OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says that the United National Congress (UNC) has a plan to deal with gang warfare.
She commented on Wednesday following the fatal shooting of two brothers outside a preschool in Malick.
Reports indicate that around 8.10 am, on Wednesday, Gerald Caliste was standing outside a preschool at Johnny Basement, Upper 7th Avenue, Malick, when a vehicle approached and two armed men exited.
The assailants shot at Gerald and his brother Kemo Caliste. Gerald died at the scene, and Kemo died while undergoing treatment at the hospital, while other persons who were standing nearby ran for safety. Four persons, including a four-year-old boy, were injured in the incident.
Police said the shooting was gang-related and that Kemo was known to them.
Persad-Bissessar said, “A UNC Government will take immediate action to tackle gang warfare and violence in Trinidad and Tobago.
“We have a comprehensive anti-crime plan of action to restore law, order and peace in this nation. We also have a comprehensive justice reform plan to implement.”
Persad-Bissessar criticised the Dr Keith Rowley government calling the fatal shootings a clear indication of the administration’s failure to address rampant lawlessness and gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago.
Persad-Bissessar said, “The blood of the many innocents are on the hands of Rowley and his entire Government.”
She said that the safety of children and families has been compromised.
Persad-Bissessar said, “Our children are no longer safe in schools. Citizens are no longer safe in their homes.”
Describing the current state of the nation as a “danger zone,” she said, “Can you imagine the trauma these children faced today hearing gunshots ring out as a bloody nightmare plays out mere feet away?”
The United National Congress (UNC) leader condemned the violence and urged Dr Rowley to take decisive action, including the removal of National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds from his position. She called for immediate psychological support for the children and families impacted by the shooting.
She said, “While some hide behind parliament and press releases I am the only politician who has physically gone to Morvant Laventille to meet and listen to the people who live there. I know their feelings and their fears. I want them to stay strong, help is coming after the next general election.”
Persad-Bissessar warned that without significant intervention, T&T would descend further into chaos.
She said, “I am again warning that T&T will sink into further anarchy if this government continues in office.”
Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed her party’s commitment to supporting anti-crime legislation, stating that despite the UNC’s backing of 37 pieces of legislation, the government’s incompetence has rendered them ineffective.
She said, “What good is the law when it cannot be enforced?”
Persad-Bissessar said country’s low crime detection rates was a factor contributing to a culture of fear among citizens.
She also raised concerns about the underreporting of serious crimes, attributing it to public distrust in law enforcement. “Statistically, we are in a worse state than is being reported,” she said.
Persad-BIssessar offered condolences to the families in Morvant affected by the recent tragedy and promised that a UNC government would implement a comprehensive anti-crime plan and justice reform.
She added, “Help is coming after the next general election.”
