THE Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is right to emphasise the urgent challenges the new government must confront.
From spiralling crime and economic stagnation to the long-overdue reform of public institutions, the road ahead will demand quick and decisive action.
Fortunately, the new administration under Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar is not only aware of these issues is also ready to meet them head-on.
Persad-Bissessar brings with her experience, a competent team, and a renewed mandate from the people. Her administration will prioritise the most pressing national needs, including crime reduction, diversification of the economy, improvements in the ease of doing business, and the full operationalization of the Energy sector. These are essential steps in putting Trinidad and Tobago back on sound financial footing and restoring public trust in governance.
However, while the incoming government is prepared to hit the ground running, it is equally important for citizens, stakeholders, and institutions like the T&T Chamber to manage expectations.
The challenges the country faces are not new, they are the result of years of neglect, mismanagement, and political inaction. Reversing this course will require time, patience, and collective effort.
It is unfair and unrealistic to expect the new administration to undo a decade of damage in a matter of weeks. Instead, let us assess our new administration success by the strategic choices they make in these early days, the transparency with which they govern, and their ability to bring about meaningful collaboration with the business community and civil society.
The T&T Chamber says there is “no honeymoon period”, and that is understandable, but there must be room for measured progress and steady reform. The new government deserves the opportunity to work without undue pressure or political cynicism. With strong leadership, a clear vision, and national unity, Trinidad and Tobago can move toward a more stable, secure, and prosperous future.
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive and has been elected to be the next MP for Chaguanas West. He is also an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, a BSc in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited
