Kamla: TT needs a leader

Claiming that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley continues to show he is incapable of dealing with the crime menace, Persad- Bissessar said, “While Rowley tries to deflect and shift blame to others, our citizens no longer feel safe in their own homes.” Alleging that Government is using public relations and misdirection to mask its incompetence in curbing crime, Persad-Bissessar said, “The Prime Minister must stop trying to shift blame, and take tough action to protect the people of TT and ensure their safety and security.” She said her former administration, “ had a plan that was working, and the country saw a reduction in serious crime.” However Persad-Bissessar claimed the People’s National Movement (PNM) stopped many anti-crime measures implemented by her administration and failed to put forward proposals or initiatives to deal crime. She said the latest announcements made at Wednesday’s conference, “show that the Government is bereft of ideas to tackle crime head-on.” Accusing Rowley of having a “dismissive attitude towards the upsurge in criminal activity”, Persad-Bissessar said this is unacceptable, especially since he is Prime Minister and chairman of the National Security Council. She declared, “What is needed now is a leader with the courage to make the tough decisions needed to address the issues facing the country, and Rowley has shown that he is incapable of leading this country.” Persad-Bissessar said multiple attempts have been made to engage the Government on this important issue. She added that the United National Congress (UNC) continues to be willing to work with all stakeholders, including the Government, in the national interest, to deal with crime. For his part, Tabaquite MP Suruj Rambachan said a new thinking is needed against criminals.

“In my view, the person we need heading the Police Service is an operational leader. It needs a more aggressive leadership,” he said.

“Putting more and more police won’t stop crime. It needs a new strategic thinking, identifying the patterns taking place - less talk, more action.” Rambachan said criminals have no respect for law and order. “They have declared war on the police and the citizens. They are not afraid.” He viewed the Government as inept against crime and the stalled economy. “They are just waiting for the oil price to go back up,” he surmised.

“The Government’s approach is to blame and to excuse themselves.

They are failing to inspire the population, to make sacrifices in the short-term. The country remains very dividied, which is a PNM strategy but which is very detrimental to the country itself.”