Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the Keith Rowley led Government cannot continue complaining about needing support in the fight against crime while simultaneously refusing the help of the UNC, civil society and other stakeholders.
In a statement, she said the UNC has always placed the interests of Trinidad and Tobago first by seeking collaboration, consultation and bipartisan efforts with the government in the national interest.
Persad-Bissessar said multiple proposals have been forwarded by the UNC to the Rowley government, both inside and outside of the parliament and they have refused to even consider these proposals.
She pointed out that the Opposition stands ready and willing to not only support the government in the fight against crime but to also outline their clear and actionable crime solutions, such as:
1. Stand Your Ground legislation to give citizens a fighting chance.
2. Amending existing laws to make Firearm Users License (FUL) more accessible to law-abiding citizens.
3. Creation of the criminal offence of Home Invasions.
Persad-Bissessar said the population must be reminded that it was the UNC who brought the government to the discussion table in 2016 to assist with crime legislation. Again in April 2023, the UNC requested Keith Rowley to meet to discuss assisting the government with further anti crime measures. This offer of assistance was refused.
“However, this has not reduced our willingness to collaborate on crime fighting as we have supported the Government on countless crime fighting bills. Today we once again stand ready and willing.
She said since 2015 the UNC has supported over a dozen anti-crime bills and several Special Majority Bills.
“The UNC has also presented a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of crime and implement short, medium and long-term solutions that are free and accessible to any member of the public including the Government, said Persad-Bissessar.
Some of these plans are:
1. Increased investment in education
2. Job creation
3. Social programmes
4. Rehabilitation policies and plans for prisoners
5. Bail Reform
6. Updated law enforcement training
7. Adjustments to ministerial portfolios
8. Scientific improvements in training, investigations, and data analysis for crime prevention
9. Support for children who lost parents to crime
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.
Persad-Bissessar said the tired narrative that the Government needs support to fight crime is only designed to take away the responsibility from Keith Rowley.
“The Government cannot continue making excuses about needing the UNC’s support when they continue to refuse the help offered.”
“I end with words from current PM Rowley when he said, “If the Government cannot deal with it (crime) then the Government itself is part of the problem.”