In order to work together to combat the criminal plague engulfing the nation, the Opposition Leader is urging the Prime Minister to change his mind and meet with the UNC and others.
According to a press statement issued by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the political leader of the UNC, the crime epidemic requires all leaders to act with humility and caution in order to safeguard the public.
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She noted that both parties must work together despite their differences, “We must set aside vanity and egotism as too many lives are being lost and destroyed, we must work together. Therefore, I request that Keith Rowley reconsider his refusal to the offers of co-operation from the UNC and all other interested and willing stakeholders in our country to address the crime crisis.”
Dr. Rowley firmly declined the opportunity to meet with former police commissioner Gary Griffith to talk about crime-fighting tactics during the Prime Minister’s Question and Answer period of the recent House of Representatives meeting.
Additionally, he claimed to meet with the opposition in Parliament on a regular basis and charged the UNC with thwarting all efforts by the government to combat crime.
stating that he is ready to meet with the opposition both inside and outside of the parliament if they are willing to adjust their stance.
Persad-Bissessar, however, said that neither the government nor crime should make any distinctions in their treatment of victims when she was freed.
The Opposition leader noted, “The victims and perpetrators of crime span all political affiliations, ethnicities, religions, social standings, and income levels. No matter which sector of society we identify with, we must have the humility to accept this fact, put aside emotions, and work together for all our citizens. All citizens must equally feel safe in Trinidad and Tobago.”
She emphasized the need of demonstrating to the criminal element that everyone is working together to safeguard civilians and that there is a commitment to stopping the crime problem.
The Siparia MP voiced dissatisfaction over Rowley’s categorical rejection of working with her, the UNC, and Griffith, stating that there was a chance to combine state policy and operational expertise in the battle against crime.
Persad-Bissessar also recalled that, while serving as the leader of the opposition, she had previously met with Rowley twice to discuss a joint strategy for combating crime.
“Multiple proposals were put forward by the UNC, (but) Keith Rowley refused to consider these proposals,” she remarked.
She emphasized that the unprecedented amount of crime necessitates a multifaceted and collaborative strategy that incorporates knowledge from all spheres of society.
She said that the UNC had provided a thorough strategy to deal with the underlying causes of crime and put short-, medium-, and long-term remedies into place.
These solutions include; increased investment in education, job creation, Social programs, rehabilitation policies and plans for prisoners, bail reform, updated law enforcement training, adjustments to ministerial portfolios, scientific improvements in training, investigations and data analysis for crime prevention, new legislation such as stand your ground and home invasion laws and increased access to legal firearms for citizens.
