NEWS / VIEWS FROM THE MISSION
ENTHUSIASTIC DIASPORA RESPONSE TO PRIME MINISTER 1
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here was an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement when Trinidad and Tobago nationals gathered at the Amba Hotel auditorium in London, for a session with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley; and the Prime Minister did not disappoint. He delivered an unscripted but wide ranging address in which he spoke frankly about the challenges facing the country, the strategies that his government had developed to treat with them and the roles that nationals, whether living in Trinidad and Tobago or abroad, could play in addressing the issues. Accepting that the economy had declined,
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he noted that public service jobs had not been cut, the Trinidad and Tobago dollar had not been devalued and while the gas subsidy was decreased, nationals were still enjoying subsidies on water and electricity. He stressed the need for diversification and reported that greater emphasis will be placed on tourism, with the two islands being marketed separately. The new Couva hospital could be the catalyst for a thrust into health tourism. The hospital, he said, will offer state of the art care and persons from outside of Trinidad and Tobago could be charged a fee for the services. He urged nationals in the United Kingdom to share their experience and expertise, whether in
the health service or in the country’s crime fighting efforts. Concluding his hour long address, the Prime Minister gave members of the Diaspora the assurance that, despite the present challenges, the Trinidad and Tobago flag will continue to be flown with pride, with respect, with dignity and with boundless faith in our destiny. He then fielded questions, for an extended period, on a wide range of topics including crime, health and sport. This event climaxed a hectic but productive week for Dr Rowley, in the United LONDON MISSION | Volume 72
