Senior Political Reporter
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has “pounded” the People’s National Movement Government following yesterday’s shootings outside a Morvant kindergarten and she’s urged Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to remove National Security Minister Hinds and personally take on that ministry’s helm himself.
Persad-Bissessar made the call to the Prime Minister via a statement following the killing of two cousins and injury to three others, including a four-year-old boy.
“The UNC vehemently condemns these atrocious acts of violence and reiterates our appeal for the Prime Minister to take action - remove Hinds and personally take the helm of the National Security Ministry!” Persad-Bissessar said.
“My sincere condolences go out to the families of the deceased in Morvant. While some hide behind Parliament and press releases, I am the only politician who has physically gone to Morvant-Laventille to meet and listen to the people who live there. I know their feelings and fears. I want them to stay strong, help is coming after the next general election.”
She said the shooting outside a kindergarten is yet another testimony of the failed Rowley Government.
“The reality is there is wanton lawlessness and gang violence because of Government’s incompetence in dealing with this problem. The blood of the many innocents are on the hands Rowley and his entire Government. Our children are no longer safe in schools, citizens no longer safe in their homes. T&T has descended into a danger zone under Rowley’s negligence.”
Saying that terror pervades T&T, Persad-Bissessar added, “Families are gutted and plunged into mourning, daily. Can you imagine the trauma these children faced today hearing gunshots ring out as a bloody nightmare plays out mere feet away? Can you imagine their terror seeing a body busted apart by bullets on the ground? Can you imagine the anguish of the parents whose four-year-old child was shot, the pain of the deceased relatives? ... We call for the immediate intervention of psychologists and counsellors for these affected children and families.”
Persad-Bissessar added, “I’m again warning that T&T will sink into further into anarchy and the gangs will reign if this Government continues in office ... The United National Congress (UNC) stands ready, willing and committed to working with the Government to take action. We’ve lent support to 37 pieces of anti-crime fighting legislation. But sadly, what good is the law when it cannot be enforced because of incompetence.”
Persad-Bissessar said T&T’s detection rate, “...is abysmal, that is why cold-blooded killers have no fear and are brazen enough to pounce and kill anywhere and at any time - day or night.”
“There is also major under-reporting of serious crimes, as people have no confidence that anything will be done when they make reports to the police. Statistically, we’re in a worse state than is being reported.”
Accusing the Government of losing control of the country, Persad-Bissessar said, “It’s blatant when the Prime Minister himself said he is not to be blamed for crime. Rowley doesn’t care about our citizens and refuses to take responsibility for their safety. “
“I care and I will take the responsibility. A UNC Government will take immediate action to tackle gang warfare and violence. We have a comprehensive anti-crime plan of action to restore law, order and peace and we also have a comprehensive justice reform plan...”