00:00Businesswoman Diane Haddad says the new ferry, the MV Blue Wave Harmony, should have been brought into service immediately as the Carbostar leaves.
00:11But instead, there is a break in transmission that threatens commerce and supply chains.
00:17She adds that while the chief secretary claims all is well, there was no prior engagement with the business community.
00:23There's been no consultations. It's been operated pretty much dictatorship, take it or leave it kind of thing for the last four years.
00:33And unfortunately, after the last election, when we experienced that for the last 10 years and we thought we were going into a change and that the tagline was yellow is the code, it was yellow is the clothes because the code of behavior and conduct is the same.
00:52Haddad tells the Morning Edition, Tobago's economy has been in regression under the current administration, citing stagnation in key sectors like tourism and a lack of strategic vision.
01:05She says the island needs new leadership.
01:09I think that the PNM at this stage, based on what we have in front of us, I would like to have given Dr. Angus.
01:15I don't think she has the amount of support, but I know the ideas for change is what the island needs, but I don't think she has all of the dynamics in terms of the clause and the people getting there.
01:30I did not tell her this.
01:32I tell people, you ask me my opinion, I'll tell you.
01:35It's not from a place of hurt, it's from a place of love and care.
01:38She also weighs in on the licensing office rollout, describing it as a poorly executed plan, one that was clearly not thought through before being implemented.
01:55Clearly, it is revenue collection.
01:58It has nothing to do with bringing discipline and a formula for that licensing authority to work, like many other entities.
02:06It is a mess.
02:08Haddad says, if the intention is to get citizens to take care of their vehicles, it would make more sense to allow them to pay their inspection fees and receive a defect list, giving them six months or a year to complete the necessary repairs.
02:24She notes that the current system is unrealistic, with too few mechanics, a shortage of upholsters, scarce parts and many people struggling to cover the costs.
02:37Nicole M. Romany, TV6 News.
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