An advertisement last weekend touted the Government's "responsibility to deliver", and claimed boldly that it was "delivering on the promise of change" at every level.

The announcement from the Government agency, "TT BizLink – Business made easy" carried the national coat of arms, and a promise that "in 2012 we (the Government) will do better".

Further, it outlined the Government's achievements in crime-fighting, agriculture, education, science-technology-tertiary education, housing, people-social development, health, energy and trade and investment. Significantly there was no mention of performance in the Ministry of Works.

It claimed confidently that since coming into office in May 2010 the Government had added value to various areas of national life and our collective well-being.

It was only an outline but it was piece-meal, carrying no hint of the People's Partnership Government's "big idea"—the one which the electorate had "re-imagined" in May 2010 and which it hoped would have resulted in that "new, ultimate mandate".

Also significantly, there was no mention of the Government's performance in the economy. It was as if "TT Bizlink" was unaware, quite naively, that economic performance must be a government's priority task, and that the successful delivery of all social tasks i.e. education, health, housing, etc. is based upon the surpluses created from a country's economic resources.

In reality, the existence and authority of every government is justified on basis of the economic results it produces. A government is considered to have failed if it does not produce positive economic performance—a yardstick we will see being used to assess US President Barack Obama in November.

So to acknowledge "responsibility", tout "delivery at every level" and promise to do better in 2012, without a reality check e.g. last year's 1.4 per cent negative growth; the projections that it could be worse this year; the initial $7.7 billion budget deficit; the recent request for a further $2.7 billion and the declines in oil and gas industry, is to be publicly disingenuous.

I tried to assess, roughly, how Trinbago profited from those "delivered" promises; I even opened a "Profit and Loss Account".

Crime-fighting—the advertisement said we "profited" from a 25 per cent reduction in serious crime; and wounding, shootings, and narcotic offences all fell.

Are those figures real? Our "losses" can be logged in various accounts e.g. our engulfing fear of crime, the 38 murders of last month, our declining confidence in the Police Service, a $50 million prison, a State of Emergency, a "plot" against Cabinet members, questions over a police airplane, and in the performances of its "managers"—Brigadier Sandy, "Captain" Griffith, Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs.

Agriculture—"Profit" from the construction of 350 water ponds, refurbished fishing depots, a praedial larceny squad, leases to farmers, and 300 kilometres of access roads constructed/repaired. "Loss"—the Minister of Food Production's Ministry bought a Porsche Cayenne for him to drive on those access roads to meet those farmers.

Education—We "profited" from 29 childcare centres, the repair of 586 schools, construction of 11 primary schools, the refurbishment of the Biche High School, and 39,000 laptops. Our "loss"—the Minister's failure to respond decisively to TTUTA's claim of thuggery by the boards of the Maha Sabha and ASJA, against teachers and the rise of vigilante mobs among parents.

Science-technology-tertiary education—Our "profit"—seven workforce centres, a COSTAATT centre in Sangre Grande; in Tobago a Technology Centre, an Empowerment Centre, a Mobile Computer Unit; and a Bachelor of Education programme at UTT.

Trinbago's "loss"—if the public is not vigilant all future "profits" could be transferred to the Siparia-Debe-Penal catchment area, and our education system "re-colonised" under some eight Memoranda of Agreement the Minister signed with India during the Prime Minister's visit.

Housing—Our "Profit"—construction has begun on 4,100 homes, delivery of 600 certificates of comfort, and homes to victims in difficult circumstances. Our "loss" —no answer to the claims of selective distribution of houses, and the Minister's proposal to purchase a $3 million aircraft just to monitor squatters.

People-Social Development— "Profits"—200 mothers now employed with URP; introduction of temporary food cards, public utilities assistance to the needy, increased old age pension, improved PTSC service. Our "loss"—continuing claims of nepotism, the firing of CEPEP contractors and their replacement by 53 party faithful, and disbursements only in selected areas.

Health—"Profit"—X-ray and ultrasound services in Siparia, the Children's Life Fund, new Cardiology Unit in San Fernando, etc. Our "loss"—a Minister caught "moonlighting" at his own clinic; claims that the unhealthy relationship between hospital doctors and private medical institutions continues.

Summing up the "Profit and Loss statement", Trinbago's "losses" heavily out-weigh its "profits". The organisational structure we put in place after the "takeover bid" in May 2010 has proven unequal to the task.

Our "managers" have shown that their real concerns are for the perks and the travel benefits of the office — not the job.

Even though some were allowed synthetic silk.

• Keith Subero, a former

Express news editor, has since

followed a career in

communication and management.