Kamla: Govt failing TT

The march began at Bhupsingh Park, Penal and finished with a panel discussion on crime at Bakal Recreation Ground in Penal.

Persad-Bissessar, flanked by MPs Roodal Moonilal, Vidia Gayadeen- Gopeesingh, Tim Gopeesingh, Barry Padarath, David Lee, Rodney Charles, Dr Lackram Bodoe, and Deputy UNC leader Khadija Ameen, marched at the front of hundreds of people waving placards and dressed in black and white.

“This is not a UNC event, it is organised by the Penal/Debe Foundation,” said Persad- Bissessar in a brief speech before a panel discussion.

“But why are we here? It is to make it very clear that this Government has failed in every regard – education, health care, the economy, jobs, and in the fight against crime.

I want to promise you as your MP and as your Leader of the Opposition that together with our team, we will do all that we can to ensure that the Government listens, that the Government takes charge because they are in charge now to deal with the issue of the fight against crime.” Shortly after her speech, Persad-Bissessar and the MPs left to attend another event.

Then a panel discussion was held with retired Brigadier General Carl Alphonso, former commissioner of police James Philbert, former Independent senator and youth activist Nikolai Edwards, director of the National Counselling Association Sandra Jaggernauth, and Shiva Roopnarine, president of the Penal/ Debe Chamber of Commerce. The panel discussion focused on the definition of crime and how to recognise it; the punishment of crime; and rehabilitation of those released from prison after serving their time. From the discussions, a policy paper would be produced and sent to the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, and the Commissioner of Police for their comment and their action.

President of the Penal/ Debe Foundation Khemraj Seecharan said they were moved to have the march to make a statement against the upsurge in crime in the country, and in their community. “There has been a great change in this community where people once felt safe are now afraid to leave their home over the past few months.”