PM: Democracy not in danger

AS the nation celebrates its 44th year of republicanism, the Prime Minister is assuring that the country’s democracy is not in danger.

In his Republic Day message, he said the Constitution does not “ring hollow” and still demands “the government conduct the affairs of state on the principles and the practice of Parliamentary democracy and rule of law.”

His government, he said, has maintained the values of integrity, morality and equality. “In the international community, we have conducted ourselves, as a partner, respectful to all, inferior to none, holding firmly to the principles of the United Nations, including the non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.”

He said citizens have shown they are vigilant when it comes to protecting the country’s democracy. He said TT recognises competition and co-operation, but there are times where “increased outpourings of competition” are not focused on “promoting the national good.

“This may be one indicator that our democracy is not in danger, but at this time TT is facing many challenges.

“When my government took office in 2015, it was confronted with the collapse of global oil and gas prices. However, faced with such challenges our citizens showed their patience and resilience. At the start of this year, we faced another collapse in the international energy market. The covid19 pandemic later created a second shock. These dual shocks may cause our horizon to appear blurred, but not gloomy.”

He said he maintains the belief that “No one should get left behind,” adding that the government will continue to present a “robust legislative agenda to Parliament.