UNC stands firm on Anti-Kidnapping Bill

THE UNITED National Congress yesterday reiterated its position that the Anti-Kidnapping Bill currently before Parliament, cannot take precedence over constitutional reform and the restructuring of Caroni (1975) Limited.

Magistrates already have the power to refuse bail to persons charged with kidnapping, the UNC said yesterday. But constitutional reform would address problems of racism and inequity in the distribution of the State’s resources. Such reform, the party added, would bring about cohesion among the various ethnic groups in the country. It is the UNC’s view that a considerable part of the population is being alienated and are made to feel they are second-class citizens.

The UNC said it was not prepared to accept any piece-meal and petty attempt to propose constitutional reform by way of simply amending legislation. “This is not what we are all about. We therefore call again for the Manning Administration to engage in full, sweeping, broad-based and comprehensive constitutional reform to resolve our social and political problems.” The statement accused the present administration of attempting to shift blame for the escalating kidnapping incidents on the UNC’s refusal to support the Bill.  “Our position is firm. The PNM is retrenching 10,000 sugar workers and many more workers are being targetted,” the statement said.