Kamla accuses government of fuelling 'narco economy'

UNC leader and Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar has accused the government of being an “eat ah food oligarchy,” overseeing a nation crippled by corruption and an underground economy “fuelled by drug money.”

Speaking to supporters at the Himalaya Club in Barataria on April 7, ahead of the April 28 general election, Persad-Bissessar attacked the PNM, claiming the party prioritised the interests of the wealthy over the safety and well-being of ordinary citizens.

“Under this government, some members of the fake elite funded by narco money have embedded into parts of the economy, thus fuelling crime,” she charged.

“A large portion of our economy, mainly the underground economy, is financed by drug money.

“Only the ignorant refuse to see it. This narco-funded crime is an inflictor of great pain."

Persad-Bissessar sought to highlight the human cost of the government’s leadership by reciting the names of several children who died by violence during the PNM’s last term.

"Kevin Kyle Spring, Anika Guerra, Faith Peterkin, Arianna Peterkin, Shain Peterkin, Tiffany Peterkin, Andrea Lallan, Jayden Lalchan, Andrea Bharat, Ashanti Riley, Jomol Modeste, Ezekiel Paria. Remember these names, beautiful children, gone zipped in body bags.”

She also attacked PNM's economic track record, accusing the party of failing to deliver on key promises over the past two election cycles.

"Between 2015 and 2024, oil production decreased by 32 per cent, natural gas production decreased by 32 per cent as well."

LNG production decreased by 39 per cent, she said, while ammonia production decreased by 20 per cent.

“Drilling activity decreased by 57 per cent, energy sector GDP decreased by 31 per cent, jobs in the sector decreased by 49 per cent, and of top of that refinery throughput was shut down.”

She said citizens would be forced to pay higher electricity rates owing to the government's "disastrous gas price negotiations."

She promised the party would deliver economic relief, repeal the Property Tax Act, and ensure foreign exchange was available to the average citizens.

“This means you can shop online, travel or get your business going with the freedom you deserve."

Persad-Bissessar outlined several initiatives aimed at improving housing affordability and education.

She proposed streamlining approval processes for land development, reinvigorating the "land for the landless" initiative, and making quality housing more accessible to young people.

She promised financial incentives for high-performing teachers, anonymous anti-bullying apps for schools and after-school meals supplemented with multivitamins for children in feeding programmes.

She also promised community support councils and funding for faith-based organisations to serve as homework and activity centres.

“Mandatory, annual physical and medical screening (will be provided) by state-approved public and private medical doctors to examine for physical abuse … substance abuse, sexual abuse, malnutrition and diseases. Mandatory screening for our students.”

Tunapuna candidate, former senior superintendent Roger Alexander, called for a return of “moral and spiritual values” and, more tangibly, arming regular citizens with licensed guns.

“No longer must we accept extortion from criminal elements telling you when to give them money and when not to give them money.”

“All of us want to walk the streets without fear.”

The process for acquiring legal guns, he said, “must not be long and drawn out, but one that can capture all the characteristics of a particular individual or the applicant. And this must be done in a short space of time.”

Persad-Bissessar has hinted at Alexander leading the Ministry of Home Affairs, a new department she plans to establish if elected.

He said Persad-Bissessar had signalled her intention to work with the Commissioner of Police to achieve that.

Additionally, Alexander briefly addressed the discharge of Defence Force personnel at age 45 (depending on the rank), saying many possessed valuable expertise that was being wasted.

“We allow persons who are skilled and highly trained to become security guards or end up in the hands of criminal elements. That must stop.”

Like the panel of speakers, Alexander accused the PNM of failing to deliver over two terms.

“We have given you ten years and what did you do? If we give you 11, will that change anything?”

Devesh Maharaj, candidate for Aranguez/St Joseph, focused on criminal justice reform, saying the system moved too slowly in prosecuting and exonerating the accused.

“How many of you have been to the courts and it takes years to complete matters?”

He referred to the dismissal of fraud charges against former Pointe-a-Pierre MP and candidate for Caroni Central David Lee, related to tax exemptions on a vehicle he allegedly sold. Lee did not speak on the podium.

“It took him three years and two months for his case to be completed. The Piarco (airport) case,” he complained, “is going on 23 years.”

Maharaj said the UNC intends to “take steps” to ensure trials are shortened.

Saddam Hosein, incumbent MP and candidate for Barataria/San Juan, slammed the two recent murders of prison inmates.

Most recently, one inmate was killed and two others were injured in a fight at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca on April 5.

“And what Marvin Gonzales had to say about that? Absolutely nothing,” he charged.

Hosein also accused the PNM of victimising whistleblowers and misusing government funds via nepotism in awarding contracts to companies with family members as directors.

Deputy political leader Jearlean John encouraged voters to skip work on April 28 and turn out en masse to vote.

She said a UNC victory was inevitable, noting a recent television survey showed the UNC was favoured by 46 per cent of respondents, compared to the PNM’s 15 per cent. PM Stuart Young, she said, was "polling below the white line on the road.”

She chided Young for only just realising the skyrocketing cost of basic goods.