By: Paul Sarran
January 13, 2026
Happy New Year, Trinidad and Tobago. As we move forward into the new year, there is a shared expectation among citizens that the mistakes, missed opportunities, and complacency of the past will give way to purposeful leadership and tangible national improvement. This is not a reckless hope; it is a reasonable demand in a democratic society. The beginning of a new year is an appropriate time to reflect honestly on governance, not through partisan lenses, but through the lived realities of the population and the responsibilities entrusted to those in power.
In approximately four months, the UNC-led government will mark one year since being officially elected and assuming office. One year is not insignificant. It is long enough to establish direction, set priorities, demonstrate competence, and signal seriousness of intent. It is therefore fair and necessary to ask whether the government has done enough for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, or whether progress has been slower than what the national situation demands. This question is not an attack; it is an obligation owed to the electorate.
Based on my assessment thus far, I would assign the government a performance rating of six out of ten. This evaluation is balanced and grounded in reality. There have been visible attempts to address certain issues, and there is evidence that the administration understands the magnitude of the challenges before it. However, understanding problems and solving them are not the same. Many citizens continue to grapple with crime, economic uncertainty, rising costs of living, and a general sense of insecurity that affects everyday life. These concerns cannot be managed indefinitely by reassurance alone; they require decisive action and measurable results.
At the same time, intellectual honesty compels me to acknowledge that it is still relatively early in the government’s term. Structural problems inherited over many years cannot be dismantled instantly, and governance requires time to translate policy into impact. For this reason, I am prepared to await an additional four months before conducting a more comprehensive evaluation at the one-year milestone. Nonetheless, early intervention through constructive critique is essential. Governments that are willing to adjust early are far more likely to succeed in the long run.
One such adjustment that should be seriously considered by the Prime Minister is a cabinet reshuffle before April 2026. This recommendation is not rooted in sensationalism or internal politics, but in strategic governance. Cabinet reshuffles are a normal and often necessary feature of effective administrations. They allow leaders to reassess performance, realign responsibilities, and ensure that the right people are placed in roles where they can deliver the strongest outcomes.
In this context, ministers such as Roger Alexander and Philip Alexander should engage in serious introspection regarding their current portfolios. It may be that their competencies are better suited to other ministries where their performance could improve and contribute more effectively to national development. Reassigning ministers is not an admission of failure; it is an acknowledgment that governance is dynamic and that leadership requires flexibility. If such changes are not made, there is a real risk that public confidence in the government’s performance could decline sharply. Public trust is fragile, and once eroded, it is extremely difficult to rebuild.
Equally vital to the strength of our democracy is the role of the opposition. The opposition leader must become more rigorous and assertive in her execution of responsibilities. Respectfully, opposition is not about theatrics or selective outrage; it is about sustained pressure, informed questioning, and unwavering accountability. The population deserves clear explanations as to why persistent issues remain unresolved, and those explanations must be demanded consistently and intelligently.
A strong opposition does not undermine national stability; it enhances it. When opposition leadership is disciplined and focused, it compels the government to perform better and reassures citizens that power is being monitored. This is how respect is earned, not only within political circles but among the wider society that yearns for transparency and competence.
Trinidad and Tobago stands at a critical juncture. Crime, economic strain, youth marginalization, and institutional fatigue continue to weigh heavily on the national psyche. Citizens are no longer satisfied with promises; they are demanding delivery, accountability, and visible change that improves their quality of life. Leadership, both in government and opposition, must rise above personal ambition, internal divisions, and comfort zones.
Additionally, civil society, the private sector, and the media must also play their part in shaping a healthier political culture. Democracy does not survive on elections alone; it survives on active citizenship, informed debate, and the courage to challenge power constructively. National development is a collective effort, and no administration can succeed in isolation from the people it serves. Silence in the face of underperformance helps no one.
As this new year unfolds, the message is clear. Govern boldly, adjust intelligently, oppose responsibly, and place national interest above all else. Trinidad and Tobago deserves leadership that is competent, accountable, courageous, and unafraid to make difficult but necessary decisions in pursuit of sustainable development, social stability, and meaningful national progress for all.
(Author Paul Sarran, holder of a BSc in Political Science from the University of the West Indies and is a young political scientist.)
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