I hear you. With that assurance, Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Dr Keith Rowley said yesterday he’s been listening to what people are saying in T&T and has vowed to be a prime minister “for all the people.”
Speaking at a PNM function at UWI marking the 34th anniversary of the death of PNM founder Dr Eric Williams, under the theme “One Trinidad and Tobago,” Rowley said, “I’ve been in politics for over 30 years and I know not everyone would agree with me or vote for me. But as your prime minister, like I did as Leader of the Opposition and Minister, I promise that I would act with the necessary caution, care and decisiveness to serve you all, always true to that oath of office- I would be a Prime Minister for all the people.”
After the function Rowley, however, charged past reporters, ducking questions and refused a second time - via PNM general elections candidate Maxie Cuffie - to take questions. The media was also unable to speak with his wife Sharon - who was present - on her views on recent issues raised by Tobago Mp Vernella Allyene-Toppin concerning Rowley.
Rowley’s speech, laced with criticism of the People’s Partnership (PP) Government, seemed geared to inspire changed perception about his image which has taken hits in recent weeks following his Carnival “wine” with a much younger Ravina Rampersad in San fernando and various remarks, including the controversial “dog and kyat” comment during a political meeting in Brazil.
Yesterday, he opened his speech by addressing his wife as “my darling wife Sharon.” Rowley said, “Whether we are PNM, COP, UNC, ILP, MSJ or undecided, we are always and will always be one T&T. I’ve walked the suburbs of St. Clair, San Fernando and Westmoorings, I saw one T&T. “From Laventille to Princes Town... in my walks, meetings and consultations, there are two constants in every conversation: a desire for change and the aspiration that we can be better than we are being now.”
He said the PNM has to reform government and transform how it serves the people, “...where the current Government has led us is in the wrong direction. It’s burdened with rampant corruption, arrogance and the public's distrust of government is unprecedented and very worrisome.
“There has been a scornful disconnect between the people and the Government. The people have become increasingly alienated by the indecency, the arrogance, the unbridled greed and the corruption of the Offices of state and they are numbed by the Prime Minister’s tolerance and her protection of those who fail us so miserably. “In order to bring about real change, we must put the people first. Citizens must be at the center of the process of governing. We must choose leaders who choose the people over themselves.
“Leaders with vision, character and integrity. Leaders that have the will to do what is right, that will protect, serve and be true to the wider public interest and not serve themselves.” Rowley said in office, “we must serve each and every citizen, treating each one fairly, no matter their location or party affiliation.” “In so far as our party tie caused some to challenge our commitment to this ideal, I’ve calmed their fears without surrendering our symbol. I’ve taken off my tie ... We’re the people’s champion, their advocates.
“It is why the People’s National Movement (PNM) matters. Putting the ‘people’ first is our name, it’s our legacy, not a slogan or motto, it’s in our name.” Rowley added, “It doesn’t matter where you live, what you do or if your family is rich or poor, there’s an inexorable connection between all Trinidadians and Tobagonians ... despite our differences, we all share great hope and love of our country.
“The colour of our skin should not form the limits of our opportunity in life. What God we pray to should not prevent us from showing love and kindness to one another. We must stand up and repair the ethical and moral character of our great nation. “Our rich history is a testament to the heights we can reach and the obstacles we can overcome – if we only work together, side by side. We are all in this together...
“I believe we can seize the future together - because we aren’t as divided as some would suggest; we, acting as a people, are greater than our individual ambitions or our personal or ethnic agendas. We can come together ... “We’re one family. We must lift each other or fall together, as one nation.”
Leaders must have character
Rowley said T&T must choose leaders “of strong character, fairness and integrity who choose to put the people first, “who see each of us as equals as our faith teaches us, leaders that listen, take action and hold themselves responsible for the outcome of those actions —leaders who understand our aspirations and who hear our cries when we’re suffering.” “As we prepare to exercise our fundamental right, to choose and shape our next government through our nation’s vote, I want you to know: I am listening and I hear you,” Rowley said.
“What I hear you saying is that you want unity. I hear you rejecting racism, nepotism and hate. I hear you saying you want a clean campaign, robustly fought without bitterness, rancour or indecency, with respect for all and a willingness to accept the final outcome of a fair process. “What I hear you saying is that you want accountability from your government. You want transparency in all our actions ... safety, security and prosperity and you want to trust your government to serve you and not rob you.. I hear you.
“You want real and sustainable economic opportunity, without discrimination because of class, race, religion or geography. I hear you. ...You want one T&T.” He added, “If you allow the PNM to lead this next government and give me the opportunity to serve as your next prime minister, I’ll lead this great nation by fighting for our shared values and I'll uphold your sacred trust ...But this cannot happen unless we root out the corruption that has plagued our government for far too long.”
Strong institutions
“Under my watch, it will not be business as usual,” says Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.
“We will strengthen the institutions on which democracy depends and significantly improve our systems of accountability... a Government which has had to replace dozens of its members in its first term due to incompetence or corruption is not a government working for you. It's a Government working for itself... It’s outrageous we’ve had to endure this brutal kleptocracy with its expert kleptocrats heading billion dollar ministries and state corporations accumulating personal wealth as though it’s a perk of the office.”