I refer to Dana Seetahal's column in the Express of January 28 headlined "Moving towards a welfare state''.

In every nation there will be people who are seniors, disabled, homeless, drug addicts, alcohol addicts, divorced, separated, pensioners, unemployed, widows, children from dysfunctional homes and the underprivileged etc.

My question to the MPs, Government officials, businessmen, the academics, bluaaaaaae collar and white collar workers etc is, who is going to assist all those caught in the web of poverty and hopelessness?

It's very easy for all of you who are well off with healthy bank accounts, top jobs, with properties overseas and in T&T, driving luxurious cars, investing in vacation properties, eating at expensive restaurants, taking cruises, vacationing at luxurious resorts. You can afford to fly anywhere.

Some or all of you have more than enough wealth and properties etc in life but complain and object when our PM launches programmes to address the needs of the poor. Why are you all so selfish and mean?

You all have more than enough. Give others a chance to be happy like you.

I agree there has to be some changes but permit me to speak from a biblical standpoint. God says the nation that gives to the poor and needy lends to God.

I commend Mrs Persad-Bissessar for at least attempting to help all those in need.

Like all her predecessors our PM is not perfect and there is always room for improvement, but let's not tear down and be too critical. That would be standing in the way of progress.

Pastor Walden Smith

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