Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Photo: T&T Parliament
By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is maintaining her stance that Trinidad and Tobago is not a target of war.
Speaking to the media in Tobago on Tuesday, Persad-Bissessar said, “Trinidad is not a target. Tobago is not a target. I totally disagree with the narrative out there by some that we are exposing our nationals to danger.”
She repeated, “There is no war. T&T is not a target.”
Persad-Bissessar said the targets were the narco, gun and human traffickers.
About those she said, “We are hitting them where it hurts most, in their pockets.”
Responding to questions about the impact on the fishing industry, she said Trinidad and Tobago was not dependent on income generated from fishing alone.
She also advised fishermen to stay within the boundaries of Trinidad and Tobago waters and they will be safe.
When asked if there were concerns that the tensions between the US and Venezuela could hurt tourism in Tobago, Persad-Bissessar said not currently but the situation will continue to be monitored.
No intention of leaving Caricom
Persad-Bissessar also said there was no intention Trinidad and Tobago leaving the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“Nothing is further from the truth,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said, “We remain members of the CARICOM. I have no intention as the prime minister of our country and the head of my government of leaving CARICOM.”
She repeated that the country cannot rely on Caricom alone but should look to other countries as well including Europe and the Middle East.
And Persad-Bissessar said two pros about the continuing State of Emergency was that there was no curfew and those arrested and detained still had access to justice and their rights.
“People are not left without a remedy. It is not a key turned and they pelt you in a jail and forget you there for three months no. You have access to justice for your rights.”
