Kamla Knocks Prime Minister’s silence and inaction as rampant crime and violence mar 2018 Carnival celebrations

Citizens continue to suffer as a result of Keith Rowley’s incompetence and inability to deal with crime

With just a few hours left of the reign of the Merry Monarch, Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expressing deep concern over the levels of crime and violence witnessed over the two-day Carnival celebrations, and is slamming Dr. Keith Rowley over the apparent abdication of his responsibilities as Prime Minister.

The Opposition Leader issued the following statement:

It is truly disappointing that Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley continues to demonstrate lack of care or concern for the people of this country or for persons visiting our shores, as he remains silent on the reported threat to disrupt Carnival, and on the high incidence of crime and violence reported over the past two days.

As head of the National Security Council, Rowley should have provided the people with some assurance that the Government had a plan to deal with any plot to cause mayhem and terrorize citizens and visitors during this time.

Rowley continues to show that he is incapable of dealing with the crime problem which is now out of control, and appears to have abdicated his responsibilities as Prime Minister and head of Government – which includes ensuring that citizens are protected.

The reports of violence that have marred this year’s celebration are disturbing, and fear is gripping our nation, as the criminal element seems capable of operating with impunity. In addition, our international image has been tarnished by these violent incidents as well as the report of the threat, and yet the Government is silent.

The Prime Minister should immediately address the nation and provide the people of this country with definitive measures to tackle escalating crime, violence and the threat of terrorism.

I remind the people of this country that Rowley has said publicly that he is held responsible for increasing crime rates, something for which he has “absolutely no involvement in or control over.”

It is clear that the Prime Minister does not have a clue as to what his responsibilities are, nor does he have any ideas on how to fulfill those responsibilities.

The people of this country deserve proper leadership and good governance.

Rowley has repeatedly shown that he is not up to the task of leading this country. The time has come for him to admit that he has failed and allow the people of Trinidad and Tobago to elect a team with the vision and plan to get the job done.