Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says as the country heads into 2024 there is no government assurance about a fresh resolve to stamp out criminality and citizens have been told to fend for themselves.
In her New Year’s Day message, Persad-Bissessar said the number of murders, home invasions, robberies, and missing persons, a declining economy, increased costs of living, impending property taxes, and the looming increase in electricity and water rates have undoubtedly cast a shadow over Trinidad and Tobago.
She pointed out that communities that were once considered safe, such as St Augustine, St Joseph, Chaguanas, Trincity, and Tunapuna, are highlighted as danger zones internationally.
“There are no government assurances of ending illegal drug and gun imports and gang warfare by sealing off the porous borders, improving surveillance, and boosting detection rates.”
Persad-Bissessar noted there are no efforts to improve the inefficient criminal justice system through radical and urgent reform.
She accused the Prime Minister of continuing to hide from engaging the Opposition and all stakeholders in anti-crime talks but preferred to continue with his public relations game in which every citizen loses.
“While the country is being battered with violent lawlessness, the crucial National Security portfolio remains in the hands of an abominably inept Minister.”
Persad-Bissessar said that there are no comprehensive plans to address the many broken sectors in the country, including plans to grow the economy and create jobs.
“I genuinely wish every citizen a happy new year, but I know there can be no happy one unless strategic interventions are urgently implemented to stem the criminality in our land and to fix the broken sectors.
“We must work today to improve safety, security, and prosperity for all for there to be happiness in the new year and to prevent tomorrow’s generation from inheriting a criminal-run failed State where the killing of men, women, and children becomes normalised to the point of no return,” she stressed.
The Opposition Leader said the UNC has been presenting concrete plans and policy alternatives aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing T&T to crafting solutions that prioritise the well-being of all citizens, irrespective of background or circumstance.
A few examples, she said: “ We will pass “Stand Your Ground” legislation to give you the right to use lethal force within the sanctity of your homes to protect yourself and your loved ones from criminals.
“We will ensure that law-abiding citizens can easily access legal firearms to protect themselves, their families, and their property.
“We will implement judicial and prison reforms, as well as retooling the TTPS with modern training, equipment, and a competent leadership team to eliminate the criminals.
“We will bring back Community Comfort Patrols throughout Trinidad and Tobago, to ensure you do not have to pay for private security patrols in your neighbourhood.
“We will widen the suite of funding for educational and training programmes including the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Programme to once again ensure that every young citizen has access to an education for a better life away from crime.”