Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley says the Hoop of Life project involving US basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal was a "vaps" measure, which was not well thought out. He said the initiative, which involves a basketball competition with a first prize of $1 million, was bound to fail.
The measure was unveiled last weekend in Beetham Gardens and other parts of the country, with a view toward encouraging youth from depressed communities to turn away from crime. O'Neal was brought to T&T to inspire the participants and residents of the respective communities.
"This is a vaps of the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Sport and the Prime Minister," Rowley said in an interview with reporters after the People's National Movement's public meeting in St James on Tuesday night. Rowley explained that while he was not blaming National Security Minister Jack Warner for the increase in crime, his response since assuming office a week ago has been "misdirected."
The Opposition Leader said Warner would not have the moral authority to speak on the issue of crime. "I am making a prediction here: it will not be long before the Minister of National Security and the Police Service are at loggerheads over issues of moral persuasion."
Rowley had earlier criticised Warner for the way he handled the demolition last week Wednesday of a protest camp constructed by the Highway Re-route Movement in Debe. Rowley also challenged the official murder figure. He said the official murder figure at June 30 was stated as 202, but pointed out that according to figures tabulated on a daily basis by staff members of the Opposition's office, the figure was 220 at June 30. In response to another question on the appointment of two junior ministers to work with new Finance Minister Larry Howai, Rowley said while Howai was qualified, there will be no improvements with the new additions.