A poll conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (Nacta) has concluded that the People’s Partnership (PP) Government faces challenging times ahead as it enters its third year in office. People who were polled expressed disappointment with the Government in several quarters and were not confident that the PP will be able to meet their other expectations.
While an overwhelming majority of the nation is pleased with the PP’s performance in infrastructure, education, housing and social welfare, people are disappointed with its many bungling mistakes, handling of crime and failure to deliver on several promises made in its 2010 manifesto. These all take a toll on the approval ratings of the Government and the Prime Minister, said pollster Vishnu Bisram.
Describing her as a compassionate leader, the survey finds people are still hopeful that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will take measures to meet other high expectations. The poll also finds mixed reactions about the e-mail allegations by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley during the No Confidence Motion in Parliament. The poll was conducted within the last week.
The findings of the poll are obtained from interviews with 490 respondents (43 per cent Indians, 39 per cent Africans, 17 per cent Mixed, and 1 per cent Others). The poll, co-ordinated by Bisram, has a 4 per cent margin of error. Asked if they support the latest No Confidence Motion based on e-mail allegations against Persad-Bissessar, 31 per cent said yes, 51 per cent answered no and 18 per cent did not offer a response. (Some of her supporters described it as a waste of time)
When asked if they believe the allegations, 26 per cent said yes, 49 per cent said no and 25 per cent were not sure. (Government supporters feel the entire e-mail episode is a hoax while Opposition supporters say they have credibility) Asked if they are satisfied with Government’s performance 29 per cent replied yes, 52 per cent—no and 19 per cent did not offer a response. (The approval rating in 2010 was 70 per cent)
Kamla’s approval rating as PM
Kamla’s approval rating as PM is a more respectable 45 per cent (down from 75 per cent in 2010) and a disapproval rating of 38 per cent. Forty-three per cent said she deserved a second term while 38 per cent did not. (People don’t view the PNM as a viable alternative at this time but many are turned off by several of Persad-Bissessar’s ministers)
Rowley’s approval rating
Rowley’s approval rating as Opposition Leader is 41 per cent with a disapproval rating of 39 per cent. Asked if Jack Warner should be allowed to contest the Chaguanas West seat as a UNC, 45 per cent said yes, 38 per cent said no, while 17 per cent did not offer a response. (Supporters of UNC overwhelmingly back Jack for the seat)
Asked who they felt was the best performing minister?
• Vasant Bharath (Trade)—21 per cent
• Fazal Karim (Tertiary Education)—17 per cent
• Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh (Ministry of the People)—15 per cent
• Dr Roodal Moonilal (Housing)—13 per cent
• Dr Suruj Rambachan (Local Government)—5 per cent
• Dr Fuad Khan (Health)—4 per cent
• Dr Tim Gopeesingh (Education)—4 per cent
(The poll also found most people did not feel the Labour Minister (Errol McLeod) and public service labour leaders had the nation’s best interest at heart) Seventy-one per cent rated crime as the leading problem facing the country, followed by the high cost of living (9 per cent) and corruption (7 per cent).