Name: Iqbal
Question: I have always supported the PNM, but I am very unhappy that Calder Hart was not investigated thoroughly. I believe this is a sour point with thousands of PNM supporters. Will Mr. Hart ever be investigated?

Answer: Thank you for your continued support. I can assure you that the matter is being investigated following the extensive Commission of Enquiry. You will recall that I said on the platform ‘...let the chips fall where they may.’ In time, we hope that all will be revealed.



Name: Kezia
Question: Why can’t I get any water in my community?

Answer: Ma’am, I would be grateful if you can provide the area in which you live.




Name: Susan
Question: Hi Mr. Manning, I’ve always wanted to meet you. I admire your leadership style. Keep strong. I think that you should help your black brothers and sisters more. Notice when the UNC is in power they help their people. You need to meet your people on the ground on a more regular basis and not only when an election is called. I grew up in a PNM house and my grandmother was a strong supporter of the party, and I followed in her footsteps. I believe in the PNM and its policy and I will always vote for the PNM. By the way, I was elated when you accepted Rowley but why is he not appearing on major platforms? Did you not fully forgive him? Remember as Christian followers of Christ we need to forgive and forget.
I personally would not like the UNC to get back into power because I believe that that so-called unity party is a recipe for disaster and we, the black people, will suffer the most. Do an introspection of your life as a leader of the people of Trinidad & Tobago. Ask the Lord to guide you, and be willing to make the necessary changes in the weeks we have before the election so that on May 24th we could be celebrating our victory.
You do not need to let the media force you into having a public debate with no one your works and what you have done for T&T will speak for you.

Answer: Thank you for your kind sentiments Ms. Arnold. I assure you, we will do our best.




Name: Natalia
Question: I just want to ask you to please say something about that UNC strategist. It drives me mad listening to Mrs. Persad-Bissessar claim victory... So self-righteous and sooooo misleading! Why don't you say something? I spent the entire weekend fending off arguments in the PNM's defense, all the while waiting to have a proper statement from the government. But the snapshot that passed across the news was not enough. Please answer her about that apology.

Answer: Hello Natalia. The matter has been resolved.




Name: Abbey
Question: Mr. Prime Minister, this is not a question but rather a request. I have been living in Mc Bean Couva, Mc Bean Extension to be precise, for over 16 years. In these 16 years I have never seen the area representative, which as you know is controlled by the 'UNC. Sir, our road is riddled with pot holes and poor drainage and has been like this ever since I have been here. All of the other roads and what looks like a road were paved by the UNC about 4 years ago, except ours. I would hate to think that our road was not paved because most of the people on my street are of African descent whereas the majority of the residents on the other roads are from East Indian decent.
Sir, it hurts me to think that we are being deprived of this basic courtesy because of a petty issue like race. I have always supported the PNM and pray that your party wins. I know that you are very busy, but I would like to make one little request. After you win the elections can you please assist us in getting our road fixed? Kind Regards, Abby.

Answer: Thank you for voicing your concern Mr. Acosta. Within recent times the Minister of Works announced that he intends to repair all of the roads in the country. I do hope that you will continue to bear patience with us as we strive to address such requests as these from every community in due course.




Name: Cheryl
Question: I have tried so many times to add ministers on Facebook or to send an email and they have never responded. The only minister who responded to my emails was Mr. Gary Hunt. I hope this site really allows the public to communicate freely with ministers. It is so easy with the other parties. Receiving emails from the public is one of the best ways of grounding hearsays and you will be amazed at how many great ideas pop up after email sifting is done. I applaud this site. I never understood how someone would be elected for public office and not respond to emails.
Also, I was wondering, what are your thoughts on the introduction of these studies to the CXC syllabus? I hope it becomes a part of the manifesto:
Coast
Guard studies, with Math & English; Security Studies, with Math & English; and Army studies with Math & English. I think it will be a fantastic idea to train & teach young men & women who are interested in these areas at Cxc level. These are great areas of studies for young people to look forward to for employment.
Math & English must be compulsory. Apart from training at the army and Coast Guard Headquarters, Security Training can be done at the Petrotrin Security Academy. Drivers’ Education for all Cape students is another great idea.


Answer: Thank you for your suggestions, Ms. Maharaj. We will most definitely take them into consideration when developing plans for the future education of our country’s youth.




Name: Lisette

Question: Mr. Manning, is it possible that a walking path can be constructed around the pavilion between Phases 2and 3 in the La Horquetta area for those who wishes to exercise? At the moment we use the roadway which is not safe at all.
Also, can
you have some sort of dialogue with your Housing Minister concerning the issue of illegal straightening and painting garages in all Phases of the community? It is a major health hazard as well as an obstruction to vehicular traffic.
Thank
you sir and I wish you all the best on your election campaign.
Answer: Thank you for your suggestions and well-wishes Ma’am.
They will be referred
to the Ministry of Housing for consideration.



Name: Dwayne

Question: How can I become a part of the party and the movement?
Answer: Please contact Balisier House at 625-1533/1534




Name: Francis
Question: Mr. Manning, in this new term of office after you win the elections, what will be your position as it relates to the utilization of renewable and sustainable energy sources? By doing this we can stretch our energy reserves a few more years down the road.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are very vulnerable to climate change and global warming so what will be done to further protect and enhance our environment (especially the coastal erosion and degradation of our forest through bush fires)?

Answer: Dear Concerned Citizen, there is a government policy on the whole question of the Environment. The Ministry of Information can provide this document for your perusal.




Name: Qwasui
Question: Good Night. I would like to know, what minimum wage be increased to and also, what are your future plans for education?

Answer: Good Day Mr. Williams. We will continue with our education programme as outlined in our 20/20 vision document. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour usually reviews and recommends the adjustments in minimum wage & I am unable to disclose what that may be in the future.




Name: Veronica
Question: Despite all of the negativity hurled at you, you remain steadfast... What makes you so strong? And what is it that drives you to continue...don't you ever feel like giving up?

Answer: Madam Thomas, my faith in God and the people of Trinidad and Tobago keeps me strong and I will never give up!




Name: Ansel
Question: Change is the operative word in organizations, business, governance and politics. Vision 2020 and the local government legislation are evidences of your appreciation for growth, development and change. Please change from your traditional position of 'no debate with the opposition'. You are a great debater, with the knowledge, passion, and intellectual alertness to help convince the populace to clearly distinguish between the chalk and the cheese in the ensuing contest. In particular, your understanding of the energy industry and regional and international politics put you miles above the parochial vision of the opposition.

Answer: Thank you for your kind sentiments.



Name:
Lynette
Question: Dear Honourable Prime Minister, I hope you are actually going to read this email personally, and not some PRO. I am originally from Mayaro, my uncle (father's Brother) was Mr. Victor Campbell Minister of Works under the PNM government for many years. The PNM is all I have known over the 48 yrs of my life but I am a little dissatisfied with them right now. I have a sick
83 year
old mother, for whose care I have to pay approx. $4,000 a month to caregivers. I have been divorced for about 7 yrs and that makes me a single parent to a 19 yr old son who has been in and out of counseling and very withdrawn; not going to school, not working and not interested in anything and could be very violent when pressed for anything. I also have a 9 yr old daughter. My real issue is with obtaining a home, I am struggling with my two kids and I don't think I am poor and desolate but I need a home. In 2000 I was living in Tunapuna and my home was gutted by fire. I put in an application to the NHA at the time under the UNC government and have correspondents to this effect. But I was not given a number apparently because last year I went to Alicia Hospedales in Arouca, which is where I have been renting for 9 yrs, and told her about my need for a home.
She said she could not help me without a number so I went back to the HDC (who had no record of my case) and reapplied for a home. I now have a number
(223294
or 023294 because the writing is very fancy and not too clear). I have been back to HDC twice and my application has not been looked at as yet. Every year my daughter asks me if we can get a home for Christmas. I am begging you to look into my case or pass this on to Mrs. Jearlean John or someone who would have empathy with my case. I have no real complaint about the PNM. Mr. Clifford Campbell is my cousin and I am still voting in Mayaro as I have not changed my address because my landlord could ask me to move at any time. I work in Arima and my daughter is going to school in St. Joseph, my mailing address is Church road, Radix Village, Mayaro. Until I can call a house my home, I will continue to use my mother's address as my address. I have to vote in Mayaro on the 24/05/2010 but I am begging you to help me acquire a home on the East West corridor. I have tried to buy a home over the years but I just cannot find the money, with all the other expenses. I wish the PNM all the best in the upcoming elections (I am as yet undecided).

Answer: Mrs. Gould, I assure you, I hear your plight and will discuss this matter with your candidate for Mayaro and he will contact you.




Name: Levi
Question: I am the grandson of Dewilton Rogers and as a person who knows of the hard work of the PNM from my mother, I know that you are doing the right thing for the country. I really want to get involved in the PNM from the ground up and learn from you and get involved in the party that my grandfather founded. What I want to ask you is that when you RETAIN government (which you will ) I want you to promise me and my family that you will continue with the EXTRA ORDINARY JOB that you and your party are doing for this nation. Great is PNM and it shall prevail and may GOD continue to BLESS YOU RICHLY

Answer: Thank you for your kind sentiments.



Name:
Darren
Question: As it pertains to the Commission of Enquiry and their analysis and conclusions on the UDECOT situations, will their report be published and dealt with after the current General Elections?

Answer: Action has, in fact, already begun on the report!




Name: Enisha
Question: I am an undecided young voter. I would like to hear the issues being addressed on the platform and that goes both ways... Talk about your plans to build communities, diversify the economy etc. Could you also explain why you declined a public debate?

Answer: Dearest Enisha, if you would be so kind as to pay close attention to the PNM meetings you will be aware that issues are being discussed.




Name: Nigel
Question: Good Day Mr. Prime Minister. I really wanted to make a comment rather than ask a question. I truly am a PNM supporter & have always been because of what I see taking place in the country. There has been significant development, especially for young persons likes myself. I am currently in the OJT Programme which was provided by the PNM, & in COSTAATT doing an Associate Degree in Info Tech, also provided by the PNM, & I am extremely thankful. I must be honest in saying that permanent work is still hard to obtain, but I am still hopeful & trying by the Grace of God.
When you get back in power, sir, please keep these projects running & also remember to continue to listen to the people of this country… I am a 24 yr old young Afro-Trinbagonian.

Answer: Thank you for the kind sentiments, Mr. Marchan. I am pleased that the OJT Programme is serving you well & I wish you all the best in your pursuit of a higher education.