Govt, Opposition talk crime

PM Dr Keith Rowley
PM Dr Keith Rowley

GOVERNMENT and the Opposition held talks today before the 1.30 pm sitting of the House of Representatives. Among the matters expected to be discussed where cooperation between both sides on anti-gang and anti-terrorism legislation. At a news conference at the Diplomatic Centre on Thursday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said Government is continuing its conversation with the Opposition regarding the Anti-Gang Bill 2017, which was defeated in the House last December.

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young said Government was willing to consider a motion to waive the House Standing Order which prevents a defeated bill from returning to the House until after a six month period. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the Opposition is willing to consider such a motion. In a statement, Persad-Bissessar hinted there was no reason why the Anti-Gang Bill, could not be referred to a parliamentary joint select committee, similar to the Anti-Terrorism Bill 2018.

Persad-Bissessar said the Opposition remains committed to working with the Government in the public interest to ensure the passage of critical legislation in the fight against crime. However, she said the Opposition believes the passage of legislation without providing law enforcement with the operational resources to combat the criminal element would provide little relief to the population.

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