Caption: UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissesar with former PNM minister Kennedy Swaratsingh, second left, and UNC chairman Dave Tancoo, left, host Dominic Smith and former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine, right. AZP News/Prior Beharry
FORMER minister in a People’s National Movement (PNM) governemnt Kennedy Swaratsingh on Thursday appeared on the United National Congress’ (UNC) platform, endorsing Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to be the next Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking at the economic consultation at La Joya Complex Auditorium, Swaratsingh said his participation was as a “concerned T&T citizen,” stating, “I’m here as a T&T citizen not just to give her my endorsement but to also give her my ideas.”
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Persad-Bissessar warmly welcomed Swaratsingh, praising his contributions, “The man bright … brighter than a light bulb. He shared a lot of ideas and I thank him for making that special trip back to T&T (from Barbados).”
Swaratsingh, who served as minister of public administration during the Patrick Manning administration, expressed his concerns about the current state of the nation. He highlighted the need for change, asserting, “There comes a time when we have to say ‘enough is enough’ – move aside and give some serious people the opportunity to do what they have to do.”
Discussing T&T’s economic challenges, Swaratsingh said, “We’ve lost our preeminent place as the financial powerhouse of the Caribbean.” He emphasized the importance of providing hope and confidence to the people, identifying Persad-Bissessar as the political leader capable of doing so.
He also reflected on the underutilisation of financial opportunities, such as the UNC/PP government’s investment in CAF, which could have provided substantial support funding. “I’m not here to bad talk anybody but give facts,” he said.
Swaratsingh proposed several initiatives, including sustainable community development and reducing bureaucracy to attract investment. He criticised the government’s reliance on deals like the Dragon gas agreement with Venezuela and highlighted untapped assets like Petrotrin.
Persad-Bissessar, in her address, outlined UNC’s manifesto promises, including no property tax, lower corporation taxes, and making Spanish a compulsory second language in schools to boost business operations in South America. She also promised to enhance CARICOM agreements and streamline business processes.
UNC’s Aranguez/St Joseph candidate Devesh Maharaj invited Swaratsingh to join him in a walk through St Joseph.
