Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Letter to Dr. Kublalsingh

Dear Wayne,

As you have publicly announced your intention to once again embark upon a hunger strike I am moved to write you on the futility of such self-destructive action even as the case you have filed is before the Courts for adjudication.

While you feel compelled to express your views and demonstrate for them to be heard, you must equally recognise that as Prime Minister, I am duty bound to consider the representation of thousands of citizens who will benefit and whose lives will be positively affected for generations to come by the Highway extension. I have a duty to weigh in the balance, the competing views of those who have to endure the daily stress and inconvenience of the frustrating traffic and the consequential adverse impact on their quality of life and the economy.

We are fortunate to live in a free society that allows for the expression of diverse and dissenting views. I believe we must respect this and accept that it also means that we sometimes have to agree to disagree. The real departure between us comes not in the way we see things but the manner through which you hope to get your way by refusing to allow the Courts to decide and abide by those decisions and harming yourself as a form of protest. Having invoked the jurisdiction of the Court, I urge you to respect the rule of law and allow due process to take its course. Taking the law into your own hands can only serve to undermine the legal process.

Ours is a society that has a proud history of dialogue and conciliation. I respect your right to freedom of expression and ask that you likewise respect the equally passionate views of the thousands of your fellow citizens who want this highway.

You claim to lead a Highway Re-Route Movement, I lead Trinidad and Tobago and my perspective and decisions are always taken in the national interest and within the laws that govern our Republic. We cannot, and will not, be held to ransom by your decision to bring harm to yourself. While on a personal level it grieves me to see you do this, I can only offer prayerful support for your well being and hope that good sense will prevail.

May God continue to bless you as He continues to bless each and every citizen in our nation.