Suruj Slams Al Rawi Reckless Statement
I wholly condemn Faris Al Rawi’s statements that the Opposition UNC’s actions have alarmed Jamaicans as inappropriate and beyond his remit as Attorney General. Mr. Al-Rawi has chosen once again to bat outside of his crease.
Faris Al Rawi is not the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and has no authority to speak publicly as to what he thinks or believes the position of Jamaicans may or may not be with regard to a local political party. In fact, in making such statements Mr. Al Rawi has shown he is not fit to speak on international issues.
It is disingenuous and dangerous for the AG (if that is even the role he was speaking in) to promote political mischief and conflict between the people of our two nations.
The people of both countries have enjoyed common platforms in culture sports and international relations. To try and put a wedge between a democratically elected opposition in Trinidad and Tobago and the people of another sovereign nation for some sort of cheap political gain speaks of a new kind of danger to our country’s international relations.
Relations between two sovereign nations should never be lowered to the level of domestic politics.
The Kamla Persad Bissessar Administration always sought to deal with issues that arose, whether these were trade issues or immigration issues. The then Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Winston Dookeran visited Jamaica for talks at resolving whatever issues that existed.
The UNC and the People’s Partnership Administration enjoyed cordial relations with the government and people of Jamaica.
The PP Government never used its position to ill-speak another political party. In the sphere of international relations such statements would be seen as weak, disingenuous and unworthy of consideration.
Mr. Al Rawi owes an apology to the people of Jamaica for attempting to speak on their behalf and perhaps, for misrepresenting the views and positions of the Opposition in Trinidad.
The UNC led Opposition is unequivocally loyal to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, to the laws of TT, to the well-being and prosperity of all the people of the Caribbean and to the cause of Caribbean unity and regional cooperation.
Mr. Al Rawi has committed yet another blunder, which the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs must now correct.
Dr. Suruj Rambachan
MP for Tabaquite