By Prior Beharry
SAN FERNANDO – OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticises the government’s choice to engage in crime talks with US officials instead of involving nationals and the diaspora.
During a UNC Anti-crime Consultation held at Naparima College in San Fernando on Monday evening, Persad-Bissessar voiced her concerns regarding the government’s lack of consideration for citizens.
Directly addressing Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, she urged him to listen to the people’s opinions rather than disregard them.
She expressed dismay at hearing about the prime minister’s recent crime talks in Washington, which excluded engagement with nationals and the diaspora.
The opposition leader said inclusivity was important and highlighted a previous Caricom crime symposium held at the Hyatt in Port of Spain, where the government failed to engage directly with the people.
Persad-Bissessar said she was disappointed at the lack of progress following the symposium and the government’s subsequent promise to hold anti-crime talks within the country.
During the event, Persad-Bissessar raised questions concerning the renewal of contracts for Paria managers Colin Piper and Mushtaq Mohammed, before the release of the Paria Commission of Enquiry report. Alleging that the report was critical of their actions, she questioned the decision to renew their contracts secretly, considering the findings of the report.
She called on the government to explain who exactly was responsible for renewing the contracts and why such actions were taken. She said if individuals were found to be culpable in their roles, the appropriate action should be taken, instead of renewing their contracts for an additional two years.
Persad-Bissessar also criticised the government, specifically Prime Minister Rowley and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, for focusing on trivial matters rather than presenting plans and solutions for crime.
She said they were preoccupied with non-essential concerns such as their discussion of the underwear of Gary Griffith.
Addressing those who questioned the absence of specific UNC plans during the consultations, Persad-Bissessar said that the purpose of the event was to listen to the public and qualified individuals to gather suggestions to fight crime. She assured attendees that the UNC’s plans would be shared during upcoming Monday Night Reports or Pavement Report meetings.
The UNC Anti-crime Consultation provided an opportunity for opposition members and concerned citizens to voice their opinions on the government’s approach to crime and discuss ways to address the ongoing challenges, she said.
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