Kamla: UNC will curb crime if returned to government

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has repeated her promise that the UNC will reduce crime when it wins next year's general election.

In a statement on July 14, Persad-Bissessar said, "To our citizens, I urge you all to hold strong, and keep the faith: soon a new UNC government will give you the legal firearms and legislation to level the field and fight back against vicious criminals."

She lamented 14 murders which took place from July 12-14.

"It has been a most bloody and brutal weekend."

Persad-Bissessar repeated that the Opposition had supported 37 pieces of anti-crime legislation  government had brought to Parliament, the latest being the Bail (Amendment) Bill 2024.

She repeated the UNC's call for the Prime Minister to fire National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds.

"Whether one politically supports or opposes the UNC, one must acknowledge that brutal violence and murders are out of control under Hinds. Criminals don’t care who is UNC or PNM, everyone is targeted in Trinidad and Tobago.

"Political rivalry in our country can be heated and passionate, but it must always be driven by a sincere love for our country and fellow citizens."

She added that based on this, Dr Rowley "must act in the best interest of citizens and remove Hinds now as the National Security Minister."

Persad-Bissessar repeated UNC promises of "legal firearms and legislation to level the field and fight back against vicious criminals" when it returns to government.

"It is time for our citizens to be given the means to protect themselves, because the State cannot protect them. It is now a matter of life or death for our terrified population."