AG Responds to Dr. Keith Rowley: Silence is not an option
The Honourable Attorney General Anand Ramlogan SC, condemns the reckless suggestion made by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley that the government should have “stayed away” and refused to support President Barack Obama’s UN Resolution against foreign terrorist fighters. This Resolution sought to build a global partnership in the international community so that we can all rise to meet the mounting challenge of terrorism.
Terrorism is a crime against humanity and democracy. It is a stateless and border-less atrocity that has ramifications for every single nation. We in Trinidad and Tobago have not been immune from the deadly and destructive effects of such an evil and the government is therefore pleased to support President Obama on this historic initiative. In so doing, we have joined the other 103 nations from around the world (including Jamaica) that co-sponsored this Resolution to build a global alliance to confront the scourge of terrorism.
Dr Rowley’s vision of Trinidad and Tobago as a small and insignificant player on the world stage is perhaps more reflective of his own lack of understanding and awareness of the tremendous potential of our people and the international respect our small nation commands. His statement that we cannot afford to declare war on terrorists “at a time you can stay away” is naive and cowardly. The war against terrorism is not one from which any nation can afford to stay away. It is our collective duty and responsibility to join hands to protect our citizens.
Dr. Rowley’s attitude belittles our nation and reveals the self-imposed intellectual fetter that limits his vision and prevents him from seeing the true greatness of our people and nation. We have long made our mark on the world stage as evidence by the creativity of our carnival, our inventive steelpan, our contribution to the establishment of the International Criminal Court and the many other sons and daughters of our nation who serve the international community in high offices.
It is backward and anachronistic for any potential leader to say “little Trinidad and Tobago has to be careful to walk among the gears and don’t get crushed”. It is clear that Dr Rowley has no idea of foreign policy and he has no vision for Trinidad and Tobago beyond our shores. It is noteworthy that the Leader of the Opposition of Jamaica has voiced no such criticism of the Jamaican government for co-sponsoring this Resolution.
We will benefit from the sharing of critical data and intelligence with our allies and the strengthened network of security and law enforcement agencies that can now work together. The Resolution is a proactive and progressive step in the right direction that will bring training opportunities, invaluable transfer of expertise, enhance the capacity of our security agencies, make us all more aware and alert and improve our chances against terrorists. In accepting the call of the international community, the Government recognizes that now more than ever, terrorism is inextricably linked with other criminal enterprises such as the illegal trade of arms and narcotics and human trafficking all of which are critical issues for the national security of Trinidad and Tobago. That this escapes Dr. Rowley shows that at best he is myopic with respect to the strategic security interests of the country.
The Honourable Attorney General does not agree that this was a time “when you can stay away” from supporting such an important UN Security Resolution. It would have been irresponsible for the government to refuse support, more so at a time when PM Persad-Bissessar is the current Chairperson of the Security Committee of the CARICOM. Given the PNM’s political relationship with the Jamaat Al Muslimeen, Dr Rowley’s stance is all the more troubling and leaves us to wonder why he is against us participating in the fight against terrorism.
The government is proud to do its part in reinforcing the international partnership in the fight against terrorism. To do otherwise would send the wrong signal and sully our international reputation and image as a constitutional democracy with respect for the rule of law. We cannot do as Dr Rowley asks and bury our heads in the sand. Silence is not an option in the fight against terrorism and we must all join hands.
MINISTRY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
October 1st, 2014