By Alicia Chamely
OPPOSITION Senator Faris Al-Rawi is being asked to rest his mouth and take responsibility for the messes he has made.
Speaking with AZP News on Tuesday, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen responded to Al-Rawi’s statements at an Opposition press conference on Monday.
Al-Rawi said he had been made aware of contractual non-renewals and employment assessments taking place by the government that may result in the termination of 1,000s of government workers.
Ameen said she believed Al-Rawi was trying to cause “mass hysteria” because himself and the Opposition had nothing to criticize the new government about.
Saying the People’s National Movement (PNM) was now “imaging things” in efforts to downplay the plans of the government, she added, “The people voted out PNM, so Faris just take a rest, rest your mouth a little bit.”
@azpnews.com Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen tells Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi to “take a rest.” She says jobs will be secured under the government. Video: Sue-Ann Wayow @khadijahameenbusiness @uncandproud @uncofficialtiktok @uncnationalyoutharm @the_unc_movement #employment #jobloss #statement #government #localgovernment
Ameen accused the former government and Al-Rawi of signing contracts and employing persons, knowing there was no money to them for the remainder of the financial year.
Furthermore, regarding comments made by both Al-Rawi and Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles relating to the political victimisation of government workers, she said, “There are people who are employed to do political work in several ministries who have not reported to work a day since they started their contracts.”
Ameen said, “Therefore, I say to you if as a government or a government minister you acted improperly in employing persons, you are the one who has jeopardised the security of their jobs. So don’t try to blame this government.”
She sternly added, “Where you have created puddles and messes for political gain, you have to take responsibility for that.”
Ameen reiterated the Prime Minister’s intention to create 50,000 jobs.
@azpnews.com Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen answers a last question from AZP News regarding the filing of financial corporation audits. Video: Sue-Ann Wayow @khadijahameenbusiness @uncandproud @uncofficialtiktok @uncnationalyoutharm @the_unc_movement #audits #financialcorporation #regionalcorporation #finance #funds
She said currently several ministries were looking into initiatives to support micro entrepreneurship.
Ameen said that through the fostering of micro entrepreneurship the country will see new forms of revenue and employment.
