Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
The Peoples National Movement in July 2010 is the Opposition
Party in the National Parliament, the electorate having given the
amalgam that now forms the Government a two-thirds majority
at the May 24th 2010 General Elections. Left unfettered, a
government with such a majority can effect far - reaching changes
to our Constitution and compromise our freedoms.
A Government with a two-thirds majority can:
• Erode our Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
• Change the system of Representation
• Remove the Protection of Pension Rights
• Alter the Powers of the Auditor General
• Abolish the Position of Leader of the Opposition
To us in the PNM this is the most critical issue in this Local
Government election. On July 26 you the voter must protect
your democracy!
You must use your ballot to ensure a vibrant two party system
in Trinidad and Tobago.
Your vote at this local election must provide a check against
excesses at the national level. You provide this balance by
voting resoundingly for the PNM.
PROTECT YOUR DEMOCRACY.…
ENSURE A VIBRANT TWO PARTY SYSTEM
VOTE PNM
Do not throw caution to the wind
pg2
The PNM - Under New Leadership
The PNM is now under new leadership. Revitalization, rebuilding
and modernization are today our main priorities. Our newly
elected Political Leader, the people of Trinidad and Tobago
know the Honourable Dr. Keith Rowley for his integrity,
conviction and commitment. His political career dates back to
the General Elections of 1981 when he carried the PNM flag in
Tobago West – losing by a mere 300 votes at a time when
Robinson mania was at its highest. In 1986 he was one of the
six standard bearers in the Senate for the PNM after the devastating
33 – 3 victory of the NAR. Appointed a Deputy Political Leader
in 1987, Dr. Rowley played a key role in the ‘fight back’ that
saw the PNM back in Government in 1991. In Government
Dr. Rowley has distinguished himself as a competent Minister
and fearless defender of the country’s interest.
Under his leadership, the PNM commits that its Councils will
be mandated to engage its communities in Political Education
to:
• Ensure vigilance against constitutional encroachments by the
Government;
• Build the nationalist feeling and move our people to nationhood;
• Engender a high level of participation in community activities;
• Hold officials to a high degree of morality in public affairs
Dr. Keith Rowley…a credible leader
Committed to:
Political Education
Nationhood
Morality in Public Affairs
Dr. Keith Rowley
pg3
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: THE PNM VISION
The PNM recognizes that despite many attempts at improvement
over the years, citizens are simply not getting the level and
quality of service that they deserve from Local Government
Corporations. We are determined to CHANGE this radically
and fundamentally under our new dispensation with the clear
understanding that all citizens should have a direct say in the
management of their own affairs and to participate actively in
the governance of Trinidad and Tobago.
Our vision for effective governance at the local level remains
“the creation of a matrix of self confident, suitably resourced,
goal directed community organisations working in partnership
with the local government bodies to improve the quality of life
in their communities”.
We continue to believe that this vision is best achieved through:
• Community Participation;
• Autonomy and Responsibility;
• Equity in the allocation of resources;
• An understanding and appreciation of individual rights and
responsibilities.
Municipal corporations must thus be equipped to service their
communities to achieve these ends. It is with this understanding
that the PNM in Government embarked on the democratic process
of consulting with the people when it was in Government with
a view to effecting reform in the Local Government system.
Our Vision for Local Government is underpinned by the following
main principles:
• decentralized model of local government which gives a
substantial level of self-management to localities/communities;
• the meaningful participation of civil society in the processes
of local government;
• representative democracy to ensure that the interests of all
citizens are considered in the building of our communities;
• local government as a main vehicle to ensure continuous
citizen and community participation in the daily governance
of the country;
• the need for local government bodies to run in a transparent
and efficient manner to deliver the goods and services to the
people of Trinidad and Tobago in an equitable manner.
OUR RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT
PORT OF SPAIN CITY COUNCIL
1. Infrastructure Improvements
Completed a number of projects with the emphasis on
improvement to sidewalks, slipper drains, retaining walls and
assistance to schools in terms of repairing their compounds.
Commenced construction of “A Home for Senior Citizens” in
the Laventille area with completion due in the very near future.
2. Environmental Initiatives
Introduced contractors to assist in the collection of and disposal
of domestic and commercial garbage, particularly in areas of
East Port of Spain. This resulted in a general improvement.
Developed the “Public Private Partnership” which is responsible
for the installation of a new type of re-cycling receptacle
throughout the City proper and these are at no cost to the Council.
The “Public Private Partnership” thrust, has been successful also
in partnering with a major corporate citizen in the development
of housing and commercial facilities in one of the very strategic
areas of the city.
Implemented the “Litter Cart” Programme which has greatly
assisted in improving the system of litter removal.
3. Social Outreach
Purchase and distribution of one thousand 400-gallon water
tanks to burgesses. This assisted greatly during the severe dry
season that was experienced.
The Council was able to interact socially particularly with the
schools and other groups through: -
(a) City Day School Quiz for Primary Schools in Port of Spain
and environs. These activities received full sponsorship and
recognition from our corporate citizens in the form of financial
support, which greatly assisted the schools in their
development.
(b) The Mayor’s General Fund, which assisted several NGO’s,
Individuals, community Groups and Schools financially to
enable them to implement their programmes.
(c) Its Ambulance Service which has been working very closely
with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social
Services in the removal from the streets of the City the less
fortunate amongst us. This is a programme that the Council
will continue to support.
Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
pg4
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
• Assesed as the best performing municipality in the MORI
polls
• Extensive infrastructural development was undertaken
throughout the City in collaboration with Community
Improvement Services Limited
• General maintenance of all playparks and major upgrade of
tweleve (12) of the City's playparks
• Co-ordination of installation of over 1,000 streetlights
throughout the city
• Installation of CCTV cameras in the major thoroughfares of
the city as well as the Corporation's major institutions
• Demolition of several dilapidated buildings and clearing of
cites which were deemed public health nuisances and posed
a threat to human life and safety
• Establishment of a designated area for food vendors at Cross
Crossing
• Commenced the constuction of a three-storey buliding known
at 'The Carib Street Complex', to provide adequate office
accommodation for employees and members of the public
alike
• Upgrade of the City Hall Auditorium, a showpiece of the
Corporation and highly sought after venue for the hosting of
weddings, conferences etc...
• Successful hosting of the National Panorama Finals in 2007
& 2008
• Expansion of Court Shamrock, a shelter which was established
and developed by the Corporation for the socially displaced,
to include accommodation for female occupants
• Initiated the 'Beautification of the City' project to improve
the aesthetics of the City
• Members of our Municipal Police Service were exposed to
training and development initiatives in Forensic Awareness,
Crime Scene Management, Motor Cycle Training, Digital
Photography and Crime Scene Investigation
• Turned the sod to mark the construction of a modern, state
of the art Marabella Market
TUNAPUNA/PIARCO REGIONAL CORPORATION
• Improvement in the Market facilities to meet the demands
for additional vending spaces, sanitization of the Market,
improving storage facilities, lighting and amenities. Vendors
were also trained in Customer Service.
• Upgrade of the Transport Division for better service delivery
• Development of and Repairs to recreation grounds, including
the installation of 64 pieces of Exercise Equipment to 14
parks and 99 pieces of Park Equipment to 15 parks.
• Completed various projects in collaboration with the Rural
Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago and with
the Community Improvement Services Limited.
• Undertook community projects assisting 150 underprivileged
children of the region with School Books, bags, Uniforms,
Shoes and stationary items on a yearly basis and holding
Annual Christmas hampers distribution to over 100 needy
families.
• Litter Warden Programme Launched in 2006 and provides
employment for over thirty (30) persons. They are responsible
for issuing litter removal orders, clean up orders and
distribution of education material.
• The ‘Push Cart’ Service was launched on the 27th August
2007 in the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation. This
service provided employment for Ninety (90) persons. The
main purpose of this service is to keep the busy areas in the
region clean during the business hours and to maintain good
sanitary conditions and a clean environment for the burgesses.
• Region’s Physical Infrastructure involves the naming and
renaming of streets, parks and recreation ground, installation
of street signs and signs of other public places, building and
repairing of roads and bridges, development of programmme
to alleviate flooding and building and Maintenance of
recreational facilities.
ARIMA BOROUGH COUNCIL
Guided by Vision 2020 the Arima Borough Council worked
closely with the Corporation’s administration and community
groups to fashion a Vision and a Mission, reflective of the wishes
and aspirations of our burgesses.
The result is a Vision which states:
“The Arima City Corporation aims to be the most efficient proactive
and people-oriented City Corporation in Trinidad and
Tobago”
and a Mission which states:
“To forge partnerships with all stakeholders in creating a
unique modern city that delivers efficient premium services
whilst preserving its distinct cultural heritage.”
To satisfy the interests of the community, the Council through
the Corporation pursued and met the following objectives:
Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
pg5
Development and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of
the Town, Sporting and Recreational Facilities;
Cultural Activities through partnering with major cultural bodies
such as TUCO, Pan Trinbago, NCBA to promote Arima Fest,
Carnival activities,
The Feast of Santa Rosa in collaboration with the Santa Rosa
Catholic community and indigenous Carib Community;
Improved cultural offerings, through greater collaboration, in
the celebration of Emancipation, Independence Day, Divali and
Christmas.
Training and Development of staff in the areas of supervisory
training of both monthly and Daily paid supervisors; Project
management; Occupational Health and Safety; Human Resource
Management, Defensive Driving, etc.
THE WAY FORWARD
Local government reform holds much promise for the streamlining
of a number of administrative issues. However, there are a few
key infrastructural undertakings which will go a long way in
enhancing the experience of the staff and burgesses of this Royal
Chartered Borough.
These are:
An Administrative Complex/Town Hall
New Public Market and vendors Mall
Indoor gymnasium
Cricket Pavilion-Larry Gomes Enclosure
Refurbishment of the Arima Municipal Stadium
SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION
(a) Under the Roads Programme Road Paving was done in the
following districts.
• Siparia District
• Erin District
• Oropouche
• La Brea
• Cedros
(b) Under the Drainage & Irrigations Programme Box Drains,
Kerb/Slipper Drains, Box Culverts and Retaining Walls have
been constructed in the following Districts.
• Siparia District
• Erin District
• Oropouche
• La Brea
• Cedros
(c) Under the Transport and Equipments Programme the following
pieces of equipment were purchased to facilitate works to be
done and to ensure the timely delivery of goods and services to
the Burgesses:
• Two (2) Tractors
• One (1) Roller
• Three (3) 4x4 Hilux Vans
• Two (2) Dump Trucks
• Three 4 Ton Trucks
(d) Under the Markets and Abattoirs Programme the Palo Seco
and the Fyzabad Market Place was repaired.
(e) Under the Programme of Recreation Grounds the Irwin Park
was constructed in the Siparia District.
THE WAY FORWARD
Amongst the forecasted projects for the region are the following:-
1. The Siparia Market (design approved)
2. Siparia High Street Promenade
3. Continued lighting of all Playgrounds and Public conveniences
4. Prototype, Beach facility at the following venues.
a. Los Iros Beach
b. Karat Shed Bay
c. Cedros Beach
d. Erin Beach
Under the Social Programme in acknowledgement of the
demography of the region and respect for the culture of the
people. The allocation for the La Divina Pastora Festival was
raised from $25,000.00 in 2004 to the sum of $70,000.00 in
2010.
Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
pg6
DIEGO MARTIN REGIONAL CORPORATION
RECREATION FACILITIES
During the period under review, the Diego Martin Regional
Corporation successfully completed work in the following
facilities:
Rocfas Park, Diamond Vale
New lighting and bleachers installed
Agate Park, Diamond Vale
Installation of lighting, bleachers, jogging track, change room
facilities and construction of a play area for children which
includes swings, slides and other facilities
Carenage Recreation Ground
Installation of lighting, bleachers, construction of changing room
and conference facilities and fencing of the ground
River Estate Multipurpose Facility
Installation of flood lighting, fencing, toilet facilities, changing
room and resurfacing of the play area.
Four Roads Recreation Ground
Installation of floodlights and bleachers.
FARMERS MARKET
Through an initiative of the Diego Martin Regional Corporation
and NAMDEVCO, a farmer’s market was established in the
Region of Diego Martin at the Corner of Diego Martin Main
Road and St Lucien Road (known as the taxi hub). This venture
has turned out to be a tremendous success, as thousands of
burgesses now have the opportunity to purchase market produce
at lower prices. Initially, it was proposed to be held every
Saturday, however, based on public demand, persons can now
purchase their produce on Fridays and Saturdays.
EQUIPMENT
In an effort to respond to the ever-changing needs of our burgesses,
the Diego Martin Regional Corporation took a policy decision
to increase systematically the core fleet of the Corporation
vehicles, instead of renting/leasing equipment, which was costly.
The Corporation has rapidly moved from four (4) vehicles overall
to the following: -
Five (5) Backhoes
One (1) tractor
One (1) Hiab
One (1) Cherry Picker
Six (6) Dump Trucks
Two (2) Water Trucks
Three (3) Canopy Vehicles to transport employees
Seven (7) 4x4 SUV’s Utility Vehicles
Two (2) Heavy Duty Trailers
One (1) Thirty-Seater Bus
Another policy decision of the Corporation is to enable members
of the public to rent equipment/vehicles at reduced rates.
INFRASTURCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
During the period under review, the Regional Corporation
undertook over four hundred (400) construction projects of
various natures throughout the Region of Diego Martin.
The following areas are worthy of mentioning:-
Lutchman Drive, Long Circular – construction of box drain and
curb and slipper drain
Rudolph Trace, Long Circular – construction of retaining wall,
curb and slipper drain and the paving or roadway
Cocorite Terrace, Cocorite – the rehabilitation of Cocorite Terrace
Extension
Bird Street, Union Road – construction of retaining wall and
curb and slipper drain
Seaview Gardens Extension, Union Road – construction of three
(3) retaining walls, box drain, curb and slipper and resurfacing
of roadway.
Ravine Road, Petit Valley – construction of retaining wall at
Petit Valley River – 1000ft.
POINT FORTIN BOROUGH CORPORATION
Over the period the following were accomplished:
Guapo / Clifton Hill Beach Front Development Project;
Sunset Beach Facilities Project;
An Emergency Response Plan in conjunction with all major
stakeholders;
The Kennedy Water Park Project;
Installation of new equipments and facilities in Playgrounds
including lighting;
Introduction of a Farmer’s Market;
Assist needy CXC, CAPE and SEA students with school supplies;
Initiated Financial Literacy Programmes, a community Ambulance
Service and an Omnibus Service for the differently-Abled;
Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
pg7
SANGRE GRANDE REGIONAL CORPORATION
1.) Developed key infrastructure in the Region including
(i) Phase 1 of Sangre Grande Market (144 stalls)
(ii) Maxi-Taxi Hub
(iii) 16 Vendors’ booths for small entrepreneurs.
(iv) Agricultural Access roads, secondary roads, box drains
and bridges.
2.) Developed a Regional development Programme through
widespread consultations on the plan inclusive of
meetings:
The business community:
All community Based Organisation and Non-Governmental
Organisations:
All relevant government agencies:
Development plan:
2.1)The development strategy was built on three pillars:
Urban Renewal/ Infrastructure Upgrade which includes
but is not limited to:
• The Churchill Roosevelt Highway Extension;
• The Sangre Grande Ring Road;
• Housing Development;
• Health Care inclusive of the Sangre Grande Hospital
Upgrade;
• Urban Renewal Programme.
• Private Sector Led-Development Projects will be facilitated
including public/ private partnership projects;
• Agriculture and Tourism Projects;
• Other Regional Development Initiative but not limited to:
Tourism Development Facilities for Beaches, Rivers and
other popular sites;
• The main beaches, rives and scenic locations in the region
are to benefit from the construction of modern tourism
facilities to cater to the influx of visitors to the region.
• Re-habilitation of Agricultural Access Roads:
• Agro-processing Activities;
• Port and Loading site development and infrastructure
• Benefits to the Burgesses of the Sangre Grande Region
are as follows:
• Enhanced status and function as a regional centre and
growth pole;
• Increase/Improved access to commercial services;
• Increased tourism due to greater availability and
improvement of tourism facilities;
• Increased employment opportunities and activities;
• Improved capital inflow to the regional economy;
• Reduction in poverty;
• Overall improvement in the quality of life.
• This programme is being implemented for the benefit of
the region
SAN JUAN / LAVENTILLE REGIONAL CORPORATION
Commencement of construction of the San Juan Market
Completed construction and subsequent aesthetic improvement
of the Croisee Promenade.
The creation of recreational facilities throughout the twelve(12)
districts-
Twenty-seven(27) recreation grounds
Thirty(30) basketball courts
Nine(9) play parks and one (1) netball court
Various upgrades to said recreational facilities
Establishment of Disaster unit to assist in coordinating relief
efforts in the aftermath of adversely negative occurrences
Annual Christmas hamper distributions to the needy (over 200)
Annual award ceremony to honour outstanding individuals
Annual music festival involving several schools across the region
Mock United Nations Youth conference on HIV AIDS
Provision of stationery material for SEA students
Recognising top SEA students across region
Providing assistance to schools in region by way of clean up
exercises and infrastructural works
Training of staff in computer literacy and management skills
Improvement of working facilities
Installation of welcome signs at strategic points throughout the
region
Construction of nineteen (19) concrete bridges
De-silting and cleaning of major drains
Construction of footpaths totalling 2625m
Construction of box drains totalling 4200m
Construction of box culverts totalling 286m
Construction of curb walls totalling 4402m
Resurfacing of roadways amounting to 7525m
Construction of retaining walls totalling 3280m
Construction of driveways totalling 126m
Fabrication and installation of handrails totalling 100m
Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
pg8
THE WAY FORWARD
Our White Paper published in 2009 was built on the pillars of
sustainable local communities, robust participative democracy
and regional planning and development. It envisaged inter alia:
• The introduction of an Executive Council System
• Greater citizen engagement and participation in the decision
making process;
• Local Area Planning and Development
In 2010, the PNM remains committed to promoting good and
effective local governance, effecting principles such as
accountability, transparency, participation and predictability.
This means building robust institutional structures that empower
all citizens to participate in the decision-making processes.
The PNM continues to believe that people
participation is the hallmark of effective local
democracy
What does this mean for you?
We believe that our Vision for Local Government System will
herald a new era in Local Governance and participatory democracy
in Trinidad and Tobago, bringing more efficient corporate and
Municipal Management; more effective representation by PNM
Councilors; expanded coverage and enhanced quality of service
delivery; easier access to services and greater accountability by
your PNM Representatives. It will mean safe, sustainable and
peaceful communities.
The PNM re-commits to serving the people of Trinidad and
Tobago and pledges to maintain its record of delivery.
We invite you to become part of this forward march towards the
protection of Your Democracy.
Ensure a vibrant two party system……
Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Protecting our Democracy
Committed to Service...
Visit: www.pnm.org.tt