Mayaro MP Rushton Paray says Dr Keith Rowley is abdicating his duty as prime minister when he said that citizens must bear the brunt of the responsibility in fighting crime.
In a statement on Thursday, Paray said, “As a concerned citizen and Parliamentary Representative for Mayaro, I must express my profound disappointment and alarm at the recent statements made by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley regarding the escalating crime rates in Trinidad and Tobago.
“His remarks, which place the responsibility of combating crime on the citizens rather than on his administration, are a shocking abdication of his duty as the head of the government and the National Security Council.”
Paray labelled Dr Rowley’s remarks as an admission of failure, suggesting the prime minister has lost control over the country’s security situation. He emphasised that it is unacceptable for Rowley to deflect blame while citizens suffer the consequences of rising crime.
He said, “Dr. Rowley’s assertion that ordinary citizens must bear the brunt of the responsibility for holding criminals accountable, while his government sidesteps this critical issue, is a clear admission of failure.
“It is an undeniable signal that he has lost control of the situation and is no longer capable of ensuring the safety and security of the people.”
Paray said that the government must confront its obligations with decisive action and comprehensive strategies.
He said, “The time for excuses and deflection has passed. It is time for the Prime Minister to step aside and allow the people to elect a government that will fulfil its most fundamental duty: protecting the lives and security of all our citizens”
