Kamla: Why did ‘visionless’govt scrap laptop programme?

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says had the government not “scrapped” her administration’s laptop initiative, the nation’s children would not currently be feeling “left behind” as they adapt to the new normal.

In her Republic Day message, she criticised government, saying there continues to be “rampant inequality,” owing to “poor planning and lack of vision. Another major challenge is that of increasing levels of poverty, as thousands of citizens continue to struggle, to look on helplessly as opportunities are taken from them, as the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen.

“Further, this visionless government stopped so many initiatives designed to give citizens a hand up, choosing instead to push citizens further into poverty.” She said everyone should remember the sacrifices and responsibilities which led to becoming a republic. “As we reflect on our progress, we are acutely aware that we are entering a difficult period in our nation’s history. Over the past five years, and long before the covid19 pandemic, our economy was in a vulnerable state. The last few months we have seen the added impact of the pandemic, which is expected to continue to affect us for some time.

“The ongoing pandemic has clearly revealed that in our society there is rampant inequality as so many, especially our nation’s children are being left behind due to the requirements of the new normal.

“As a result of poor planning and lack of vision, we have thousands of children without the means to participate in online learning. Had the government not callously and thoughtlessly scrapped the laptop initiative, these students would be able to benefit from the shift in education that is taking place.” She said everyone must “jealously guard the tenants of democracy” from their forefathers, and ensure there is “accountability, transparency, and equity in the distribution of our resources.

“My greatest wish for our nation this Republic Day is for us to ensure that each and every citizen has the ability to fulfil our true potential.”