STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE Re s t o r i n g Tru s t he PNM’s unrelenting seven-year campaign and its savagely partisan Tuse of the apparatus of the State to humiliate and criminalise the leadership and prominent supporters of the UNC have failed to produce a single convic- tion on any charge of misconduct in public office.

The UNC nonetheless recognises the compelling obligation to move immedi- ately with speed and purpose to do all that is possible to restore the public trust.

We will therefore lose no time and spare an individual of manifestly impeccable no effort in initiating the most stringent reputation and sterling character, charged measures that will enforce on all persons with the responsibility of igniting in gov- holding positions of public trust, scrupu- ernment and in the wider national com- lous compliance with the comprehensive munity of the Republic of and legislative and legal sanctions that the Tobago, a culture of transparency, UNC has already introduced, and will yet accountability, decency, honesty, and formulate, to ensure unwavering adher- probity, that will permit no compromise, ence to the highest ethical standards and will protect no interest save the public the most exacting demands of probity in good, and will define the politics of this all matters of Governance. nation into perpetuity.

To these ends, we will appoint as Minister of Public Administration and Compliance,

Basdeo Panday Leader of the United National Congress

1 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

These measures will be initiated in the first 90 days of the new UNC term OurPledges tothePeople A Safe T&T– Our Top Priority Targeted Cutback in VAT by 5% $5,000 HOME-AID for House Repairs Tax Free for Taxis The UNC will follow up its acclaimed By lowering the tax rate, increasing A first time ever,Home-Aid assistance After abolishing annual Motor war against narco-trafficking and non-taxable allowances and remov- plan for house repairs for low-income Vehicle Licence Fees and allowing other classes of crime with a ing VAT from a range of consumer senior citizens and other homeown- the importation of foreign used vehi- comprehensive programme to items, including computers and ers of modest means. cles, the UNC will authorise Tax Free reposition the Police service, tackle computer supplies, the UNC enabled Tyres and Batteries for Taxi Operators. crime at the roots, to root out and taxpayers to keep more of the money CEMCOTT – put away the criminals, and to make they earned, over six consecutive New Perspectives for Caroni Nationwide Highway Patrol our population feel safe again. years.We propose to swiftly assess The Central Maintenance Centre of To arrest the lawlessness, the the feasibility of our earlier commit- takes the frequency of incidents and accidents, 130,000 New Jobs – Yes We Can ment to consider a substantial VMCOTT concept to new dimensions and the carnage on our roads, the In our first term, UNC policies led to cutting back of VAT. in this new business unit for Caroni UNC will establish a new protective more than 80,000 new jobs, our goal Limited, providing multi-skills train- unit, the National Highway Patrol, is full employment within this ing, generating hundreds of new with 250 motor cycle and mobile decade.We did it before.We’ll do it $1500 “Nest Egg” for jobs, and establishing a regional auto Highway Patrol Officers in the initial again. New Born Babies centre. phase.Closed Circuit Television A kick-start for every newborn baby: Systems will be an integral Land Reform - Land for the Landless $1500 in Units in the Unit Trust, component of the Nationwide encouraging savings and thrift, and Cheaper Car Parts The UNC will provide developed land Highway Patrol System guaranteed by the state. After opening car ownership to with all utilities to the landless at $25,000 per lot on low interest 30 tens of thousands more citizens House and Land, the UNC Plan with the importation of foreign year mortgages. Pension Payments from 60 years The UNC will establish new residen- used vehicles, the UNC will tial settlements in which families will More Tax Cuts for The UNC doubled Old Age Pensions reduce the duty on all car parts. be offered affordable subsidized land Individuals and Companies and is responsible for the present and homes. After no new taxes in our first six years, we will cut $1,000 pension. Under a UNC gov- back Personal Income Tax and Corporation Tax by ernment, this benefit will begin 5 5% initially, with a subsequent 5% years earlier, at age 60.

2 3 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Families First Centres ing a Marching Band, the World’s first ever Lower Telephone To ease the pressure on combining a fusion of Ministry of Distance North-South Traffic Interchange Charges working parents, we will Indo/Afro/Steelband Learning and tax-free In order to expand the establish new Day Care instruments and dance. purchases of computers range of Telecom With monumentally backwar d thinkin g , Centres, manned by and supplies. options for consumers, the PNM is widening the approaches to the senior citizens and ado- Dollar for Dollar for and to bring rates down, lescents in all Ministries Every Student Community nat i o n ’s biggest traffic bot t l e n e c k , can ce l i n g the UNC will liberalise the UNC planned inter change for the stated and in all communities. The PNM sabotaged the Internet Cafes the telecom sector. National Youth Guard Dollar for Dollar Plan, To nurture the innate reason that the struct u r al arch look ed like the $35M for Naparima Bowl To strengthen their char- which so dramatically talent of our young Rising Sun ; to bring relief to the hundreds of acter and instill disci- democratised tertiary people and in order to thousands of persons using the Uriah Butler– Trinidad and Tob a g o ,as pline in our youth, and education in Trinidad encourage amity, Chu rc h i l l / R oo s e velt inter s e ct i o n , we will give the creat i v e source / cap - to strengthen the fabric and Tobago.The UNC camaraderie and self the people of Trinidad and Tobago their long ital of the Cari b be a n , of the nation, we will will not only restore this development among over due Eas t – We s t - No rt h - S outh Traf f i c should long ago have In terc h a n g e . had a state of the art These measures will be initiated in the first 90 days of the new UNC term mu l t i - p u r pose intern a - ti o n a l cent r e for the per - for m- OurPledges tothePeople in g art s , establish a Volunteer benefit, we will extend it them, the UNC will provide free drugs for incentives for private the UNC will make National Youth Guard, to the entire indigenous establish Internet Cafes the treatment of all sector development of Nap a r ima Bowl such a which will provide crisis student body at in all communities. HIV/AIDS patients. affordable student fa c i l i t y at an estimated management and spe- approved tertiary residential units in the cost of 35 million dollars. cial events skills training, institutions. Free Drugs for UWI-Student-Housing environs of the UWI sports and musical Aids Treatment Committed to doing St. Augustine campus. development, and which All Schools Online Having substantially everything possible to will promote musical tal- The UNC is to be credit- reduced the price of propel the Revolution in ent through participa- ed with propelling medication for hyper- education which the tion in Regional Youth Trinidad & Tobago to tension, diabetes and UNC ignited in the first Battalions, each operat- computer literacy with HIV/AIDS, the UNC will term, we will provide

4 5 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Appoint as Minister of National Security, a proven leader of acknowledged stature, who will command the respect of the protective CR I M E services and that of the national community.

2002 will go down in histor y tra u m at i z ed the soci e t y this possess the knack of makin g • Get tough on persons •Train all Pol i c e Off i c ers in rap e,kidnapping and as the nine-months blunder yea r ,the pop u l a tion might of f ers to the Prime Min i s te r disturbing the public pea c e. com m u n i c ations and ar med rob be r y to possible named Howar d Chin Lee , ha ve felt bet t er prote c ted . th a t he dares not ref u s e . in ter personal rel at i o n s . li f e impris o n m e n t. Patr ick Man n i n g ’s yuppie fete - • Stri c tly enfor ce all laws pr omoting prot é g é , in whose Tha t aspec t of law enfor ce- Giv en how far out of hand the rel a ting to the sale to and • Giv e the Commissioner of • Den y bail to repe a t in ex pe ri e n c ed and untes te d me n t has not,ho wever ,bee n pr oblem of crime has gotten consumption of alcohol by Pol i c e the genuine of fe n d e r s . hands the nati o n ’s securit y, a pressing con ce r n of the over the last eight month s , mi n o r s . au t h o ri t y to manage the the pop u l at i o n ’s safet y and pre s e n t govern m e nt . the UNC will swiftly take a for ce that he leads. • Fos t er strong partnerships the public pea c e wer e nu m b er of immediate mea- • Amend the law to enable bet ween the pol i c e and the di s a s t r ously placed . The govern m e n t’s prin c i p a l su r es to arrest the ongoing the can ce l l a tion of trading • In i t i a te Implementa tion of com m u n i t i e s . pre oc c u p at i o n , to all appea r - su r ge of crim e . li c enses of any oper ation the Sir Ellis Cla r ke Repo rt . Tha t decision has come to be an ce s ,has been the crim i n a l - selling liquor to minors. • Equip the Pol i c e Serv i c e seen as a virtual act of iz a tion of pol i t i c al oppon e nt s . In the first 45 days, • Set up a Crime Reduction with state of the art ho s t i l i t y against the people of we will begin • Amend the laws to make it Task For ce dr awn from the tec h n o l o gy,including Trinidad and Tobago defying Thus pre- oc c u p i e d ,the safet y im p l e m e nt a tion of an offen c e to drink alcohol widest com m u n i t y of closed circuit tel e vision log i c ,and for that matte r , and securit y of the people of a crime red u ct i o n on a public roa d way. expe rt s ,including strategic sys t ems at peak traffic common sense and level Trinidad and Tobago have plan that includes pa r tners from over s e a s ; poi n ts and in com m e r cial he a d e d n e s s . been of far lesser con s e - these measures : • Amend the laws to provide with res po n s i b i l i t y for are a s . qu e n c e to the govern m e nt . for perm a n e n t can ce l l a tion form u l a ting a The insecurit y that grips the • Appo i n t as Min i s t er of and pre-emption of driv ers com p re h e n s i v e Crime • Provide ongoing na tion now is without paral l e l , So strong has been the Prim e National Sec u ri t y a proven per mits of persons Red u c tion progr amme by sp ecialised training to all and without prece d e nt . Min i s te r ’s obsession with the leader of ackno wledged conv i c ted of wea p ons Dece m b er 31. Pol i c e Off i ce r s . an n i h i l a tion of pol i t i c al tar- st at u r e, who will command or drug charge s . Rece n t studies reveal that two ge t s ,he could not even find the res pe c t of the prote ct i v e • In c r ease the strength of the • Establish Pol i ce / Ci t i z ens out of ever y three persons in time for sympath y for the se rv i c es and the national • En fo r ce the anti - l i t t er laws. Pol i c e Serv i c e to optimum pa r tnerships in com m u n i t y this cou nt r y live in fear of rel at i v es of victims of the com m u n i t y. le vel s . al l i a n c es to red u c e crim e . bec oming victims of crim e . wave of kidnappings and • Int r odu c e breat h a l y z er other serious crimes that has • Enlist the media as allies in tes t i n g . • Ded i c ate a Highway Patr ol • Develop progr ammes to Had the Manning administra- so trau m at i z ed the pop u l a - the fight against crim e . Unit with an initial strength engage young people in tion focused the apparatus of ti o n . With all of this,th e r e is • Disqualify motor ists driving of 250 motor cycle and pos i t i v e acti v i t i e s . the state on the prevent i o n the emerge n c e of the Al • Get tough on traffic under the influence of other mobile officer s . and inves t i g a tion of the Qaeda linked Yasin Abu Bak r vi o l a tor s . al co h o l . •Toughen gun laws. cr imes of violence that have as an adviser who appears to • In c r ease the pen a l t y for

6 7 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS B A , M S c Gerald Yet m i n g b a n k e r St. Augustine St. Joseph “Fo l l o wing six years of astute economic management by the UNC, economic growth must be “Under the UNC the economy expanded by an ave r a ge of 5.2 percent per annum. Th e sat i s f i e d . The UNC established a Revenue Stabilization Fund, which stood at over $1 billion. number of people living below the poverty line was cut in half. In f l a tion was brought This represented surplus gas and oil revenue above budgeted figures. It is now our turn once do wn to its lowest point in decades, ave r a ging 4% for the period 1996-2000. Foreign again to create , sustain and manage a buoyant economy so that we can quicken the pace of exchange reserves have grown from a mere US$652 million in 1995 to US$2.4 billion de v e l o p m e n t ,g e n e r a te significant wealth for our populati o n , improve the lives of all our as of August 2001.” citizens and deal purposely with the issues of equity in our society.”

dri v en by for eign inves t m e n t,in seri- called “Trinidad and Tob a g o ’s Carn i va l In an orgy of govern m e n t givea ways need for the strong leadership of the ous jeopardy. me nt a l i t y”,and also prom p t ed then as brib es for vote r s ,go vern m e n t cou r ageous Uni t ed National Con g re s s THE CRISES WE FACE Prime Min i s t er Man l e y of Jamaica to sp ending has included massive Mem b ers of Parl i a m e n t who succes s - All of this has been inflicted on a rem a r k that “Oil money was flowi n g sp l u r ging against anti c i p a ted energy fully led the battle for the res to r ati o n pop u l a tion alrea d y trau m a tised by an th r ough ‘Trin i d a d ’li k e a Dose of Sal t s ”. se c tor reven u e . of Parl i a m e nt a r y Govern m e n t in this rinidad and Tobago now faces cou nt r y harbou r ing ter ror ists is an un p re ce d e n ted and unparalled wave cou nt r y,and a ret u r n to pol l s ,an d the most dangerous crises in en e m y of Ame ri c a and will att ra c t of kid n a p p i n g s ,and other horren d o u s Now the PNM is dispensing a similar The Manning administration has set pr incipled patr iots like Win s to n Tour cou nt r y’s kno wn histor y. pre - e m p t i v e strike s ,and has cr imes and gang warf a r e,which Abu dose of salts and the same menta l i t y is the cou nt r y back by decad e s ,to the Dooke ra n , Gover nor of the Cent ra l de m o n s t r ated in Afghanistan what Bak r purpor ts to mediate. evi d e n t,oblivious to the Euro pe a n worst days of the cal c u l a t ed and Bank up to a few months ago,an d After ruling the cou nt r y for eight can happen to cou nt r ies where gov- Cent r e for Social Pol i c y’s fore c ast of cyn i c al PNM depen d e n c y syndrom e no w a key member of the UNC’s tea m mo n ths without a functi o n i n g ern m e n ts have links with Al Qaeda. In addition,the PNM Leader has used the possible collapse of the wel f a r e which blighted so large a section of el e c tion can d i d a tes . Parl i a m e n t,af ter arbitrar ily and uncon - Pres i d e n t Rob i n s o n ’s Chr istmas Eve sys te m , even in devel o p ed states , the pop u l at i o n , stultified self wort h stitutionally suspending local Sac r ificing the inter ests of the nati o n gi f t of the govern m e n t as a blank within 10 to 13 yea r s . and self devel o p m e n t,and which Now,mo r e than ever ,Trinidad and Govern m e n t Ele ct i o n s ,and after and the wel f a r e of the pop u l a tion in cheque for unlimited use of public sp a wned the culture of crime among Tobago needs the demonstrated sustained and unrel e n ting victi m i z a - fu rt h e ra n c e of his personal pol i t i ca l funds to brib e vot ers in the margi n a l The PNM’s brutal victi m i z a tion of un e m p l o yables that con tinues to ma n a g e r ial depth and econ o m i c tion of his pol i t i c al oppon e nt s ,th e ag e n d a , the PNM Leader has asserted con s t i t u e n c i e s . pol i t i c al oppon e nt s ,this yea r ,ha s ha u n t the soci e t y to this day. in s i g h t that resides in the UNC,th e ou t going Prime Min i s t er and the PNM to the media that even with the caused unprece d e n ted pol a ri s at i o n cri t i c al factor of this cou nt r y’s go vern m e n t have for med an unholy Ja m a a t Al Mus l i m e e n / A l Qaeda No matt er how much revenue com e s bet ween the cou nt r y’s two major eth- In one of the most intem pe r ate ec onomic upsurge bet ween 1995 and dangerous alliance with the al l i a n c e,he readily wel c omes Abu in from new oil and gas res o u r ces , nic grou p s . misdeeds of any head of govern m e n t and 2001. Ja m a a t Al Mus l i m e e n , the ter rori s t Bak r’s invol ve m e n t in the PNM Man n i n g ’s unchecked abuse of the in this cou nt r y and the reg i o n ,t h e org a n i s a tion kno wn to be guilty of cam p a i g n . In the process the PNM tre a s u r y,for “fre e n e s s ”for pol i t i ca l On Sep te m b er 25,the nation watch e d only person to have been appoi n ted Now,mo r e than ever ,Trinidad and mass murde r ,and publicly linked to leader has found himself on the tail pu r pos e s ,and his tor ren t of extr ava- the TV6 nightly news repo r t in horror Prime Min i s t er of this cou nt r y while Tobago needs leadership of the the Axis of Evil of Al Qaeda. of a raging tiger from which he dares ga n t election prom i s e s ,ar e guaran - as the outgoing Prime Min i s t er of unable to demonstrate the suppor t of cou r age and charac ter to turn back not let go. teed to wreck our econ o m y. Trinidad and Tobago stood by ben i g n - a majorit y of members of the House of Abu Bak r and Al Qaeda. A published US Con g r essional Repo r t ly ,seemingly sati s f i e d ,and without Rep re s e nt at i ve s ,has set an electi o n , has revealed that the Jamaat Al Abu Bak r’s deputy in the 1990 cou p This cou nt r y will never for get the rep r imand or reb u k e,as a man of per ilously close to the date on which As all rational citizens cry for our Muslimeen had years ago established atte m p t ,Bilal Abdu l l a , the ter rori s t de val u a tion of the TT Dollar and the Afri c an descen t whose suppor t he go vern m e n t and the cou nt r y cou l d bel o ved cou nt r y,no w is the time for links with Al Qaeda and had propo s e d who led the assault on the Red Hou s e , ha r dship the people of Trinidad and was soliciting,th re a tened war shut down if the 2002/2003 Budget is st r ong leadership for a strong T& T . a plot to fly an exp l o s i v e laden plane and who held the then Prime Min i s te r Tobago suffer ed as a result of PNM bet ween “B lack people and Indians”if not in place. Only the Uni t ed National Con g re s s on a suicide bombing mission into the hostage as he was shot,is a key mi s m a n a g e m e n t and was t e of the oil the PNM wer e to lose the Gen e ra l can provide that cal i b r e of leadership Wor ld Trade Cent re ; in the way that a Manning advi s o r ,top gun of the URP, windfall generated by OPEC sancti o n s Ele ct i o n s . This is a degree of pol i t i c al in these times of ever escal a ting cris e s . Ja m a a t suicide bom b er had used a car and rel at i v e of a Min i s t er in the in the mid sevent i e s ,a direc t ir res po n s i b i l i t y that is as rep r ehensibly loaded with exp l o s i v es to destroy Manning administrati o n . Manning has con s e q u e n c e of which was the Against this backdrop ,our cou nt r y is a bet r ayal of the public trust as is the Your vot e for the UNC is the only Pol i c e Hea d q u a r ter s ,to initiate the Jul y so wn the evil wind of Abu Bak r and Al de val u a tion of the TT Dol l a r . no w grip p ed by the per vas i v e fea r PN M ’s unholy alliance with a ter rori s t means by which you can ensure 27 , 1990 coup atte m p t . Qa e d a . Your families and their children th a t over the last nine month s ,th e gr oup that,for all pract i c al purpos e s , th a t at this time of gath e r ing cris e s , will be made to reap the whirlw i n d . The extr avag a n c e and excesses of the PNM in its lust to cling to power ,ha s mi g h t well be a cell of the Al Qaeda the strongest leadership will be in In the wak e of the attack on Ame ri c a PNM administration of the day pro p elled Trinidad and Tobago to the Axis of Evi l . the position to prote c t your inter - on Sep te m b er 11,20 0 1 , the US All of this places Trinidad and Tob a g o , pro m p t ed Sin g a po r e’s Prime Min i s te r br ink of economic “H a i t i a n i s at i o n ”an d ests and defend our bel o ved go vern m e n t has declared that any with an econ o m y which is large l y Lee Kwan Yew ,to condemn what he ethnic “Guya n i s at i o n ”. Now,mo r e than ever ,th e r e is a cryi n g Trinidad and Tob a g o .

8 9 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Sadiq Baksh Carlos John b u s i n e s s m a n , community worker b u s i n e s s m a n , entrepreneur and public serv a n t Tun a p u n a San Fernando Wes t “W e initiated the Project Home Ownership Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) programme to construct over “W e paved over 3,000 KM of roads, built over 300 KM of new roads and 60 new bridges. 30,000 new homes. The UNC government built the modern interchange at Cross Crossing, Ha ving provided $150 million for the construction of an Interchange at the Uriah Butler and San Fernando that ended decades of congestion and frustrations to commuters; we built the Churchill Roosevelt – the UNC WILL BUILD THE INTERCHANGE and relieve the hardships roundabout at St. An n ’s . We built the state of the art millennium airport – which every faced by hundreds of thousands on a daily basis.” ad m i n i s t r a tion was unable to do for four decades.”

Investment of Energy Sector Wealth to Create Full Our National Objectives and Rewarding Employment,Through Focus on Strategic National “Businesses”Development • RESTORING TRUST

• A SAFE T&T OUR TOP PRIORITY •We have demonstrated open and • Political will Economic and fair Governance and will continue • Administrative reforms • GOOD GOVERNANCE Business Strategy to do so. • Watchdog agencies • Parliament •We have a proven Performance What Differentiates the UNC from Track Record. •The Judiciary • TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY all other Parties? • Civil Society GOVERNANCE, •The Media •We have a Vision and Plan for ACCOUNTABILITY, PROBITY • EQUALITY OF TREATMENT FOR ALL CITIZENS Transformation to a First World The process of reform must be visi- Nation by 2010. bly ‘owned’ by and supported from the top. In the end, tackling cor- •We are focused on Poverty Transparency • SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH ruption is not just about tackling:it Eradication and the Improvement and Political is about strengthening the public’s to First World Status of the Quality confidence in,and loyalty to the of Life for all our People. Reform state and strengthening the state’s • FULL EMPLOYMENT financial and policy abilities to Curbing corruption is not merely •We know the “business”Focus for serve citizens. development and have a plan for about ethics and morality, it is about sound Governance and the • the productive use of our impend- For any country embarking on A HEALTHIER NATION effective, efficient use of public ing Energy Wealth. reform, perhaps the most impor- resources for the public good. •We have demonstrated inclusion tant challenge is to structure a pro- and the management of diversity gram and action plan that has, at • A HIGHLY EDUCATED, INTELLIGENT, A clear commitment to a strong and are committed to continue to its core, the goal of changing per- national integrity system is do so. ceptions and values among public TECHNOLOGICALLY DRIVEN AND GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE PEOPLE absolute. officials and institutions in the •We will institutionalize National country at all levels. Strategic Planning to sustain the The pillars of a national • CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM transformation process. integrity system are:

10 11 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Kamla Persad Bissessar Winston “Gypsy” Peters L L B , L E C , D i p ( E d . ) c a l y p s o n i a n , b u s i n e s s m a n Ortoire/Mayaro Si p a r i a “Our revolution in education saw the abolition of the dreaded common entrance examinati o n “The UNC united T&T and provided a place for all. We launched the National Steel Orchestra and the introduction of the Secondary Entrance Examination (SEA). The path breaking policy of and the Gandhi Institute of Culture; we gave eight acres to Pan Tri n b a go for the construction of Universal Secondary Education accompanied this historic conversion.To facilitate Education for it ’ s headquarters. We granted the Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day and the . Al l , the UNC built 29 new secondary schools. To further enhance the education of our people The UNC established the National Cultural Council, an umbrella body for all cultural we introduced the novel and attractive “Dollar for Dollar Programme” to raise tertiary or g a n i z at i o n s . ” ed u c a tion from 5% to 20% by 2007.”

better health,education and and social development",of which Enterprises. Government Ministries,Municipal infrastructure plans the fight against corruption is an Corporations,Statutory Authorities. Constitutional On Governance • Building mechanisms for sharing important dimension. This legislation not only made gov- State owned or controlled enterpris- and preserving knowledge. We believe that good governance ernment more accountable and es and Service Commissions, exclud- Reform Weak governance is increasingly should receive the same legal and transparent but also provides a ing the Judicial and Legal Service seen to be at the heart of the eco- Leadership is a critical component political status as the respect for powerful weapon in combating cor- Commission. UNC’s Perspective nomic development challenge. of good public governance. human rights, democratic principles ruption and nepotism. Leadership is an important and and the rule of law. The Judicial Review Act (No. 60 of • Trinidad and Tobago must man- The critical challenge is to look at crucial variable that leads to The Integrity in Public Life Act 2000) age its unique diversity in order to the forces that shape public enhanced management capacity, as We challenge the PNM to tell the (No. 83 of 2000) advance its potential to create sector performance and develop well as organizational performance. population what they did between This Act introduced the concept of opportunities for advancement and strategies that will support public Development of public sector 1991-1995 to address issues of cor- This Act considerably strengthens public interest litigation, which is a employment. sector reform in the context of a leadership for this country is an ruption and the need for trans- and empowers the Integrity weapon to be used by the poor to comprehensive development enormous challenge that faces parency and probity in public Commission to exercise greater con- fight injustice. • The Country must develop an framework. the nation. affairs. trol and oversight over the financial agenda to combat group domina- and ethical conduct of all persons It allows individuals or groups to tion,hate and hate-related philoso- This framework includes: - Political reform is required in a The United National Congress has performing governmental func- bring an action,which may be in phies that have as their aim the divi- • A well functioning and host of areas including: - done more to prevent corruption in tions. the public interest although they sion of the society along primordial accountable core public sector • Internal democratic processes government than any previous were not directly affected by the lines with sub-divisions along • A well functioning legal system • Balancing Executive and administration. This legislation gave the particular injustice. regional lines. • Mechanisms that promote citizen Legislative prerogatives Commission wide investigative ‘voice’ participation • The role of constitutional and The following reminders are timely powers and puts in place a Code of The Equal Opportunity Act (No. 69 • The vision for Trinidad and Tobago • Mechanisms that promote party based factors but not exhaustive. Conduct, which governs all public of 2000) should be one of inclusion for all, competition;market competition • The creation of accountability officers.The Code covers such areas which implies equal opportunity as among public agencies institutions UNC Measures to Combat as the acceptance of gifts, influence This Act established for the first well as equal access to opportuni- • Decentralization so that local Corruption in Public Office and to peddling and lobbying. time in the history of Trinidad and ties. residents have a greater voice in Empower the Population Tobago an Equal Opportunity decisions that affect their lives The Constitution (Amendment) Commission,which is an administra- The UNC Recognises: • An integrated approach to The Freedom of Information Act (Parliamentary Committee) Act tive and investigative body entrust- helping the country combat Governance, (No. 26 of 1999) (No. 29 of 1999) ed with the responsibility of work- • The need for the provision of an corruption. ing towards the elimination of dis- adequate mechanism of consulta- Accountability, • Realizing the potential of This Act gave the public unprece- This Act empowers Parliament to crimination. tion with the wider population. e-governance Probity and dented access to government infor- appoint Joint-Select Committees to • Promoting partnerships through mation and records.The provisions inquire into and report to both The legislation deals with discrimi- • This should, however, be linked to Transparency governance trust funds of this Act give members of the Houses of Parliament on the admin- nation on the grounds of race, sex, a public education exercise on con- • Better access to timely, affordable The UNC views good governance as public the statutory right to access istration and manner of the exercise religion,origin,marital status or dis- stitutional issues. and just dispute resolution “the transparent and accountable official documents from any public of powers and methods of function- ability. It is intended to provide a services management of all resources of a authority such as Ministries, ing of, and the criteria adopted in direct avenue for redress and so • Improve services delivery through country for its sustainable economic Municipal Corporations and State the exercise of such powers by promote equality of opportunity in

12 13 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Dr . Fuad Khan Dr . Carson Charles F . R . C . S , B S c , M B B S , D i p . ( U r o l o g y ) B S c , P h D San Juan / Barataria Diego Martin Central “The UNC believes in empowering citizens by ownership of assets and capi t a l . The UNC “A healthier nation is our goal.The UNC built dozens of health centres to expand rural access introduced The State Land (Regularsation of Tenure) Act 1998. This established an orderly to health care. We built two district health facilities, one at and one at . three-phase process for ownership of land by the landless. This involved the issuance of We bought over 60 ambulances and launched the Emergency Health Service of T&T (EHS). Ce r t i f i c a tes of Comfort, fo l l o wed by a thirty-year statu t o r y lease, fo l l o wing which a deed of Over 600 nurses were trained to improve hospital care. We provided free surgery for children lease is granted.We also introduced and expanded a range of subsidies targeted to low income households relating to rents, mo r t g a ge interest rates and land and capital cost.” with heart disease.”

our plural society. supply of goods and services to compliance with policies and ideals deriving its membership from non- in the following areas: - policing the government and to State of transparency, accountability, fair- governmental organizations (NGOs) The UNC laid the Prevention of controlled organizations will be ness and probity in the manage- with direct concerns for • Fingerprinting– Finger Print • Police stations: A programme of Corruption Bill 2001 in Parliament. published on the Internet, thus ment and disbursement of public Transparency, Accountability and experts to be exposed to modern rebuilding and / or repairing as ensuring full transparency and funds. Probity in Public Affairs. techniques and provided with state necessary. This Bill sought to put in place more equality of opportunity. of the art equipment. effective measures for dealing with Establishing and rigorously enforc- Policy Statement • Ellis Clarke Committee: The Sir corruption, both in the public and This will be central to a culture of ing compliance with Codes of Ethics (a) The United National Congress • Scene of the crime– Officers- Ellis Clarke Committee made certain private sphere. It establishes a per- probity in public affairs, which the for all Ministries and state enterpris- will pursue a policy of constitutional many more officers to be trained in recommendations for the overall manent Anti-Corruption UNC is committed to fostering in es. reform once returned to office. protecting the scenes of crimes and improvement of the Police Services Commission with powers never Trinidad and Tobago. supplied with state of the art and every effort will be made to before given to any Commission of Overseeing and co-ordinating the (b) This will be driven by Equipment implement that report, particularly Enquiry. work of internal audit units across widespread consultation with all in respect of hiring, training, Ministries to ensure that quarterly members and society. • Photography– Modern training to promotion,firing and discipline. This Bill creates several new corrup- Ministry of Public reports are done on time and sub- be provided and state of the art tion offences and introduces harsh mitted to the relevant Minister for (c) The Policy of exclusion as equipment supplied • Gathering of information / penalties.The Act will carry - Administration transmission to the Parliamentary practiced by the last government Intelligence: Adequate sums of ties of fines of up to $1.5 million and and Compliance watch dog committees established must be countered by the shaping • Kidnapping officers to be trained money to be provided for the twenty years imprisonment. under Act 29 of 2001. of a system of government in which to properly investigate kidnapping, gathering of information and The UNC government will go to adequate mechanisms for participa- a category of crime, which now is of training suitable personnel. The Anti-Corruption Commission the next level in ensuring good Strengthening the internal organi- tion, power-sharing and equality of the greatest concern to all. The would be equipped with the exper- governance, transparency and zation and systems for accountabili- opportunity will be key priorities. necessary surveillance equipment • Drug Control: The UNC will make tise required to monitor and investi- probity by establishing a Ministr y ty in all Ministries and state enter- will be supplied. available to the police proper work- gate allegations of corruption and of Public Administration and prises. ing fleet of boats or other appropri- to initiate prosecutions in both the Compliance. • Computers: Computers to be ate sea fleet to be used when public and private sectors. Policing and enforcing procedures Law, Order and installed in as many police stations required for drug interdiction. This Ministry will deal proactively and regulations to ensure trans- as possible and training pro- Upon resumption,the UNC govern- with the initiation of a legal and parency. the Security grammes appropriate for the police • Providing available equipment: ment will make the Prevention of policy framework for ensuring of Life to be designed and offered. For detecting drugs in motor vehi- Corruption Act a key priority and Transparency and good The Central Tenders Board to be cles and other containers. will re-introduce it in the first three governance. scheduled under the Ministry of CRIME The entire nation is gripped • Crowd Control: Extensive re-train- months of the first working session Public Administration and with a level of fear, which is ing to be exercised for the relevant • Community Policing: To be rein- of the new Parliament. While other Departments deal with Compliance. unprecedented in this country. sectors of the service troduced and properly controlled issues of misadministration after the Criminals have taken control of the The UNC government will put in fact, the new Ministry will be The new Ministry of Public country while the PNM government • Building Resources: Bring the • Introduce a National place rigorous mechanisms to responsible for the following: Administration and Compliance will remains impotent. police service up to the required Information Technology Road ensure fairness and transparency in establish an institutional framework A UNC government will introduce strength. Surveillance Security Network. all government procurement. Defining policy and strengthening for civil society to oversee policy on and pursue the following: - •Vehicles: Bring suitable vehicles, • Money Laundering: Training to All requests for proposals for the the legal framework for ensuring transparency and accountability, Facilities and Training for the police which will be adequate for effective be provided for the appropriate offi-

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Arlene Maingot-Alexis Ganga Singh B A , M S c L L B , L E C , L L M Arouca South Caroni East “On ave r ag e , 249,127 tourists visited T&T during the period 1991-1995. During the UNC’s first “As a result of the UNC’s initiati v e , over 85% of our population now receive pipe borne wate r . term the ave r a ge inflow for the period 1996-1999 was 324,183. Under the UNC the Tob ag o The UNC government constructed a state of the art Desalination Facility in the Point Lisas area to accommodate the demand for water from the industrial plants in that area. The plant Pl a n t a tions Resort was opened with the 200-room hotel, Tob a go Hilton.We presided over the supplies the entire industrial estate with 18 million gallons of water daily. WASA is now able to expansion of the hotel sector,with the approval of 40 hotel projects involving $1.3 billion worth se r vice its customers with a more reliable supply of wate r .The UNC initiated construction of the of investment and the creation of 2,000 permanent jobs.” new National Library to ensure that our citizens could have access to books, art and culture.”

cers to investigate and detect felons who have been charged with as Schools, Orphanages and Homes ment is a major issue for persons The UNC also believes that one of money laundering offences misdemeanors ( non violent crimes for the aged and under privileged. leaving the University and going to he essential factors in supporting such as petty thefts, drug use etc.) the world of work. e have,as wel l , this country’s thrust to be more •The UNC will address the question Introduction of breathalyzer tests competitive is an equitable, of appointing more magistrates and (c) This can replace the Youth The UNC will encourage major Wta k en the advanced and effective education building more courthouses. Camps that are at present of little The breathalyzer is an instrument private and state sector companies system. value to the community and the used for measuring alcohol in to establish 2-year internship de m oc r ati z a tion of •The UNC will address the problem individual attending the camp. breath,no one is convicted in this programmes for University ed u c ati o n , so singu- PRE-SCHOOL in the prisons such as recruiting country for driving whilst under the graduates.Companies that establish additional officers, problems with The Restructuring of the influence of alcohol. internship programmes will be la r ly advan c ed by The UNC built 18 new Childhood accommodation and rehabilitation. CCC Programme given a tax concession by the Care and Education Centres in government. the UNC,to new communities across the country, There needs to be a drastic le vels of student upgraded 22 centres and plan to change in the concept of the Human 4) DISTANCE EDUCATION: build more. Penalties Civilian Conservation Corps, which is The UNC has always been commit- em p owerm e n t and managed by the Defence Force. The Development ted to distance learning. In the 1995 pa re n t rel i e f ,with the Investment in childhood care and The UNC will introduce legislation present format serves absolutely no Education to 2000 term the Panday adminis- education will continue until all our to increase penalties to life benefit to the individuals involved. tration established the World’s int r odu c tion of free children of pre-school age have a imprisonment for kidnapping, The programme can be altered to $f$ ALL STUDENTS firstMinistry of Distance Learning. place in such a facility. rape, incest and armed robbery. being a Career Training Path. text books in all The UNC administration will assist UNC increased Role of Engineering 1) DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR: the University to bring tertiary edu- pri m a r y school s ,an d Battalion (Regiment) The continuation and the expansion cation to rural and remote areas of $1,000 a year for Text School lunches to of the Dollar for Dollar programme Trinidad. 80,000 students This Battalion comprises at least one to eventually include all students at Books for ever y Law, Order and third of the manpower and most of the St Augustine campus. Specific emphasis will be placed in se co n d a r y school and introduced the vehicles and machinery of the Distance Learning in Tobago. nutritionally Security of Life Regiment. However, very little is 2) RESEARCH AND THE The mode of delivery for these pro- st u d e n t in Trin i d a d Law heard of this Battalion and very little POSTGRADUATE STUDENT: grammes will be Internet based. balanced is achieved towards the country’s The UNC is committed to the devel- and Tob a g o . breakfasts development. opment of a strong graduate school hat is why we built 18 new Development of a Correctional and postgraduate culture at the St Training Programme for Youths TChildhood Care and Education It is recommended that due to the Augustine campus.The UNC is Centres in communities across the Education continues to be the TERTIARY EDUCATION vast resources that they possess, the committed to linking research at country. We have also upgraded (a) A correctional training pro- cornerstone of the UNC govern- AND TRAINING Engineering Battalion should now the University with real world prob- 22 centres and plan to build 10 gramme run by the Defence Force ment’s development policy. become involved in projects involv- lems and solutions. more in 2001. Investment in this in collaboration with the Police The UNC believes that education is The UNC government established ing the construction, refurbishment, area will continue until all our Service and Prisons Service. the key to giving citizens the the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of and repairs of buildings occupied 3) EMPLOYMENT FOR STUDENTS: children of pre-school age have a (b) Only afforded to youths under by non profitable organization such The UNC recognizes that employ- place in such a facility. opportunity for personal Technology to focus on job related 18 years and first time convicted development and advancement. technical skills.

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James David Lambert trade unionist Kelvin Ramnath Diego Martin West B ( T ec.) (Eng.) Couva South “The UNC administration introduced for the first time ever a pension plan and a group health “Under the UNC administration the people of Trinidad and Tob a go benefited enormously plan for daily rated employe e s . We gave over 8,000 daily rated workers security of tenure and as a result of the influx of over $1 billion worth of investment annually in the oil and made these workers eligible for benefits applicable to permanent workers.We introduced gas sector. Further expansion of existing plant and equipment will create more jobs le g i s l a tion to compensate for injuries and death arising out of and in the course of employ- and greater prosperity to all citizens.” ment for officers in the Pol i c e , Prison and Fire Servi c e s . ”

Our student target for participation mance achievements, we patients afflicted with cancer. Pulmonary Centre where the prevention of diseases such as HI V / A I D S at the tertiary level at 20% by year will improve our health nation’s medical personnel will dengue, tuberculosis. 2005. system to within reach of • We will upgrade the be trained to assist in Heart and The UNC Govern m e n t has and will Radiotherapy Centre at St.James Lung Medicine. Pharmacies registered with con tinue to com b a t the spread of The UNC government proposes to standards of developed and increase the training of Ministry of Health for dispensing this disease,th r ough a number of expand the Student Revolving Loan me a s u re s : countries. required staff for this most • San Fernando General Hospital of routine generic medications Fund and Student Loan Guarantee facility to include all post secondary important service. will be developed into a high- allowing easy access and less •A youth counselling progra m m e educational institutions accredited • We will introduce the tech Burns And Truama Centre waiting times for medications by the relevant Ministry National Health Insurance • We will establish an Oncology and availablity over the week- •A Seco n d a r y School Sen s i t i z at i o n Progra m m e System Centre at Medical SOCIAL SERVICES ends. The UNC will improve the social Complex •Se n s i t i z a tion Progr ammes with var - infrastructure of all institutions in SPECIALIZED RADIOLOGICAL We will introduce a unique iden- ious inter ests groups throu g h o u t • We will encourage private sec- this country with special empha- SERVICES– MRI SCANNERS the cou nt r y including the Trad e tifier system with all medical tor participation in provision of sis on a healthy and safe environ- AND RADIOACTIVE SCANNERS Union Movem e n t,the Inter records systems standardized special hospices beds and short ment. We will encourage private sector Religious Orga n i z at i o n , the Med i a , and implemented as a priority: - the Business Com m u n i t y and the Health term stay beds by providing tax participation in the provision of You t h s . incentives for specialized med- Proper public amenities for chal- these services with appropriate • Every single citizen will have There is need for major restruc- ical equipment and services in lenged persons.Wheelchair tax incentive for medical equip- •T he Mot h e r - to - C hild Tran s m i s s i o n one identification that will allow turing of the Health Care policy, addition to the establishment of ramps at all public places will be ment and supplies. Progr amme which is geared access to health care anywhere with a shift from curative to pre- same day surgery centres. mandatory. towar ds reducing the risk of the an in Trinidad and Tobago. ventative health care and a holis- un bo r n child cont ra c ting this dis- We will allow regulation of ser- ease from the mother. tic approach to health aware- Improvement in the public trans- vices by National Ministry of • Computerization will also allow ness. port system for all social assis- Health certification procedures •T he dereg u l a tion of the sale of persons not carrying their ID but tance and senior citizens. of private providers with stan- condoms so that they are now more who were previously registered AIDS/DRUGS/ALCOHOL The major areas to be addressed dardization of policies and pro- ac ce s s i b l e . to be identified. ABUSE REHABILITATION are: - PUBLIC HEALTH cedures etc. In addition to our preven tion effort s , • We will increase our emphasis Environmentally safe practices we rec ognise the urge n t need to • Primary Health Care on the improvement of services will be supported and encour- PREHOSPITAL CARE tr ea t persons who are alrea d y in fe c ted with the virus .Tha t is why • Secondary Health Care and personnel to prevent and aged in all communities. In keeping with our track record CANCER TREATMENT/ of performance in the health sec- we had red u c ed the cost of drugs to • Tertiary Health Care treat the effects of this deadly tre a t HIV/AIDS by 90%.Tha t's a life- RADIOTHERAPY CENTRES Enforcement of seat belt laws tor with the introduction of the • The role of the R.H.A disease and addictions.St. Ann’s line to a substantial part of our pop - Hospital will be used as a fully and laws to combat drunken dri- Emergency Health Service of ul at i o n ,p r oviding hope and an • The role of the Ministry • We will contract the services equipped HIV/AIDS Centre. ving. Trinidad and Tobago (EHSTT) we op po rt u n i t y to live to thousands. • The role of the regulatory required for chemotherapy and will continue to upgrade this ser- radiotherapy in the short term to This is a rea l i t y,not a prom i s e . and monitoring agencies • The Old Caura Hospital will be Increase the equipment, services vice to our people across the improve the treatment for and personnel dedicated for the In keeping with our perfor- converted to a Cardiac and nation and thus:-

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Dr . Jennifer Jones-Kernahan D . V. M . Anil Juteram b u s i n e s s m a n , community worker Ar i m a Toco/Manzanilla “Caroni (1975) Limited will be transformed into a holding company that will establish profit “In facilitating increased trade and investment the UNC government signed Trade Memoranda centres to enhance profitability and productivity of all sections of Caroni. We will expand the Agreements with Ar g e n t i n a ,B r a z i l , Par a guay and Uruguay. We have completed the fourth round op e r a tions of several divisions of Caroni to create MORE JOBS.The UNC will halt the PNM of trade negotiations with Mexico to formulate bilateral trade strategies and the UNC imposed job separation programme at Caroni and seek to create an efficient export driven in i t i a ted approaches to develop closer trade and business ties with Costa Rica.” and community responsive state enterprise.”

We will upgrade the present •We will assist Pan Trinbago in Continue to provide the enabling Academy to which EHSTT which we introduced in the development of their recent- environment for the private sec- $2 million was given as a this country to include helicopter ly acquired property as a world tor to invest in sponsorship of grant by the UNC. The UN C emergency evacuation and site for steel band music, its cultural organizations and works increase the number of ambu- teaching and manufacture of of art by revising tax concessions Govern m e n t will lances and personnel. Sport steel pans.An accompanying and other allowances.These The UNC Government opened research center will provide would include sponsorship, the ne g o t i a te with We will improve the training of The UNC government sees sport the Orange Grove Hockey Turf in information for the further purchase of works of art or the EHSTT personnel to higher level e.g. as a major vehicle in empower- 1997 and plans three additional development and promotion of rehabilitation of heritage sites or the Cric ke t EMT intermediate and paramedics. ing our nation. artificial turfs in the north west- this unique Trinbagonian contri- building of national importance, ern peninsula, San Fernando and bution to world culture. identified through clearly Boa r d and assist The UNC administration will fur- Tobago. defined criteria. ther develop sport in all schools. in upgra d i n g Primary Schools will be the cra- The UNC government will con- • Lands adjacent to the Pan Our Cultural dle for Sports. In addition to struct a modern 250 meter con- the Bal m a i n Trinbago site at Orange Grove Assist in the development of schools, the community based crete velodrome. will be acquired for the creation marketing of our entertainment Agenda clubs and teams will be encour- Cric k et Cent r e to of an Artist’s Village which will be industry as a visible and potent aged to organize sports in many a holistic settlement for the cre- source of income generation. disciplines as possible. National Boxing which was given a boost host wor ld cup ative and performing arts. The UNC believes that our rich Sporting Organizations will be with the UNC's hiring of Cuban ma tches in invited to work with government coaches will continue to benefit cultural diversity must be har- Identify, package and market our to organize Sustainable from a UNC government. All nessed for nation building . •The adjacent empty Orange cultural product;our folk art, our 20 0 7 . Thi s Development Strategies. indoor boxing facilities will be Grove Sugar Factory will be refur- feasts, cuisine, languages, festi- outfitted with specialised equip- Our first objective will be the bished as a living museum of our vals, our flora and fauna as a 10,000 seater A UNC Government will continue ment.UNC will promote Trinidad establishment of a National sugar industry, displaying a vital vibrant industry. its upgrade of community recre- and Tobago as a major venue for Commission for Culture, which aspect of our past and present fa c i l i t y will be of ational facilities throughout the world class boxing. will be made up of representa- life namely the sugar industry. The objective of this all-inclusive country.To encourage cricket, in tern at i o n a l tives of all sectors which have This will add to the attraction of programme is to develop a your UNC government will set up displayed creativity, inventive- the Artist’s Village. viable and self-sustaining cultur- dedicated cricket facilities, All indoor Volleyball facilities st a n d a r d - ness and original thought. al industry that contributes to strengthening clubs by assisting would also be outfitted with rel- the growth of our economy. in building turf pitches, practice evant equipment.UNC Minister another proj e c t This Commission will be given The aim would be to train a nets, dressing rooms, etc. of Sport will meet with the pride of place in the decision- cadre of teachers, performers, At the same time it will unleash Volleyball Association to set up to make T& T making process for national cul- creators of artistic works and the enormous creativity of our Beach Volleyball to cater for tural development.Included in practitioners, both for local con- people and make our nation a The UNC will continue to pro u d . youths living near beaches. its first mandate will be: - sumption and foreign markets. center-point of world culture. support the Cricket

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Norris Ferguson Manohar Ramsaran former national footballer, security consultant s p o r t s m a n , community worker, public serv a n t La Brea Ch a g u a n a s

“Y our UNC government built four new stadia to facilitate the development of sports and youth “The UNC introduced for the first time a Disability Assistance Grant to provide much needed in T& T . We refurbished dozens of basketball courts and other sporting facilities and built financial assistance to persons with permanent physical disabilities.We also removed customs community swimming pools throughout the country.” duty and VAT on health-care equipment needed by the physically challenged.”

introducing a new policy •Enhance the education system the manufacturing sector, with The Employment framework for governance. with a redefinition of literacy to e will take a Fair Sha r e special incentives for non-oil Community and •Promoting decentralization and include in addition to reading, W Bill to the first wor kin g export manufacturers and Training Rural Development strengthening local authorities writing and arithmetic it as session of the new Parl i a m e n t. •Increased diversification of the Program including Village Councils, CBOs well as computer literacy, The Fair Sha r e Bill will services sector, with emphasis on and NGOs. multi-lingual skills and upscale and niche tourism and In our first term the UNC ma n d a te that a designated •Greater accountability and entrepreneurial training. telecommunications supported A UNC government will reinstate Administration invested heavily in instilling anti-corruption policies sh a r e of all Govern m e n t industries the Employment and Training developing rural T&T.We paved and practice pu rc h a s e s ,capital proj e ct s •Expansion of education and Program (ETP) and disband the roads, built schools and gave previ- •Extending necessary support to training opportunities for young monolithic, visionless and highly ously neglected citizens access to all in c l u d e d ,will go to qualified disadvantaged communities, Youth and Crime people without skills and corrupt URP.The ETP will take a utilites.The UNC will optimise the small businesses. particularly in rural areas, through •Increased opportunities for holistic and developmental social,economic and cultural net- access to credit, skills training, It is a hallmark of the disgraceful training and skills development approach to tackling the needs of works that we have put in place in education and infrastructural manner in which the PNM has failed and life long learning for all the unemployed.While the program our drive to further reduce and upgrade programmes. our youth,that today many of our citizens. lends itself to light and heavy infra- eventually eliminate poverty in the young people constitute the Employment structural enhancement work,there following major areas: - Jobs for All Environment management biggest threat to law-abiding Creation is a priority on the development of The UNC will initiate support for: citizens. marketable skills via the delivery of Social, Financial and The UNC believes that permanent employment is the highest form of a range of innovative training mod- Economic Development A special job program will be fash- Full employment is the key national • NGOs managing and policing their empowerment. We have successful- ules.It is envisioned that the ETP own watersheds, water courses, ioned for young offenders returning objective of our job creation will mobilize the unemployed in •Continued promotion and ly adopted a strategy of investment drains including prevention of to civil society after periods of programme.The UNC has a proud training to obtain and upgrade rele- support of small and micro led growth to facilitate business illegal dumping and pollution. incarceration.The UNC believes that and unrivaled record on job cre- vant skills, including literacy and enterprises expansion and massive job creation. •Communities managing their own jobs and social rehabilitation must ation.In an expanding labour mar- •Facilitated access to markets for disposal of waste through be integrated.We will link the focus ket, we reduced unemployment their products nationally, regionally collective paid for incentives. on managing conflict and from 17.2% in 1995 to a remarkable and internationally Unemployment Rates 1995-2001 (CSO Data) •Community action groups that managing life. figure of 10.8 in 2001. •Increased access to credit and maintain their environment. savings schemes 25 •Initiatives that facilitate and In the new UNC term, we will target •Linked the informal credit encourage replanting of over 100,000 jobs. In so doing it is 20 schemes of communities to formal anticipated that unemployment will vegetation removed through fires 15 Unemployment Rate credit institutions to provide be reduced to less than 5%,the and poor land use, and the Youth and Health % Male Unemployed greater support stability. 10 creation and maintenance of parks acceptable benchmark for full Female Unemployed The UNC will swiftly tackle health and open space. employment. 5 Governance and health challenges specific to the •Programmes for engendering Capacity Building nation’s youth,in the areas of sexual 0 pride in the community through We will generate this through: and reproductive health,HIV/AIDS, 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 programmes, which promote •Building institutions and structures drugs, alcoholism and the related Years physical and mental health • Increased levels of foreign direct for meaningful grassroots and incidence of driving under the and safety. investment participation in decision making – influence of alcohol. • Expansion of export output from

22 23 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Princess Smart Subhas Panday community worker, social activist L L B , L E C Laventille West Princes Town “No administration in our history has dealt as effectively with issues of corruption and “In a bid to ease the burden on the poor, the UNC government removed VAT and import duty tr a n s p a r e n c y than the UNC. We passed legislation and strengthened the institutions to on thirteen basic food items. The UNC also introduced the forward looking Employment and co m b a t public misconduct, abuse of authority and ensure transparency in public office. Th e Training Programme (ETP) which assisted over 45,000 poverty stricken citizens in 2001 alone UNC passed and implemented the Freedom of Information Act (No. 26 of 1999), the Integrity in to obtain an income and at the same time acquire the skills to develop themselves to secure Public Life Act (No. 83 of 2000), the Constitution (Amendment) (Par l i a m e n t a r y Committee) Ac t (N o . 29 of 1999), the Judicial Review Act (No. 60 of 2000) and the Equal Opportunity Act (No. longer term permanent jobs.” 69 of 2000).” entry-level technical skills. ward linkages.The ETP will initi- ate this programme collabora- Wha t we will do: The goal of the ETP is to graduate Special tion with the SBDC and other rel- the employed out of a dependency evant agencies. syndrome by delivering training and Employment for • Crea te over 130,000 • Int r odu c e the skills for enhancing labour market The transformational objectives employability. Special focus will be Single Mothers ne w jobs Emp l oy m e n t given to training of single mothers of the new ETP are to provide In j u r y and Dis a b i l i t y for co-operative business ventures The UNC is sympathetic to the income support to the unem- • Re d u c e Youth Benefits Bill • Int r odu c e Fair and small scale, light export driven peculiar disadvantages facing ployed and the poverty-stricken activities. thousands of single mothers while providing relevant training Une m p l oy m e n t Sha r e Business Bill throughout Trinidad and Tobago, and skill enhancement for those by 50% • Int r odu c e Basic Consistent with our vision of particularly those persons in the persons to seek and obtain full • developing a knowledge-based lower income groups without time employment in the growing Conditions Int r odu c e the society that is technologically adequate education and skills.To economy. • Re - i nt r odu c e the of Wor k Bill National driven, we will ensure that workers alleviate the plight of this sector Occ u p a tional Skills Bill in the ETP participate in techno- of the population, we propose to literacy training programmes. Health and • Amend the Trade introduce a special employment e will wor k in program targeting single moth- pa r tnership with Safe t y Bill Union Act ers. Emphasis will be placed on W training enabling women to bu s i n e s s ,la b our and operate small scale trades within all elements of civil Wha t we the framework of developing soc i e t y to build a cottage industries. Such flexi- pro s pe r ous and pro- Strategies for Economic Development ha ve done: work will present income-earn- gre s s i v e soci e t y with ing possibilities while allowing our people living in Our Economic • Enh a n c e the education syste m for creative forward and back- with a redefinition of litera c y to pea c e and harmo n y Agenda include in addition to the Thre e • In c r ease the number of stu- and wor king pro- Rs .Com p u t er litera c y,mu l t i - l i n - de n ts who are in tert i a r y educa- • Crea ted over 80,000 new jobs du ct i v ely to secure The UNC agenda is to gual skills and entre p re n e u ri a l tion by 20% each year for the •The Minimum Wages Orde r make Trinidad and Tobago tra i n i n g . medium term . This is essential if • Int r odu c ed the first ever their future and the 19 9 9 Trinidad and Tobago is to Minimum Wage of $7 per hour fu t u r e of many gener- one of the three most • Ens u r e that the human bec ome a crea tor of know l e d g e . ations of Trin i d a d i a n s competitive nations in the res o u r ce of Trinidad and Tob a g o • Established Trip a rt i t e •The Matern i t y Prote c tion Act is among the most produ ct i v e in Con s u l t at i v e Mec h a n i s m s and Tobagonians to Americas 19 9 8 the wor ld by re- e d u c ating 25% com e . of the labour for ce each yea r .

24 25 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Carol Cuffy-Dowlat L L B , L E C Gavin Nicholas L L B , Dip (Legal Studies) San Fernando East Diego Martin East “The UNC administration introduced pioneering legislation to protect women. We passed the “T o deal with increased cross border criminal activity the UNC strengthened the Coast Guard Ma ternity Protection Act that guarantees female workers pay for maternity leave and protects and deployed anti-drug aircraft and ships to protect our coastline.The UNC signed the women from being fired when they become pregnant. We passed the Domestic Violence Act “S h i p r i d e r s ” agreement with the USA to further strengthen our capacity to fight the drug lords. to protect women, we established 19 Drop-In Centres for immediate assistance and We increased the administrative and support staff of the Judiciary and Magi s t r a c y.” in f o r m a tion to abused women.”

In a revolutionary Land Reform programme, the UNC mandate by 2000 this figure grew exponentially to • The tel e co m m u n i c ations envi ro n m e n t will be will provide land to the landless at $25,000 on low 25,000 customers. In November 1995,only 5,000 li be ra l i ze d ,the issue of bandwidth will be dealt interest, 30 year mortgages.The Shelter for All will not persons used cellular phones, today this figure has Public Services with and e-com m e r ce will be facilitated as a new just end with a roof, it will continue with the provision exploded to nearly 250,000. business sector . of community centers, health centers, training centers Transformation and increased opportunities for jobs and micro In the new UNC term of office, we will seek to establish • In d u s t r ial Pol i c y will focus on economic growt h , The UNC recognizes and the introduction of enterprises and small business development. a Research,Science and Technology policy for Trinidad pr odu ct i v i t y,qu a l i t y and the widening of the that growth,develop- e-government and Tobago. Such a policy will harmonize the ec onomic base by the devel o p m e n t of a dynamic ment, expansion and throughout the public development of the information and communications and self-sustaining non-oil sector .Prio ri t y sector s competitive capacity sector systems and the for growth will be light manufactu ri n g ,ag ri - b u s i - infrastructure with the social and economic are essential for wealth realignment and ne s s ,ma ri n e ,rec re at i o n a l ,e n tert a i n m e n t,in tern a - The UNC Aims to get development imperatives of the country. tional financial servi ce s ,ed u c ational servi ce s , creation,more oppor- restructuring of tunities and more jobs existing Ministries with health car e servi ce s ,in fo rm a tion tec h n o l o gy, Technology Right Developing the Industry of the Future tel e co m m u n i c ati o n s ,and tou ri s m . to be created in the appropriate staffing economy. and others resources. Community Internet Cafes, open 7 days a week, for The corollary to the development of an intelligent web access and computer literacy training, staffed by nation is the development of a service sector to Towards this end, the We have already whiz kids and catering to underprivileged youth as a provide jobs for your skilled nationals.To this end business sector must de-linked the teaching means of imparting marketable skills to and generat- the services industries to be developed are: be supported by a services from the Housing and Settlements ing new jobs for young people. vibrant and responsive public service and • Software Design Public Sector that significantly increased A Housing Imperative will address all sectors of the The concept of an Intelligent Nation and its nexus to •Web Hosting and design meets the needs of all the salary of teachers. population and all family units, from the employed to Information Technology is integral to the new •Telemarketing Centres citizens. the unemployed and single parent. Knowledge-based Economy by a UNC Government. • Help desk Facilities We have also de-linked • Dictaphone Translations The UNC Housing Programme of 10,000 new and Getting the IT Policy right and accelerating its Transformation of the the Military and Public Sector will members of the improved homes per year will be co-ordinated advancement will be a key priority for the new UNC The Government will promote these industries by continue to take place Defence Force have through the National Advisory Committee on government. Convergence in the Telecommunications providing tax incentives and concessions on equip- during the next term also received salary Housing. sector is a critical area that will herald a world of ser- ment, depending on the size of the project and the of UNC Government. increases. vice opportunities previously untapped, and will be amount of jobs created.The services sector will be The UNC will continue to make serviced housing plots the catalyst for the emergence of service related afforded meaningful tax incentives for new investment This will involve Public sector and housing available to the low and very low income industries. in knowledge-based industries. families through a “Shelter for all by 2020”programme. continuing training transformation is our and developing strate- way of ensuring effi- There can be no doubt that the UNC catalysed over he UNC govern m e n t has established the College of gies, a major shift from cient and effective The UNC will also address the housing requirement of this country’s rapid stride in information technology. Sc i e n c e,Tec h n o l o gy and Applied Arts of Trin i d a d the middle income by making lands available for We provided the visionary leadership to drive our new T personnel manage- government at every and Tobago so that this cou nt r y can not only meet the ment to human level in our drive to construction through private development. economy. CAR I C OM target for tert i a r y parti c i p a tion of 15% but resource management, propel Trinidad and su r pass it.Our student target for parti c i p a tion at the the installation of an Tobago to first world The UNC will continue it’s programme of providing When the UNC entered office in 1995,there were 100 tert i a r y level is 20% by year 2005. information backbone status. land for the landless, housing for low income families. Internet customers at TSTT.When you renewed our

26 27 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Dr . Adesh Nanan B S c . D i p . ( P h a r m ) , D D S Frank Ferreira Tab a q u i t e D i p . ( B u s i n e s s ) “The UNC administration placed security guards in 55 high-risk schools and implemented South “Schools Intervention Strate g i e s ” to address indiscipline and violence in schools. We “In the period of UNC governance, we imposed NO NEW TAX E S . The UNC increased personal implemented the school transportation system to provide 12,671 seats per day on 141 routes tax allowances from $12,000 to $25,000. This is equivalent to a $13,000 gift to the taxpayers.” for 50 schools.We expanded the school-feeding programme to provide meals (inclu d i n g breakfast) for over 80,000 students.”

Infrastructural Development: Internal Transport Airports

In order to promote a quality nation and provide the environment for • We will Construct a congestion-free interchange at Vision for the sustained economic development, Land use Plan for Piarco International Airport our agenda for infrastructural devel- the intersection of the Uriah Butler and Churchill- Environment: opment will involve: Roosevelt Highways, to ease the daily frustrations of The proposed use to which the 6000 hectares of land at Piarco International Airport will be put: - Every aspect of our lives from the • Ongoing provision of basic hundred of thousands of travellers between North, management of our homes to the requirements of water, sanitation, largest commercial operation has drainage and irrigation; South, East and West. •Terminal Expansion the potential for negative impact • Expansion of our internal trans- • Commercial/Industrial Long-term Cargo on our environment. portation system; • General Aviation • Modernization of our urban areas • The Solomon Hochoy Highway will be extended to A UNC government will take all and seaports • Fuel Farm Pt. Fortin. • Maintenance Facilities steps necessary to assure that • Hotels/Convention Centre development occurs with due regard for the conservation and e must • The UNC intends to preserve and assist the valuable • Duty Free Warehousing care of our environment. Wbecome an public transport operators, maxi-taxis and bus indus- A UNC Government will work in Intelligent Nation tries, while introducing a mass transit system to com- close collaboration with every sector of society to improve in the technolo- plement their efforts and to improve the capacity for Crown Point Airport environmental protection and to gies of the 21st serving the travelling public along the busy urban ensure that our physical Crown Point Airport will be upgraded and development is undertaken in an Century.This will corridors. refurbished to bring the services in line with the ecologically sound manner. Piarco International Airport. lead directly to A UNC Government will support the more than • The Jetty at the San Fernando Waterfront will be education of all citizens in the care, reconstructed with a view to establishing sea-links maintenance and where possible, 100,000 well the improvement of our environ- paying jobs in the between Trinidad and Venezuela. ment. next five years.

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Gillian Lucky L L B , L E C Harry Partap B S c . , j o u r n a l i s t Pointe a Pierre “T o combat crime, we placed 1,741 new police officers on the streets.We built 22 new police Na r i v a st at i o n s , added 241 new police vehicles and ordered the recently acquired hi-tech As t r a “W e in the UNC have an obsession with job creati o n . For us, em p l o yment is the best route Hybrid police cars. We introduced the novel community policing programme and strengthened the highway patr o l s . Under the UNC, we placed the drug dens under siege by conducting over out of poverty.We created over 80,000 new jobs between 1995-2001. In the process 10,000 raids resulting in over 7,000 arrests.We introduced legislation and seized the assets un e m p l o yment tumbled down from 17.5 % in 1995 to 10.8% in 2001, the lowest in two of convicted drug lords and turned the former estate of a notorious drug kingpin into a drug de c a d e s . We introduced the first ever-n a tional minimum wage of $7.00.” re h a b i l i t a tion center.”

Agriculture and Agri-Business Getting the Politics Rig h t is

The imperatives of the develop- SECTOR POLICY 2002 needed for Ach i e ving Good ment of the Agricultural Sector, This vision is supported by a t is in the must be viewed primarily in the policy framework,which aims Govern m e n t context of the building blocks of to achieve the following goals: Iinterest of the National Development. • Food and Nutrition Security in Getting the politics right is needed and Sweden clearly understands nation and the evitalisation of the “Our efforts in developing a Trinidad and Tobago as the for achieving good government. that the welfare state might not be This must be one of the mantras of able to avoid radical change much future of the agricultural sector by National Food and Nutrition basis for national development R Policy and Plan of Action are an • Capitalization and investment, the UNC Election Campaign. The longer." - Newsweek September 16 - children that on linking production to integral part of the developmen- leading to increased savings politics of the UNC must be based September 23,2002. markets provided by an tal thrust, providing a means of generated by the agricultural upon a philosophical underpinning the 7th of that we need to nurture a strong Bernd Marin, Vienna's European expanded school feeding remedying undesirable trends in sector. the food, nutrition and health • Development of Biotechnology society. A society in which individu- Centre for Social Welfare Policy, October, every programme, a pro-active situation,which may have arisen and information technology als, families and communities act in "Complete collapse of the system voter casts a NAMDEVCO, and a vigor- from inappropriate policies and underpinning agricultural a responsible manner. will occur between 2012 and 2015 - irrational consumer choices.” Development if nothing is done" - Newsweek ballot to end the ous and expanding • Development of agri-business, Yes, the state needs to be able to September 16 - September 23,2002. tourism industry. Considerable effort is put into food processing, livestock and offer to the less fortunate straight- deadlock of export oriented enterprises to fisheries sectors especially in forward, reliable help when times The next UNC government will provide employment and save the area of value added are bad.But our able bodied citizens build a stronger society.We will pro- close elections, •We will also venture resources to pay for imports, production for the local and should not become dependent on vide support for individuals and and to end the seriously and systemati- very little value is attached to export markets. the state when times are good. families when they need it. cally into organic agricul- encourage food security and • Increase in agriculture’s gridlock, the self-reliance, or in promoting contribution to GDP, foreign The PNM is recreating a welfare We will encourage people to take ture initiatives. preference for local foods, which exchange earnings and state; they are shirking the responsi- responsibility for themselves and tensions, and are culturally and nutritiously domestic savings. bility of creating a modern society. If their families. more beneficial. • Expansion of agricultural we are to develop a stronger society the instability of employment, wages, decrease we must encourage our citizens to We need to create a strong society close elections Food Security must be per- in agricultural risks. take responsibility for themselves built on respect for all people - ceived as the action plan for • Agricultural development and define a smaller more efficient whatever their race, colour, class, results. sustainable living.Public serving as a catalyst for rural government. religion,gender and age. For when a policy and planning civil development. state cannot keep order throughout society campaigns must now • Expansion of the non-tradition- Professor Peter Taylor-Goody of the its territory, for all practical purposes, address this issue urgently’. al agricultural export sector. University of Kent, "The well estab- it becomes a failed state. lished welfare states of Germany

30 31 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Dr . Roodal Moonilal Patricia Herry B S c , M A , P h D b u s i n e s s w o m a n , community worker Or o p o u c h e Laventille East/Morvant “The UNC has expanded and modernized the Tel e c o m m u n i c a tions Network. We facilitate d the exponential increase in the number of Internet and Cellular users. We passed the “Under the UNC the postal services were transformed. Tod a y , mail is delivered to the doorsteps Tel e c o m m u n i c a tions Act to ensure a genuinely competitive environment for the expansion of of 61% of the populati o n . Twenty-four hour delivery is guaranteed in Port of Spain, and within the telecom sector.We began construction of the Tec h n o l o g y Park at Wal l e r f i e l d , as the Silicon Valley of the Caribbean. We placed hundreds of computers at schools and established 48 hours to the rest of the country.” computer labs in 44 schools so that children can acquire the knowledge and skills needed for jobs in today’s world.”

Re m e m b er the Good Old Days befo r e LABOUR AND BUSINESS Dece m b er 24th,20 0 1 ? The UNC has six proud years of islation that protect workers Industrial Policy will focus on • • accomplishment in the area of rights.The UNC seeks to encour- economic growth, productivity, “Economic performance among the 6 straight years of strong Labour and Industrial Relations. age business people and quality and the widening of the strongest in the Caribbean and Latin economic growth We have given greater power to entrepreneurs in their efforts as economic base by the develop- America”– IMF 2001 Staff Report worker organizations while it seeks to protect workers.A ment of a dynamic and self- • 6 straight years of growing enhancing the environment for healthy relationship is essential sustaining non-oil sector. Priority • “Robust growth, more job creation, low foreign investment business expansion and job for our future growth. sectors for growth will be light inflation, balanced fiscal and external creation.While we promoted manufacturing, agribusiness, • industrial democracy by worker Indeed the UNC’s record on marine, recreational,entertain- trade accounts, as well as poverty 40% Drop in Unemployment Rate participation at the enterprise implementing protective legisla- ment, international financial reduction” we encouraged job creation by tion is unrivaled. Only the UNC services, educational services, --IMF 2001 Staff Report • 85,000 new permanent jobs facilitating massive investment could have introduced for the health care services, information and reducing taxes. first time in this country’s history technology, telecommunications, • The strongest and most vibrant • Inflation currently at 2.5% a Minimum Wage! and tourism. economy in CARICOM On the other hand it is the • general feeling that the The private sector has been For each of these sectors a 6 straight years with no new taxes business community has accepted as the engine of master plan will be developed • One of the most successful small suffered much over the last growth for the economy. that addresses all the issues that states in the world • 6 straight years of Increased nine months. Business has impact on competitiveness Personal Tax Allowances been down,profits have been In the future, the private sector including;legislation,incentives, • 6.4% Growth in 2000, higher than the down,only kidnappings have will be expected to play an even the development of clusters, U.S, Europe and Japan • Universal Free Secondary Education been on the upswing.This bigger role in economic develop- human resource development, devastating trend has to be ment by participating fully in the the use of modern technology, stopped. formulation and implementation infrastructure requirement, • US$2.4 Billion in Foreign reserves • 52 new primary, 35 new of economic policy and in international marketing, and secondary schools The UNC is guided by the philos- market access negotiations. the use of e-commerce. • One of the 5 countries of the ophy that individuals, employees developing world that have been most • Dollar for Dollar Education Plan and employers have both rights The private sector will also be successful in overcoming severe and responsibilities.The UNC expected to be more proactive in The UNC seeks your mandate to • government will continue to the social sector with respect to rebuild a positive business image poverty 6 straight years of increased and emphasize those responsibilities community and social develop- in our country. stronger social safety net programmes while promoting policy and leg- ment.

32 33 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Dr . Vincent Lasse Chandresh L.D. Sharma B A , M A , P h D ( I n t . L a w ) religious leader, community and social worker Fy z a b a d

“The UNC administration took the bold step of creating the first ever Ministry of the “The UNC government expanded the higher-level education infrastructure in T& T . We create d En v i r o n m e n t . We established the Environment Management Authority (EMA) and formulate d four major tertiary level educational institutions since 1995 – the National Training Ag e n cy ; a National Environment Pol i c y.The visionary leadership of the UNC facilitated the expansion The College of Science, Tec h n o l o g y and Applied Arts; the T&T Institute of Tec h n o l o g y and of the recyc ling industry.” the National Energy Skills Center.”

UNC Proj e c ts 2002 Tobago & Tou r is m

• $1000 Secondary School The UNC will right the PNM’s four Book Grant– kidnapped decades of wrongs. and bungled by the PNM No other Caribbean island is blessed with anywhere near the incompara- • Free primary school ble natural attributes of Trinidad books– undelivered and Tobago.Yet no other country, by the PNM anywhere, has done less than our twin-island state, to convert out- standing natural attributes to eco- • $1000 Old Age Pension– nomic benefits for its citizens. delivered Long ago, the PNM haughtily intoned that Trinidad and Tobago was not to become ‘a nation of • BWIA Boulevard– busboys and waiters’ by embracing kidnapped by the PNM tourism.

• From that moment, we’ve been Desalination Plant– missing the proverbial boat, and for delivered that matter, the tourism plane, as well. Not for us, the inflow of foreign • Uriah Butler/Churchill cash,the fillip to agriculture and craft and culture that tourism Roosevelt Interchange– delivers.So a generation not yet UNC organised $150M to The UNC in it’s new term in office will ensure born when that utterance was made build...undelivered swift and efficient delivery of these and has been robbed of untold benefits by the PNM because of the PNM’s rejection of other projects without the fiascos which tourism as a generator of jobs and fuel for the economy. • Free School Breakfases accompanied PNM’s attempt to hi-jack UNC (sic)– bungled by the PNM projects in our country in recent months. Other regional governments were less shortsighted.With a lot less

34 35 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Anthony Nero S o c i a l W o r k e r Hamza Rafeeq M B B S St. Ann’s East Caroni Central “The UNC improved the terms and condition of employment for several categories of “The UNC government acquired drugs to combat the AIDS virus. Such medication was public officers. We regularized and gave protection to thousands of special reserve police provided to patients at 10% of the cost.We purchased over $60 million in new equipment (SRP) officers.The UNC provided a $10,000 interest free loan to public officers to for the hospitals and health centers.” enable them to purchase a computer.”

than we have going for us, their the owners of BWIA. The unique and ring PNM wrongs to Tobago and citizens have benefited handsomely invaluable benefit of ownership and tourism,the UNC will,if elected: AN “INTELLIGENT NATI O N ” from tourism. control of an international air carrier yielded no particular benefit to Immediately commission a Task Barbados,The Bahamas and Tobago’s tourism over the years. Force of international tourism ur objective over the gent nation”, and a highly tre connected to the internet Bermuda are prime examples of Indeed, there is now the huge marketing developers to define next five years is to move developed country. within two years. how natural assets can be convert- anomaly of internal airlift between and package Trinidad and OTrinidad and Tobago Achieving such an objective will ed to economic assets, to the Tobago and Trinidad being a cabo- Tobago’s cornucopia of tourism from a medium human develop- allow more of our highly skilled In Trinidad & Tobago over the last enduring benefit of all. tage granted to a foreign carrier. products and to fine-tune a ment country to a high human human resources to remain at 6 years, the UNC government branding strategy for tourism. Tragically, the PNM,in four decades Notwithstanding the unending development country; to have home; Trinidad and Tobago will had brought T&T to the brink of of government, never had a viable outpouring of election goodies by Within 90 days, Trinidad and this country climb systemati- be able to retain,encourage and Developed Nation Status in the tourism policy.This has denied the Manning administration, com- Tobago Tourism Inc, a cally from being a middle attract quality investments world.Sadly over the last eight Tobago and Tobagonians the munications between our twin private/public sector income country to being a high that will generate attractive months this dominant position economic opportunities that the islands have had no value added by entity to drive the marketing of income country.Within the next high-paying jobs. has been eroded.Therefore when citizens of smaller, less appealing the current incarnation of the our tourism brands, will be five years we must intensify the the UNC government returns to destinations now enjoy. Manning government. established.TTTourism Inc. will process of establishing ourselves To achieve these objectives, we power, they will push to re-estab- Such dereliction in an election year market a full portfolio of tourism in the mind of all as a country, will open up of the lish T&T’s position among the One of the major anomalies in would not have taken place had the brands, thus optimizing the global destination management is PNM not been holders of the two marketing potential of Trinidad which,though small, is an “intelli- Telecommunications sector; and nations whose education stan- that tourism development for our Tobago seats in the House of and Tobago’s diverse tourism mix. we will negotiate the reduction dards are the highest in the two islands was never a concern of Representatives.To right the recur- By the end of the of telephone rates and the cost world. of other telecommunications de ca d e , with momen- based services. The UNC government will ensure tum generated by a In our thrust to transform that the human resource of UNC govern m e n t Trinidad and Tobago into an Trinidad and Tobago is among “intelligent nation”,we will ensure the most productive in the works over the next five the highest levels of comput- by re-educating the labour force. yea r s ,Trinidad and er literacy in our primary and The UNC encouraged programs Tobago can beco m e secondary schools. such as TTIT and the National the most highly Training Agency to educate and We will expand internet connec- re-train youth.The positive effect de s i r able cou nt r y in tivity in this country from the of these programs are already which to live and current 60,000 to 300,000 by clearly evident.In addition, to wor k in the enti r e 2005. We will have every primary attract knowledge based indus- Wes te r n Hem i s p h e r e. and secondary school and every tries, the UNC recognized that it community based learning cen- was important to have high qual-

36 37 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS

Elizabeth Awa i Richard Thomas S o c i a l W o r k e r , E n t e r t a i n e r B S c Port of Spain/St. Anns West Arouca North

“The UNC introduced the “Wo m e n ’ s Second Chances” program to provide training and skill “The UNC refurbished 53 community centers throughout T& T .We established homework cen- enhancement for single women. We also passed laws such as the Co-habitational Relati o n s ters where children receive free tuition after school hours. Through the UNC’s “Adopt a Act to redress historical injustices whereby women were deprived of any claims to property Co m m u n i t y ”P r o g r a m m e ,p r i v a te sector companies are today assisting over twenty and assets acquired by partners in common law unions.” communities across T& T. ”

ity humans to create a quality to average at least 4.5 implemented. be address by enhancing nation.Such programs shall be Goals and months of prospective social safety measures. continued with urgency. Objectives imports. • The regime will be We shall encour- •PSIP to focus on strength- repositioned to shift it • Legislation will be intro- The UNC will develop programs for the ening and expanding the focus away from SME duced to govern ESOPs and specific to our youth entrepre- age the youth to Economy services available to enterprises only and in Collective Investment neurs to provide mentoring and citizens. particular to facilitate Vehicles business counseling for those grow as responsi- •Current account balance investments in new with the risk taking potential and ble political In keeping with the strate- to remain strong in surplus knowledge based • A revenue Stabilization relevant human capital to learn gic goals of the UNC, the in the medium term industries. Fund will be established on more about the real global citizens.We shall UNC proposes the following: •Capital account to remain a permanent basis business environment.The UNC host a youth positive due to new FDI • Maintaining of macroeco- will call upon our seasoned and •A rate of growth of and increased capital nomic stability through fis- • A regulatory body for the globally competitive business parliament and approximately 5 % per year market activity. cal and budgetary disci- supervision of the entire leaders to “adopt”youth busi- •Managing inflation to •Balance of payment to pline. financial sector will be intro- nesspersons for such an appren- allow youth to under 5 % per year remain strong inn the duced and T & T will adhere ticeship program. evaluate and •Reducing unemployment medium term • Strengthening of supervi- to the most demanding to under 9% •Reduction of external debt sion and regulation of the standards of financial pru- In the twenty first century, it is formulate youth by restructuring, growing domestic financial dence. estimated that knowledge will policy. The UNC will once again refinancing and prudent sector and expanding become obsolete at the rate of institute and manage the debt management. capital market. In particular • The Credit Union 20% per year.To keep up our At the same time economy with the imple- an early warning system for Movement will be strength- human resource skills current mentation of Strong Other Actions for the prediction of financial ened. therefore, all people must be reg- we shall assist and Economic Programs: strengthening the failure will be introduced. ularly re-educated . guide the youth... economy The UNC encourages each •Effective Monetary and Institutional reform and person to become a good We shall train and financial policy • Further enhancement of regulatory strengthening manager of their own The UNC is committed to provid- harness their •Efficient allocation of national savings and home.We shall manage ing retraining, skills development public resources investments by the • Reform of pension and our country effectively and human development pro- energies in every •Export-led growth in the introduction of social security system. The and we shall manage our grammes for all workers so that non-oil sector with a appropriate incentives. issue of the portability of homes. they will be able to work and walk of life. projected contribution to pensions will be decisively enjoy a better quality of life in an GDP averaging 75% per • The report of the Venture resolved. In addition the May our homes and our ever changing economy. annum. Capital Task Force will be plight of single parent will country be blessed. • Foreign exchange reserves

38 39 THE UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR A STRONG T&T

Nizam Baksh D i p . ( Y o u t h W o r k ) , religious leader Na p a r i m a

“The UNC administration pioneered the revolution in enhancing pensions.We increased old age pensions by over 100% from a paltry $ 356.15 in 1995.We provided free bus passes and removed the $ 100 departure tax for our elderly.We initiated a Hardship Relief program for pensioners to cut water rates by almost 25%.”

Trinidad and Tobago is known as a blessed nation. Islands where we look forward to the next long weekend. The Land where Carnival was perfected, and the “Fete” was invented. We make cook, we pray and we celebrate. This is how we know to live, happy and carefree!

In the past 8 months we are faced with the unpleasant fact that our safety and security has been threatened. We are no longer safe to drive on the streets, take our children to the beaches. The elders of our society have said that “he who starts something can stop a thing, and he who stops that thing can start it again”.

Over the past 6 years of governance by the Panday-led UNC Administration, we have experienced a surge in infrastructural development, a strengthening and an empowerment of our all citizens of our society.

At forty we need to evaluate. Sometimes we have to cast aside old habits. The UNC government has shown their fellow citizens, how a country can be run, and how a bright shining future can be made.

When coffee was king, T&T had it, when sugar was king,T&T also had it when oil was king in the 1970’s ,it made PNM look good, but where did it take us? Without any king, the UNC government was able to grow the economy and improve the quality of life for all. The UNC will take us there!

The UNC party can pick up the mantle of government again, and lead our fellow citizens into a new Trinidad and Tobago, where each citizen will have an equal opportunity to succeed in life dependant upon their efforts. The UNC can do this because the UNC delivers growth, not apparent race problems. The UNC knows how to get people of all races to come together and together we shall succeed.

Come out and join us at the voting booth, Vote UNC For your future, For your children’s sake and for your own.

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