TRINIDAD and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Keith Rowley has this week reshuffled his Cabinet and dismissed two senior Cabinet members, Energy and Energy Industries Minister Nicole Olivierre and Public Utilities Minister Brigadier General (ret’d) Ancil Antoine. The decision of Rowley, who was elected in September 2015, is not unlike action taken by his predecessor Kamla Persad-Bissessar. In Persad-Bissessar’s five-year stewardship, no less than 10 ministers were dismissed from her Cabinet for inappropriate behaviour and unsavoury dealings. One of the notable firings was that of Minister of the People Dr. Glenn Ramadharsingh. This minister was fired for inappropriate touching of a female Caribbean Airlines flight attendant. In making the decision the prime minister said, “I know there will be arguments put forward by some as to what was condoned in the past administration to allow for continuity, but I disagree.”
The twin-island republic’s progressive direction is signalling a determination to pursue good governance — given that these dismissals had to do with some transgression, abuse and performance — that factors in respecting the opinion of the public.
Last year September, in addressing the appointment of his Cabinet, Rowley said, “Responsibility will be given, ministers will be held accountable, but the buck stops with the prime minister. I take responsibility for this Cabinet.” That he has taken a decision consistent with his responsibility and commitment given has transmitted a clear message of entrenching a brand of politics. It is a politics intolerant of intransigence, incompetence and misconduct for those entrusted the privilege of managing the people’s affairs.
These governments were elected with the participation and involvement of the citizens, via popular and constituency votes. Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) carry a responsibility to their respective constituencies. While these MPs may be appointed ministers of government, those who function as parliamentarians or senators, know it carries the responsibility that whatever is being done as a minister, is done in the name and spirit of the prime minister who heads the executive, i.e. Head of Government. This is what Rowley meant in his September address. It is the Head of Government who shoulders primary responsibility to deliver on election promises within the confines of the constitution and laws. The recognition by T&T governments of the need for responding to the people’s desire happens out of consciousness that government of the people is government that is accountable to the people.
The recognition that policies, though developed to guide governance, the programmes put in place have to be executed within the confines of the law and influenced by public opinion, foster connection between government and the people. Where this is being demonstrated it speaks to consciousness of the roles and responsibility of public officials, be it public servant or politician, and where either has crossed the line he/she will be held accountable by the citizens and the prime minister sees it as an obligation to act.
While Trinidad and Tobago has its own shortcomings, there is no denying efforts are being made to improve on what currently exists. Even in the United States, which is seen as the standard bearer of what a perfect society ought to look like, there exist serious shortcomings among public and powerful officials. Where the U.S. stands out is the high probability that when persons abuse their positions or violate the laws, they will be held accountable. Where reflection is given to the human development index in the twin-island republic, it is further ahead of its other Caribbean counterparts except Barbados. Some may argue this advantage has to do with being an oil and natural gas producing country, products that are in high global demand.
But it need not be forgotten in the absence of good governance and respect for public opinion, standards of living would have been worse. Institutions such as the judiciary would have been compromised, affecting the delivery of justice and the security that springs therefrom, and public services, roads, education and healthcare would be decrepit. There is an intrinsic link between good governance, growth and development, both personal and national. It is commendable that our sister Caribbean country continues to work to ensure these.