No nation that has insulted its women has ever achieved greatness, according to opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The statement was delivered by her on October 20 during a Divali celebration held in her Siparia constituency office.
According to Persad-Bissessar, there has been a concerning surge in bullying and domestic violence cases throughout the past two months.
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In the process, many women and children have died, she said.
Persad-Bissessar stated that there was a real issue about crimes against women and children, although she did not name any incident.
Persad-Bissessar was present at the burial earlier this month of 15-year-old Jayden Lalchan, who committed himself following years of alleged bullying at St. Stephen’s College.
Bullying also came up during the most recent House of Representatives budget discussion. On October 10, Energy Minister Stuart Young made remarks that were seen as disparaging and perhaps bullying against opposition Members of Congress.
Young should be brought to the Privileges Committee, according to the opposition.
In the House on October 17, as well as in a Facebook post a few days prior, Young expressed regret for his statements.
On October 17, a decision was made about this issue. “Any member who actively participated in, supported, or passively encouraged such crass discourse has also failed in this duty and cannot escape the focus of this reprimand. Thankfully, one neighboring member rose to the highest traditions expected of members of this House by showing his disdain for what he heard.”
She remarked, “If we are conscious of our roles as leaders in society, we would understand that the remarks were even more damaging given their misogynistic and homophobic character, as well as their criminal insinuations.”
Persad-Bissessar urged the diplomatic corps attendees to step up the outreach initiatives their individual embassies are doing to support vulnerable women and children at the event.
She requested that the programs be made available across Trinidad and Tobago.
Persad-Bissessar declared that there needs to be no distinction made based on the locations of these programs.
The previous opposition chairman of St. Kitts and Nevis, Chelsey Hamilton, was also recognized by her for being present in the crowd.
Before the general election on May 24, 2010, which was won by the People’s Partnership coalition led by the former United Nations Command, Persad-Bissessar claimed that Hamilton had not been in Trinidad and Tobago since.
This visit, she hoped, would result in something similar “on the eve, on the cusp of another election.”
