[UPDATED] IDA: PNM prioritising political gain over well-being of public servants

THE INNOVATIVE Democratic Alliance (IDA) has accused the People’s National Movement (PNM) of “prioritising political gain over the well-being of our nation's dedicated public servants.”

In a statement on January 15, the party alluded to the Prime Minister’s claim in the House of Representatives on January 13 that police officers were pretending to close stations to hide from criminals.

Dr Rowley made the claim while opening debate on a motion to extend the state of emergency for an additional three months. The motion was passed.

But in a media release on January 14, Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher defended her officers.

She acknowledged the difficult environment they face in executing their duties but said their dedication to the job was unflinching.

“I wish to reassure the public of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s dedication and unwavering commitment to performing its policing functions,” she said.

Harewood-Christopher also sought to reassure the population that the doors of police stations are always open.

She said “the men and women of the TTPS are trained, dedicated and resolute in their mission to protect and serve every citizen, even in the face of imminent danger.”

The IDA said Rowley’s claim has not only demoralised police officers but also has led to a public dispute with Harewood-Christopher.

“Such remarks not only undermine the morale and dedication of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) but also risk making the organisation a subject of ridicule, which can severely impact its effectiveness in tackling crime.”

In its statement, the IDA also described as “unfounded,” allegations made last year by Minority Leader Kelvon Morris about the operations of the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA).

Morris, at a news conference in Tobago on December 20, alleged there was an overpayment scandal at the TRHA.

But the IDA said, “After extensive investigations, the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) determined that the document referenced in the press conference and circulated widely on social media, which purportedly highlighted questionable payments for items like onions, garlic, and coffee, was actually an internal memo generated by a computer glitch.”

The party continued, “These baseless accusations have unjustly damaged the reputations of hardworking TRHA staff and exemplify a troubling trend where political expediency is prioritised over integrity and factual accuracy.

These incidents highlight a troubling pattern within the PNM's playbook, where political mischief and the pursuit

of cheap political points are placed above truth and integrity.”

The IDA called on the Prime Minister and Minority Leader to issue public apologies to the affected public sector workers and acknowledge the harm caused by their statements.

“They must extend sincere apologies to the police officers and healthcare staff whose reputations have been unjustly maligned.”

Furthermore, it urged the PNM and all political figures to “commit to ensuring that their statements and actions are rooted in verified information, adhering to the principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for the hardworking public servants who sustain our nation.”

The party said it remains steadfast in advocating for governance that builds unity, respects our public servants, and upholds the highest standards of integrity.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

THE INNOVATIVE Democratic Alliance (IDA) has accused the People’s National Movement (PNM) of "prioritising political gain over the well-being of our nation's dedicated public servants."

In a statement on January 15, the party alluded to the Prime Minister’s claim in the House of Representatives on January 13 that police officers were pretending to close stations to hide from criminals.

Dr Rowley made the claim while opening debate on a motion to extend the state of emergency for an additional three months. The motion was passed.

But in a media release on January 14, Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher defended her officers.

She acknowledged the difficult environment they face in executing their duties but said their dedication to the job was unflinching.

"I wish to reassure the public of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s dedication and unwavering commitment to performing its policing functions," she said.

Harewood-Christopher also sought to reassure the population that the doors of police stations are always open.

She said, "The men and women of the TTPS are trained, dedicated and resolute in their mission to protect and serve every citizen, even in the face of imminent danger."

The IDA said Rowley’s claim has not only demoralised police officers but also led to a public dispute with Harewood-Christopher.

"Such remarks not only undermine the morale and dedication of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) but also risk making the organisation a subject of ridicule, which can severely impact its effectiveness in tackling crime."