PM urged to take up Nat Sec ministerial responsibility – Kamla: Government continues to fail on security

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Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar. FILE PHOTO - PHOTO COURTESY OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENT

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that as Government has failed and continues to fail in dealing with the country's worsening crime situation, it is time for the prime minister to take responsibility by taking on the National Security ministerial portfolio.

Her call came as she issued a statement in response to a shooting incident outside a Malick, Barataria preschool on September 25 which left two men dead and three others, including a four-year-old boy, nursing gunshot injuries.

Extending condolences to the relatives of the two men who were gunned down outside the preschool, Persad-Bissessar said this latest act of violence as yet another testimony to the failure of the Rowley-led government over the past nine years.

"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," the Siparia MP said in her statement.

She said children are no longer safe in schools and the general public is no longer safe in their homes.

"Can you imagine the trauma these children faced today hearing gunshots ring out as a bloody nightmare played 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?"

She condemned the act of violence and called on Dr Rowley to take action by removing Fitzgerald Hinds as National Security Minister and take up that portfolio himself.

She also called on psychologists and counsellors to intervene with the affected children and families.

Persad-Bissessar then warned:

"TT will sink into further anarchy and the gangs will reign if this government continues in office. The UNC stands ready, willing and committed to working with the government to take action. We have lent support to 37 pieces of anti-crime fighting legislation. But what good is the law when it cannot be enforced because of incompetence?"

She blamed the police's "abysmal" detection rate as one reason for criminals being fearless.

"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 are in a worse state than is being reported."

Persad-Bissessar claimed Rowley did not care about citizens and had refused to take responsibility for their safety. A UNC government, she said, will act immediately to tackle gang warfare and violence.

"We have a comprehensive anti-crime plan to restore law, order and peace in this nation. We also have a comprehensive justice reform plan to implement."

Persad-Bissessar claimed she was the only politician to physically go to Morvant/Laventille to meet and listen to the people.

In May, the UNC held its fifth national anti-crime consultation at Misir Community Centre, Morvant where the constituents publicly aired their hurt and pain caused by crime, and spoke out on the victimisation and hardship endured because of their alignment with the opposition.

JOINT PATROLS HAVE BEGUN

Four hours after the brazen early-morning shooting in Malick, senior police held a public engagement exercise.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Junior Benjamin as well as Major Steve Benny and other members of the TTPS walked through downtown Port of Spain and spoke to businesspeople and the public.

Asked about the shooting incident in Malick, Benjamin said, "It is really sad to know we have this brazen killing taking place where innocent people were affected.

"The police will continue to deal with gang violence by doing effective intelligence and holistic investigations," he said.

Benjamin said the public engagement exercise was the start of working with the Defence Force in what is being called the Joint Task Force Operation One.

"We are seeking to increase the presence of the police officers and the TTDF so people can feel free, not just in the capital but in at least five divisions namely Western, Port of Spain, Eastern, Central and Southern," Benjamin said.

Benjamin said the operation began on September 23 with six exercises taking place in Central and South divisions on September 25.

During the walkabout, Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland drove past in his black Toyota Prado SUV. He waved at the police and complimented them on the job they were doing. Asked questions by reporters, Scotland answered before driving off.

Scotland returned roughly 25 minutes later and apologised to reporters for his abrupt exit earlier, saying he had an appointment he could not be late for.

He said the Malick shooting left him with a heavy heart. He expressed condolences to the family of the two dead men.

"It seems that certain elements are not resting. That is why we cannot rest. Minister Hinds works every day. The PM works every day. Because they (criminals) are not resting," Scotland said.

He emphasised the brazenness of criminals.

"A school you know. First it was a hospital, now it is a school. We will not have it!"

Scotland said a plan was in place to deal with crime but he did not elaborate on this plan.