Boodhu questions CSO data, attacks Government rhetoric

PNM deputy leader Sanjiv Boodhu has questioned whether the Central Statistical Office (CSO) now has to fear being accused of being a “PNM party group” and being targeted with Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) after it reported that almost 6,000 jobs were lost in the first quarter of this year.

Citing yesterday’s Guardian report on CSO data showing the job losses, Boodhu claimed the figures contradicted Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s statement that 15,000 jobs had been created.

“This demonstrates the dishonesty of the Prime Minister, who boasted proudly that 15,000 jobs were created. Will she apologise for the outright lie?” he asked.

“Or will she direct (Homeland Security Minister Roger) Alexander to issue PDOs for CSO staff and say that the CSO is a PNM party group?”

Boodhu also criticised Minister of Culture and Community Development Phillip Alexander over his comments regarding the heckling of Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin during Emancipation celebrations.

He accused Alexander of continuing to use “hatred, racism and divisive language”.

“Basdeo Panday’s legacy is chipped away daily when this national embarrassment takes to his kitchen to record a video, and in so doing, speaks hate, division, insults and offensive language to the public on UNC’s behalf,” Boodhu said.

He further criticised the Government’s response, claiming Alexander’s comments were supported by the Prime Minister.

“Worse, his offensive conduct is supported and endorsed by the Prime Minister, who from one corner of her mouth professes love for T&T yet calls T&T a ‘lawless dump’,” he said.