Citizens wish for safer TT in 2019

AS we head into 2019, many are hoping that the year will be a better one where they can foster new dreams and live in a safer country with less crime. TT saw over 500 murders and thousands of people being put on the breadline.

Head of the Coalition for Domestic Violence Diana Mahabir-Wyatt said the end of 2018 showed signs of improvement.

"We went through a lot of trauma with floods and earthquakes and the Petrotrin situation. The rest of the English-speaking world went through trauma. Heads of state throughout were using (US president Donald) Trump's 'my way or the highway or no way' which is very much like a dictatorship. That kind of dictatorial attitude that Trump is getting away with, and I don't mean just Saudi Arabia, has been very traumatic for the whole world. I am hoping in 2019 that we will move towards a more democratic way of living."

Former prime minister Basdeo Panday wants to see TT become a better place for all to live in.

"After months of corruption, waste and mismanagement, if we could get that as a start, I think the country will be a better place. In 2018 there was basically hopelessness, I saw nothing on the horizon."

Secretary general of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Sat Maharaj was concerned about security for citizens.

"Like every other concerned citizen, I am very concerned about the security of life and limb. I do hope that the successes of the present Police Commissioner and the Police Service will continue into the new year so the citizens will feel much safer in our homes and in our business place. Without security you have nothing. I would also like to encourage the politicians to tone down the rhetoric because where the public acts in a violent manner, the politicians themselves act in a violent manner when one can say ‘I am not debating you here, meet me outside’."

Arima mayor Lisa Morris-Julian wants more people to realise their dreams.

"My new baby is definitely the highlight for me in 2018. Also during the floods I saw the best of humanity. In 2019 I am looking forward to the reform of realising more dreams for the Arima borough, especially towards our administrative complex. We want to get that started next year."