Kamla: PM/CoP spat bad for democracy

The Opposition leader urged on Monday morning that the Prime Minister and the Commissioner of Police (CoP) sort out the discrepancies on charging and arresting people for breaking the Public Health Regulations.

There has been debate about what constitutes a breach of the regulations relating to the covid19 pandemic.

In an interview on a radio talk show, The Ground Report, on 104.7 fm, Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the PM had a responsibility to the people to meet with Gary Griffith, as their constitutional rights were being tossed around.

She said, “I call on the PM to do the right thing, to do the civilised thing, to do the democratic thing and invite the CoP and his deputies, the health officials and of course which minister the PM sees fit, as soon as possible, to find a way out of this impasse that has been engaging the public attention.

“That is the last thing we need in a time when people are fearful for their jobs, people are fearful for their lives, people are fearful for their health and people are fearful for their livelihoods. Please meet and talk.”

Persad-Bissessar said she had no problem if Dr Rowley did not want to meet with members of the opposition, but they were willing to contribute by any means.

If the PM did not want to meet with the opposition, "then that is okay," she said. "We are willing, we have given ideas, we continue to share our suggestions, but please meet the CoP.

"These institutions are vital for the continuing democracy, for the well-being and for the best interest of the citizenry. Please convene that meeting asap.”

On Monday, the PM, the CoP and other officials met on the matter.