In Brief
- People-Centric Budget: The MP for Chaguanas West praises the 2027 Budget as a ‘people-first programme,’ highlighting vital increases to pensions and social assistance.
- Infrastructure Push: Key local projects, including the Chaguanas Ring Road and drainage solutions for Ibis Gardens, are prioritized to reverse ‘ten years of neglect.’
- Government Unity: The MP expresses strong support for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and key Ministers, pledging to work collaboratively to deliver reliable water, better roads, and economic diversification to the constituency.
By Neil Gosine
For me, the 2027 Budget is about people: the pensioner managing household expenses, the family waiting for a more reliable water supply, the small business seeking opportunities, and the resident who wants a safer journey home.
As Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West, I carry those concerns with me into Parliament. As a member of this Government, I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to turn our shared programme into practical improvements for the communities we serve.
I stand firmly behind Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Her leadership, guidance and commitment to citizens provide the foundation for that work. I also commend Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo for presenting a Budget that seeks to strengthen our economy while protecting vulnerable households.
The proposed increases in pensions, Public Assistance and Disability Assistance are particularly meaningful. For many families, additional support helps meet everyday needs with greater dignity. Investments in education, technical training and healthcare also speak directly to the opportunities and services our people need.
In Chaguanas West, roads, drainage and water remain central to our development priorities. These are longstanding challenges, accumulated over ten years of neglect under the previous administration. Addressing them requires planning, resources and cooperation, and I have every confidence in the commitment of my Government colleagues.
I wholeheartedly support Minister Jearlean John and her work to improve our infrastructure. Minister John works tirelessly to help every constituency, and I recognise that. The allocation for the Chaguanas Ring Road is welcome news for residents, commuters and businesses. Alongside this major investment, I will continue working with her Ministry to advance attention to community roads, including Warren Road, Bejucal Road, Adjodah Road and Ackaloo East.
The drainage concerns at Ibis Gardens, Ramlal Trace and Bovel Canal are also well known to me. My role is to bring residents’ experiences forward and support the coordinated work needed to pursue lasting solutions.
I equally support Minister Barry Padarath in his responsibility for public utilities. Reliable water matters to every household. I look forward to continued collaboration with him, WASA and the relevant agencies, including the coordination of pipeline repairs and road restoration.
Our constituency also has much to contribute to economic diversification. Felicity’s religious traditions, cultural celebrations and talented murti makers offer opportunities for community tourism. The natural attractions of the Caroni area can help connect conservation, enterprise and employment.
Through my responsibilities in Trade, Investment and Tourism alongside the very knowledgeable Minister Kama Maharaj, I see the importance of linking national investment with local opportunity. Our entrepreneurs, manufacturers and young people must be able to see a place for themselves in the country’s progress.
I approach this responsibility with humility and determination. Residents deserve to be heard, kept informed and represented consistently. That means following up, working through the proper agencies and maintaining constructive relationships across Government.
My commitment is straightforward: to support our Prime Minister, work closely with my ministerial colleagues, and give Chaguanas West strong, responsible representation. I am humbled by the work ethic of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and my colleagues, often turning night into day in service to our people. Their dedication sets the example that I am determined to follow.
Together, we can translate the Government’s development agenda into better services, stronger communities and greater opportunity. That is the work before us, and I am fully committed to doing my part.
Neil Gosine is the Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West and the Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism
