In a vehement public address delivered at a PNM rally in Sangre Grande on January 7, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles launched a comprehensive critique against the current UNC administration’s performance since assuming office in April. The political gathering, attended by prominent PNM figures including Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert and Lopinot/Bon Air MP Marvin Gonzales, served as a platform for Beckles to articulate growing discontent with public service delivery.
Beckles highlighted severe water supply disruptions affecting multiple constituencies including Arima, Malabar, D’Abadie/O’Meara, and St Ann’s East, particularly during the Christmas period. She emphasized the irony of these shortages occurring despite previous substantial investments in water infrastructure, characterizing the situation as “wicked and oppressive” governance.
The Opposition Leader detailed widespread job losses resulting from the government’s termination of several youth employment and training initiatives. Beckles specifically referenced the closure of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme (YAHP), Military-led Academic Training Programme (MILAT), and the Military-led Youth Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training (MYPART). She further noted significant employment reductions in the Cepep, URP, and Reforestation Programme, particularly impacting the agriculturally significant Sangre Grande region.
Beckles accused the UNC of making extravagant campaign promises including distribution of “ham, lamb and jam” that remained unfulfilled, while simultaneously distancing themselves from constituents who had supported their election. She encouraged citizens to directly contact government officials regarding service deficiencies rather than relying on opposition figures.
The address concluded with Beckles urging supporters to maintain political awareness despite potential offers of material incentives from the governing party, emphasizing the need for the PNM to reclaim control of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. She framed the current administration’s policies as detrimental to both cultural preservation and small business sustainability across communities.