Opposition Leader: Our Republic Is Under Assault
As our nation marks 45 years as a Republic, we do so today under unprecedented attacks on every single independent institution by the present PNM Government.
These sacred institutions are what hold our democracy up and they are what safeguards our citizens from the unstable nature of politicians. Unfortunately, what we are seeing today is an all-out assault on these independent institutions by the Rowley-led regime.
The current fiasco involving the appointment of a Commissioner of Police also embroils the Police Service Commission, the President of the Republic and it all ties back to Balisier House with Keith Rowley giving directions.
We see how they have compromised the once independent Elections and Boundaries Commission with their latest gerrymandering of the Tobago electoral boundaries to ensure their PNM party gets an unfair advantage. Again, another independent institution tainted by the PNM. Another stain on our nation on this Republic Day.
Furthermore, as we mark this 45th year as a Republic, all our basic rights and freedoms remain suspended. Under this present unjustified and unsubstantiated SOE, we have had our God given rights and freedoms stolen by the PNM as they seek to repress and silence all opposition, inside the Parliament and outside on the pavement.
However, the history of our nation shows quite clearly that the people of Trinidad and Tobago are not to be taken lightly. We have fought to protect and preserve our freedoms since independence to now and on this Republic Day 2021, I recommit myself and the party I lead, the United National Congress, to the continued fight to preserve and protect our sacred rights and freedoms that come with being a Republic.
Today I recommit my party’s efforts to rebuild and save our nation based on the inspiration we have always been blessed with from the significant accomplishments of our citizens.
While these are troubling and worrying times, we must remember the significant success of our citizens which provides us with the motivation to do all in our power as individuals to save our nation from the approaching tyranny.
This Republic Day is one in which we must find individual courage for the national preservation of our dynamic citizens and ensure the true potential of each is maximised.
Today I ask that we all reflect and consider what it truly means to be a Republic and let us all commit to fighting for what that really means to us all.
I wish you all a solemn and reflective Republic Day.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition
24th September 2021