Kamla to Government: Focus on the issues, stop disrespecting women
Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, is urging the Government to focus on addressing the problems facing the country, and to stop disrespecting the women of Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking at the Divali Nagar event on Saturday 14th October, 2017, Mrs Persad-Bissessar criticized the Government’s failure to put forward any policies or proposals to tackle issues such as crime, poverty, and rising cost of living.
The Opposition Leader said, “You will hear more from us in the months to come, as we seek to lift our country out of the darkness that has pervaded it as a result of the ill-thought out measures imposed by the current administration.”
She noted the potential of existing cultural events and sites that with some investment can become contributors to the diversification of our economy, job creation and earners of foreign exchange. “This is more feasible than mega vanity projects that would not benefit the people of Trinidad and Tobago. We have the talent right here, it just needs to be nurtured and incentivised to grow,” she noted.
The Opposition Leader also knocked the Prime Minister’s disparaging comments towards women which were said in the Parliament. “We in the Opposition, and indeed the citizenry are very disturbed by what some have described as the sordid or depraved utterances of the Prime Minister. Such recurring unsavoury pronouncements by him can only serve to contribute to the disrespect being meted out to women and girls in our society,” she said. “I call on the nation to reject any leadership that is so demeaning and so disrespectful.”
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar concluded by asking citizens to “work together to help our fellow citizens, and help our country to overcome the darkness – the ills that are facing us today, especially the scourge of crime and poverty.”
She added, “We must reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, united and prosperous Trinidad and Tobago.”
“Let the flame of the deya be a reminder that light will ultimately triumph over darkness; good over evil; knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair,” the Opposition Leader said.
Please find attached the Speaking Notes of the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, at the Divali Nagar, which took place on Saturday 14th October, 2017.