Seven months into its administration, the current government faces mounting criticism for its failure to establish transparent governance practices and meaningful citizen engagement. Prominent voices in civil society are raising fundamental concerns about the administration’s communication style and decision-making processes, which many characterize as opaque, unilateral, and disruptive.
A particularly troubling example cited involves the Tobago radar controversy, where the Prime Minister’s inconsistent explanations regarding national security matters have eroded public trust. The frequent shifts in official narratives have left citizens questioning whether critical decisions are being guided by a coherent and responsible strategic framework.
Simultaneously, the cultural sector is experiencing significant distress due to the abrupt implementation of noise-pollution regulations affecting major events, including Carnival festivities. With merely three months’ notice before implementation, event organizers and businesses face unnecessary logistical and financial pressure. Stakeholders argue that any policy changes of this magnitude should have initiated multi-year planning discussions, ideally with implementation targeted for 2027 rather than immediate enforcement.
The steelpan community represents another casualty of this governance approach. The unexpected withdrawal of state sponsorship from several steelbands—executed without prior consultation or warning—has jeopardized an essential component of the nation’s cultural identity. Even Pan Trinbago’s president, Beverly Ramsey-Moore, has publicly expressed dismay at the poorly timed and unilateral nature of this decision, noting that explanations only followed after the fact.
These patterns demonstrate a governing methodology that prioritizes announcement over consultation, creating an environment where citizens feel treated as obstacles rather than partners in national development. As the administration approaches its eighth month in power, there remains a conspicuous absence of the clear communication and strategic direction that form the foundation of effective governance. While advocates acknowledge that course correction remains possible, they emphasize that transparent dialogue, honest leadership, and genuine citizen partnership must become immediate priorities.