TT freedom a ‘work in progress’

“Our country is staggering from crisis to crisis as institutions that should ensure peace, balance and justice are engaged in dictatorial abuses of power and disregard for the Constitution and time-honoured conventions,” Dookeran said.

“We have the novelty of two Chief Justices and an Opposition that is diligently pursuing its own self-destruction at a time when balance is most urgently needed to check an administration that is nakedly abusing its power.”

Dookeran said this abuse of power was seen in the Executive’s attack on the independence of the justice system and in the prime minister’s all-out war against Chief Justice Sat Sharma.

He recalled remarks were also made about attorneys originating from “south of the Caroni Bridge” and observed that cabals have been formed in institutions which are supposed to practise equal justice and inclusion.

He said Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s gift of money to Lebanon must be as puzzling to the beleaguered citizens there, as well as those locally.

He noted that the construction of concrete, steel and glass towers did nothing for the soul of the nation or the preservation of rights in a society supposedly governed by the rule of law.