Manning, Panday to meet on crime

Prime Minister Patrick Manning and a team comprising the Ministers of National Security, Attorney General, and another member will meet at 10 am on Monday at Whitehall with a team from the Opposition headed by Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday to discuss the way forward in responding to the crime situation.

This announcement was made by Manning at 4.23 pm in the House yesterday, shortly before the tea break in the debate on the motion brought by the Government "that the House takes note of the Government’s efforts to control crime."

Manning and Panday held a brief discussion behind the Speaker’s chair before the PM returned and said agreement was reached with Panday for debate to be suspended to allow the meeting to take place. After the announcement, loud desk thumping signalled approval from both Government and Opposition MPs.

"Following those deliberations, we will return to the Parliament and report whatever further action we need to take with respect of the debate, we are prepared to take at that time. There has been agreement between Government and Opposition on this matter."

The resumption of the debate is set for 1.30 pm on Wednesday, and at this time Manning will report on the outcome of the meeting.

Speaking to the media during the break, Manning asserted, "The time for talking is over now really. It is time for action and that is where we are heading."

He described the meeting as a significant step forward and said he detected a willingness to reach agreement "that will allow us to move forward on crime."

Manning was complimentary of Panday’s approach, saying he was "very cooperative" when they spoke. He said this manner characterised the debate.

"I am sure the national community would have detected a willingness to get together and try and arrive at something amicable. That was detected in my discussion with the Leader of the Opposition."

Manning raised the issue of pre-conditions to the meeting with Panday, but said none were articulated in Parliament.

Asked if public opinion played a part in the conciliation between the Government and Opposition to meet on crime, Manning disagreed, saying, "it’s a general realisation by everybody, so many in the national community that it has to be a national effort and you can’t have the division that normally characterises the conduct of operations in this Parliament. You just can’t have that." Manning said the Police Reform Bill will be brought up on the agenda of discussions. He said the bills were the result of collaboration and the Government would not unilaterally make changes.

UNC Political Leader, Member of Parliament for St Augustine, Winston Dookeran, was positive of the planned meeting, saying it was an opportunity to try to reach consensus on how the matter should be addressed, and provide the leadership required by people in this country.

Manning and National Security Minister Martin Joseph declined to comment on the raid at the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen compound at Mucurapo Road, and referred comment to Commissioner of Police Trevor Paul.