Despite growing concern about this country’s economic stability in light of the falling oil price, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar is insisting that T&T can afford the $55 million Christmas gift to Christian churches. She made the comment yesterday in response to criticism meted out to her Government over the decision.
Fielding questions from the media during her annual a toy drive at the St Augustine Girls’ High School yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said, “We continue to monitor what is happening with the energy price. Thus far there is no cause for panic. “We are of the respectful view, based on what the Minister of Energy and what the Minister of Finance has said, we can afford to treat the most vulnerable, the most needy during the Christmas time, which is one of the most blessed times of the year.”
The PM said she was also upset by statements that the initiative was an attempt to “buy out” the Christian community, especially with the general election right around the corner. Describing such claims as an “insult” to Christians, Persad-Bissessar said, “I would hate to think that anyone in the Christian community could be bought out.” She also made it clear that the churches were not obligated to accept the money.
“Those who think it is not appropriate do not have to accept. This is a democratic country,” she said. “I was very upset when they said this was an attempt to buy out the Christians. I do not think any Hindu, any Muslim or any other one can be bought out. Last year we did it, but this year we are doing it, I would think, in a more equitable manner.” Persad-Bissessar said the purpose of the gift was simply based on “good will.”
“It is a time for giving and that is why we have done a little more this year than last year. Each year we have done better quite frankly,” Persad-Bissessar said. Saying that churches had a great role to play in the national community, especially in shaping a better society, Persad-Bissessar said according to statistics from the Central Statistical Office, the Christian community was the largest compared to other religious groups.
“So it is not a vie-ki-vie decision. I looked at the statistics and we made the grants and disbursements according to each denominational group and even within the Christian community some will be larger groups and some will be not so large. “So we will do it equitably and using the statistics as to how we give out these grants,” Persad-Bissessar said.
Every member of parliament, the PM added, will recommend a name and those letters should reach the Office of the Prime Minister by today. “That way there would be equality of treatment, and no discrimination across the country,” Persad-Bissessar said. On the issue of accountability, she said she did not believe that MPs would send groups that were non-existent or that would not be accountable after they collect funds.
“But we would have a system in place to make sure the grants are disbursed appropriately and everyone would have to sign. The MPs will recommend and we will go forward. “I have no regrets of this particular step that we have taken,” Persad-Bissessar said.