By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRIME Minister Dr Keith Rowley is still keen on working together with Opposition Members of Parliament for the nation’s development.
This even after he holds to the belief that the attitudes of some will not change.
Dr Rowley spoke to the media following the Ceremonial Opening of the Fourth Session of the 12th Parliament on Monday saying that even though, there was a new President and Parliament, situations in Trinidad and Tobago continue to worsen.
He said, “We have a new President, a new Parliament and new and worsening situations in the country which require Parliament’s intervention. We, at the level of the Government, will keep trying in the Parliament to encourage our colleagues.”
Dr Rowley said, “I don’t see that change. I would like to see it. But there are members of Parliament who as far as I’m concerned are not prepared to see beyond what they believe is their prospects in the next election.”
During her first address to both Houses of Parliament, President Christine Kangaloo urged both Government and Opposition to work together to deal with several issues and legislation crime being the number one issue.
Dr Rowley said, “The President is attuned to the fact we have a very serious crime problem and we have to keep working at it.”
He continued to defend National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds who has been fired at with criticism for his handling of the crime situation.
“The National Security Minister works with me and I understand what he is doing and what the nature of the problem,” Dr Rowley said.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also speaking to the media following the ceremony said, “We have called all the time for collaboration. That has been our mantra, ‘Let’s work together’. Numerous times we have asked the government to meet… they met once or twice many moons ago and took nothing on board from what we said.”
Regarding new legislation, she said she was still willing to collaborate with government.
Commenting on the President’s speech itself, Persad-Bissessar said it seemed as though the President was apologising for the failure of some MPs to effectively perform their duties.
President Kangaloo also missed out on an opportunity to speak on much-needed accountability and transparency in the Parliament, she added.
Persad-Bissessar also said the Opposition was looking forward to “a very robust and aggressive session.”
