recent realigning (reorganizing or reshuffling) of roles of ministers (ministries). The public also express strong support for her remarks at the United Nations two weeks ago defending national interests of Trinidad and Tobago and endorsing American actions against narco-terrorists off T&T waters. They almost unanimously support the strengthening of T&T’s ties with USA. The PM also receives high marks from supporters of all parties for personal engagement with the public and media, swaying favorable opinions of her leadership and government. Supporters laud Kamla’s leadership for stressing transparent, accountable governance, and they describe her as a strong, decisive, and fearless ruler. Voters also back the PM on policymaking saying that the political opposition, public, the media, and analysts should not second guess her decision making. Supporters are willing to give her the benefit of any doubt on tweaking her cabinet and negotiating with Washington and other powers on T&T’s security and economic interests.
The PM continues to enjoy an extended honeymoon period without significant criticism from the public and the media, but everyone eagerly awaits Monday’s budget that they hope will deliver a lot of goodies and that will turn around the stagnant economy.
Supporters say they continue to have faith in the PM on her realignment (reorganization) of roles and responsibilities of cabinet ministers. Analysts say that the PM is not realigning the goals and objectives of the government but reorganizing roles and tasks of Ministries to improve delivery of services. They note that it is really a reorganizing of roles or tasks rather than a realignment or reshuffling of Ministries. The PM has withdrawn some load from certain Ministries reassigning (adding) them to others. The electorate accepts Kamla’s reasoning that the change is in line with her objective to make the government “more people centered” and “to increase efficiency in delivering services while allowing for greater transparency as well as accountability”
The public repose confidence in the PM, overwhelmingly supporting the change of Ministerial roles, hoping it will lead to improved services. They also commend the PM for taking on herself more responsibilities, describing her action as unprecedented for the leader of a government. As some noted, leaders generally tend to delegate responsibilities or tasks and roles and perform supervision function over the cabinet. They salute Kamla for displaying unbelievable energy as she increases her share of responsibilities in delivering services and running the government. Many say she comes across as a strong, caring, compassionate, no ‘non-sense’ leader. This has helped to contribute to her consistent high ratings five months after being at the helm of government. Also, her tough stance against narco-network and Venezuela’s ruler Nicholas Maduro in speeches at home and the UN has won plaudits from supporters, boosting her ratings.
The public notes that government has avoided major hiccups and unforced errors or making major blunders over the five months in office. It has been embroiled in one major controversy having to do with cancellation of CEPEP contracts. This, the PM stated, has to do with eradicating corruption that the government claims have infested the program rather than punishing workers or contractors.
One good news for the PM is that her government and Ministers have had positive ratings across the board, with some more liked and effective than others by a discerning public. Barry Padarath, Dave Tancoo, Saddam Hussein, Jearlean John, Devesh Maharaj, Roodal Moonilall, Lackram Bodoe, Ravi Ratiram, Kama Maharaj, Michael Dowlath, Sean Sobers, Vandana Mohit, Wayne Sturge, among others have received glowing accolades for performance.
The electorate say Padarath has stood out as a very effective leader of the majority. He has drawn routine praises from supporters of both UNC and PNM and the ire of the opposition for his parliamentary leadership. They say Padarath comes across as assertive, forceful, resolute, and unequivocal in his varied roles. They remind that Padarath shone during PM Narendra Modi’s visit, overseeing important aspects of the itinerary and seeing the PM off. Ruling party supporters praise Padarath as a powerful leader of government business who commands the attention of colleagues, the opposition, and the public at large an in getting things done. This, many respondents feel, partly explains why the PM reposes confidence in and assigns him increased responsibilities. He is very energetic; additional responsibilities are not likely to slow him down.
All eyes and ear will be on the budget on Monday.
