Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar is calling on the Prime Minister to reconsider his refusal to hold anti-crime talks with the United National Congress and stakeholders to address the crime situation.
In a statement released late Thursday, Persad-Bissessar said: “We must set aside vanity and egotism; too many lives are being lost and destroyed. We must work together.
She said the current crime crisis demands that all leaders in our country exercise humility and prudence to protect our citizens.
“Therefore, I request that Keith Rowley reconsider his refusal to the offers of cooperation from the UNC and all other interested and willing stakeholders in our country to address the crime crisis.”
“Crime does not discriminate. 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.
The current crime crisis demands that all leaders in our country exercise humility and prudence to protect our citizens. Therefore, I again request that Keith Rowley reconsider his refusal to the offers of cooperation from the UNC and all other interested and willing stakeholders in our country to address this crime crisis.”
Persad-Bissessar added: “We must show the criminal element in our nation that we are determined to arrest the crime problem and are united in the effort to protect our citizens.
She said she’s “disappointed that Keith Rowley has flatly refused to collaborate with me, the UNC and the former COP Gary Griffith to reduce the violent crime crisis plaguing our nation. Ideally, this could have been an opportunity to merge state policy and operational know-how in the crime fight.”
The UNC leader said the unprecedented level of criminality requires a multi-faceted and cooperative approach which draws on expertise from all sectors of society.
She said the party has presented a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of crime and implement short, medium and long-term solutions.
Some plans are for:
· Increased investment in education
· Job creation
· Social programmes
· 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
· Increased access to legal firearms for citizens
She said the people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve to live in a safe and secure environment, and not in a state of constant fear and uncertainty.
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