MAYARO MP Rushton Paray is willing to go beyond the party line and support government bills that will help fight crime.
Addressing the Lower House of Parliament on Monday, Paray underscored the urgent need for a robust response to the escalating crime situation in the country.
Paray expressed his concerns over the crime rate and urged law enforcement to implement an immediate and aggressive crackdown. “Attack with full force,” he stated, calling for government to equip police with the tools needed to combat crime effectively.
He said, “Let’s take the fight to the criminals, let’s not wait for the criminals to fight us.”
Paray said the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Paray was responsible for addressing the crime situation in the country.
He expressed his readiness to support legislation that empowers protective institutions, provided it safeguards citizens’ constitutional rights and withstands judicial scrutiny.
The Mayaro MP said, “And you see what I don’t want for you and your family, I don’t want for mine and it is for that single reason that if something is presented, we have a duty to act in accordance with the wellbeing of this country.”
Paray said that his stance transcended political affiliations, dismissing allegations of being a PNM (People’s National Movement) operative.
“This may very well be my swan song, let the chips fall where they may,” Paray remarked, indicating his commitment to prioritising national wellbeing over party politics.
The statements drew a measured response from Chief Whip David Lee, who reiterated the Opposition’s position on supporting legislation that respects citizens’ rights.
“It is premature to give blanket support without knowing what it is that you would be supporting.” Lee said
Paray, alongside several other MPs, has been positioned at the far end of the Opposition bench following public criticism of the United National Congress (UNC) leadership during the party’s June elections.
Paray led a slate called the United Patriots, which was unsuccessful in the internal polls.
