THE working community in TT is disappointed in comments by the Prime Minister that this country's public sector is not ready for a "major work-from-home policy."

Dr Rowley was speaking at a post-budget press conference on Monday evening.

With the increase in fuel prices (diesel $4.41, super gasoline $6.97, premium $ 7.75 and kerosene $4.41 per litre), journalists asked Rowley if the government is reconsidering a work-from-home policy.

The PNM's manifesto for the 2020 general election listed reduced traffic and the implementation of work-from-home practices as reasons to vote for the party.

It said, "The PNM will support and facilitate remote working and work-from-home (policies) in both the public and the private sector. The reduced burden on the working population will have a positive influence on community and family life."

But on Monday, Rowley said, "I don't know that we are sufficiently prepared for that to be a major initiative, largely because it requires certain technical infrastructure and a certain level of discipline.

"Some people not even working in the office, so we have to be careful how we talk about that."

He said in the private sector, and if it "happens to be useful" to the public sector, the government would not be opposed to such a change, but "we have not really embarked upon that as a major initiative.

"We still expect people to be at the workplace."

This led to many comments from the public on social media expressing disappointment and irritation.

The public reacts

Ahmed Nicholls told Newsday it was one of "the most disgusting utterances" he has ever heard from Rowley.

"He is showing no regard to what the average citizen faces, the amount of time we spend in traffic, the amount of money we spend in fuel – which is going to increase because of the removal of the subsidy – and not only is it insensitive, it really shows that politicians just don't care about the lives of an average citizen."

Nicholls said it was further insulting that Rowley seemed to ignore the effectiveness of work-from-home policies applied during the height of the covid19 pandemic, which was "a policy he rescinded without any plausible explanation."

A public-sector worker who preferred not to be named asked, "What he mean we ain't ready for that? I genuinely feel that it have too many old people in Parliament.

"I understand (Rowley's) concern for the stereotypical 'Trini mentality,' but we as a country were forced into the electronic age work by an actual pandemic and managed to come out the other end with relative success.

"Isn't this what the digital transformation initiative is about?

"It's not a matter of starting from scratch but more building on what's already been proven to work, for better. A lot of work that's done requires nothing more than a computer and working internet by both parties. Re-engage the work-from-home in steps if need be.

"We survived a pandemic at home, a fuel hike should not be more difficult to facilitate in that way."

Jason Dookeran said TT is "more than