Kamla: Power in hands of the people

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad -Bissessar is lamenting that while the country celebrates the 41st anniversary of the attainment of Republican status in which the Republican Constitution places “supreme power in the hands of the people of our country and their representatives,” she sees no movement by the current administration “towards improving our public institutions for the benefit of our people.”

In her Republic Day message to the nation, the Persad-Bissessar said, “What we are seeing today is worrying–the approach to governance is authoritarian, and citizens now feel excluded and demoralised.

“We are seeing crime spiralling at an alarming rate, with citizens living in fear as they go about their daily activities. Our economy is in a downward spiral, with thousands having lost their jobs since this Government took office. Investment is drying up, and our business people are facing tough financial circumstances. By all indications, the outlook for our country is grim.”

She reminded citizens that, “The power lies in your hands. It is up to each of us to work together to bring about positive change in our society,” adding, “as a parliamentarian and a citizen, I will continue to work towards serving the people of this country.” She further called on all citizens to join with her and her team “as we seek to continue to build our nation, and to build a brighter future for us all.”

Persad-Bissessar challenged citizens to, “Continue to work to protect our hard-won freedoms, and demand of our leaders to take their responsibilities seriously, and work in the interest of all citizens.”

“It cannot be, that those holding high office seek the interests of a few while ignoring the needs of the majority. The people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve more, and I call on all right-thinking citizens to stand up for your rights and let your voices be heard. I will stand with you as we seek to further the development of our nation.”

Declaring she remained committed to TT, Persad-Bissessar called on citizens to do their part to create a society of which they could all be proud.