By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Opposition United National Congress (UNC) has launched a legal programme to assist citizens who may be victimised or oppressed by the Government especially for exercising their rights.
This was announced by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday night during the UNC’s virtual report.
Citizens will not have to pay for the service.
She made reference to the situation at Queen’s Park Savannah in which several people were teargassed by police officers for gathering. She also mentioned that activist Victor Roberts was being victimised for raising key national issues.
Persad-Bissessar said, “The UNC has launched a legal committee. Yes, we have lawyers helping when things happen but we are formalising that arrangement so that we will use this legal committee to protect you when you are being threatened and harassed and abused by this wicked Government through the arm of the TTPS. This Committee will provide legal services for anyone where your rights are being trampled upon by this dictator government.”
She encouraged such persons to visit their Members of Parliament offices and local government councillors for any assistance.
However, she put a disclaimer that the committee would not be responsible for personal legal matters such as disputes with neighbours or other individuals. If persons with personal matters cannot afford legal fees, they can seek assistance from the Legal Aid and Advisory Authority.
“We will not participate in assisting you in your private law rights,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said, “When it comes to abuse by the State or their entities, we will stand with you and fight them for you.”
She also added that in those cases very few lawyers were willing to take them.
