Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has once again criticised the government over its handling of crime, following a bloody start to 2024.
In a statement, she said: “The first week of 2024 has recorded 15 murders, more murders than any comparative period in recent years. The last two years, 2023 and 2022 have been the most murderous years in the country’s history, 575 and 605 homicides respectively.”
“Still, (Dr Keith) Rowley arrogantly rejects the pleas of a terrified population and persists with his failed National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Police Commissioner Erla Christopher.”
Persad-Bissessar said the 15 terrifying murders for the first week of 2024 has not provoked a single operational action or even comment from the Government.
She noted that if action is not taken immediately by Rowley and the Police Service Commission to replace Fitzgerald Hinds and Erla Christopher, T&T may well record another year of near or over 600 murders.
Persad-Bissessar said: “It is increasingly evident and equally disturbing that this Government has no interest in citizens’ security and welfare. Fresh on the heels of the nation coming out of its second deadliest year in history, the Police Commissioner is once again calling on God to do her job for her.”
The UNC leader said while many of us have faith in the divine and believe in the power of prayer, it still falls to us to do what needs to be done, as faith without action is dead.
“It is now obvious that both the Government and the Police Commissioner are not even pretending to care about the nation’s safety, while brutal criminals are roaming the land, killing at will, invading decent people’s homes, kidnapping, assaulting, and carrying out other violent acts,” added Persad-Bissessar.
She repeated calls to introduce stand your ground laws, give law-abiding citizens access to legal firearms and for the Government to work with the business community to use the full power of the state apparatus to end the scourge of extortions and robberies.
Persad-Bissessar said the UNC remains prepared and committed to meaningful discussions with the Government, headed by the Prime Minister.
“However, the party which I lead will not just wait for the Prime Minister to put ego aside for the sake of the country. I call on every citizen to, no matter your political stance, to join the UNC’s Anti-Crime Town-hall meetings, starting in St Joseph next Monday at the La Joya Complex Auditorium, Eastern Main Road.
Come join the conversation with Professor Hubert Daisley, Dr. Indira Rampersad, Ralph Maharaj and former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, where you can share your experiences, and contribute your ideas.”
She said, “Your voice is a key part of the solution, no matter your age, economic standing, or political views. It is now up to every one of us to secure ourselves, our family and our community.