THE EDITOR: Year after year, residents of Laventille have shown their unwavering support for the PNM, only to be met with empty promises and unfulfilled commitments. Late prime minister Patrick Manning pledged a $300 million investment in Laventille, a promise that has remained unrealised to this day.

In stark contrast, it was during the tenure of prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the UNC from 2010 to 2015 that tangible development was seen in Laventille. The UNC built a home for the Laventille Rhythm Section, provided land for the Black Agenda to house cultural and community activities, and allocated land to the Spiritual Shouter Baptist religion, among other initiatives. These actions demonstrated a genuine commitment to the community and its development.

The current PNM government, however, appears to lack a coherent strategy for addressing the deep-seated issues of poverty, injustice, inequality and rampant crime that plague that community. After nine years in power, there is little to show in terms of meaningful progress or improvement in the lives of Laventille residents.

It is time for the PNM to take responsibility for its failures and to start delivering on its promises. The Laventille community deserves better. The country needs leaders who are truly committed to development and to lifting our citizens out of the cycle of poverty and crime.

Until then, the support that Laventille has historically given to the PNM cannot be justified by mere rhetoric and unkept promises.

CURTIS A OBRADY

via e-mail

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