Kamla: TT in crisis

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said TT finds itself in crisis as it celebrates its 55th anniversary of Independence tomorrow. She declared, "Strong leadership is required to confront the challenges we face."

In her Independence Day Message to the nation, Persad-Bissessar said, "There is a sense of hopelessness in the country, with thousands of citizens struggling to get by, having lost their jobs and only source of income." She attributed this to, "another sharp decline in our economy."

Persad-Bissessar also said she was saddened that, "our citizens continue to grapple with the scourge of crime and criminality." She said lack of quality health care and recent cuts in education, are also cause for concern in TT today.

However in spite of all of these negatives, Persad-Bissessar believed the citizens of TT, "are capable of greatness in every area." She was confident that, "we will soon be firmly back on track for further development. "

Persad-Bissessar said her goal and that of the Opposition remains improving the quality of life for the entire population. She said the Opposition is currently, "developing policy proposals to build our economy, create sustainable jobs and to continue to develop our nation’s human capital." Persad-Bissessar said these proposals include the development of a knowledge-driven diversified and growing economy in TT.

She urged all citizens to play their part in rebuilding this country's sense of patriotism and nationhood. Persad-Bissessar said it was incumbent on all people to build a society which is one of, "acceptance, tolerance and equality."