By Prior Beharry

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar warned party and government officials to prepare for a heavier workload in 2026.

The United National Congress (UNC) hosted its annual Christmas fundraiser on Saturday night, its first since returning to government at the Dennis Ramdhan Complex in Couva.

Persad-Bissessar addressed government officials and UNC supporters dressed in ballgowns and black-tie attire. She thanked backers who remained with the party during its decade in opposition and noted that her administration has been in office for just over seven months.

She acknowledged that bureaucracy has slowed delivery on some campaign promises, but urged supporters to be patient as the Government moves to accelerate its agenda.

“Some things take a little longer. Sometimes, the systems and the bureaucracy, whilst we want to do everything yesterday and tomorrow, it’s not that easy. But I will never, and we will never give up. Please keep the faith,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar said the government has already advanced legislation and policies aimed at fighting crime, strengthening public safety, expanding the social protection net, and rebuilding confidence in state institutions. She added that her administration is working to repair weakened public service systems, restore discipline, and rebuild trust through “care, direction, and measurement,” but stressed that more remains to be done.

“For the UNC, the year ahead will be very decisive and a lot of work to be done, guys. So, brace your backs! To my MPs, senators, and members of the cabinet, brace your backs. We have a lot of work to do in the new year,” she said.