PM defends role of law enforcement amid public outcry

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday referenced two quotations about morality, violence and the burden carried by those who protect society when asked about the Kaia Sealy matter.

She was responding to questions from the Express about public outrage over the police issuing warrants for Sealy to be charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of her common-law husband, Joshua Samaroo.

In a brief response on the issue, the Prime Minister said she was reminded of two sayings.

The first: “The most evil among us always expect the rest of us to live by morals that they don’t possess themselves.”

The second: “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”

Persad-Bissessar also fielded questions on several other issues.

The Express noted that Parliament was prorogued last Friday and asked whether the Prime Minister was satisfied with the legislative agenda achieved during the first session.

Persad-Bissessar said in a WhatsApp response that her Government performed well, but added that there is always room for improvement.

The second session of the 13th Republican Parliament is scheduled to begin on June 5.

Asked what new pieces of legislation the country could expect, Persad-Bissessar said legislation to create the post of Judiciary Chancellor would be introduced.

She said proposed laws to increase the legal age for alcohol consumption, marijuana use and gambling would also be brought to Parliament.

Further, she said there would be adjustments to legislation governing gated communities, private home approvals through Local Government bodies, as well as amendments to the firearms legislation.

“We want to focus on legislation to make peoples live easier and increase efficiency and convenience,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar said there would also be a focus on some deregulation measures to make doing business easier.

Asked about school violence, the Prime Minister said she plans to expand the police-in-schools initiative.

“Any school principal that doesn’t want it is free to say so,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar said legislation to ensure parental responsibility would also be brought to Parliament, which she said would assist in reducing youth misbehaviour.

“I also plan to introduce parent patrols in schools. Currently working on plans for that. Introduce parent patrols in schools. Currently working on plans for that,” she stated.

Questioned about the challenges faced by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Persad-Bissessar said the Attorney General was working on the matter and securing new accommodations for the DPP.

Last Friday, the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) walked out of Parliament and accused the Government of abusing its parliamentary majority to silence the Opposition bench, arguing that there were other speakers wishing to contribute to the debate.

The controversy was sparked after Deputy House Speaker Dr Aiyna Ali called on Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj to wrap up the debate on the Victims’ Rights Bill, explaining that Maharaj had caught the Speaker’s eye and was recognised in accordance with parliamentary rules.

The Prime Minister when asked about this responded, “If the PNM MPs are concerned about democracy they should spend more time in the Parliament chamber debating and less time in the Parliament tea room eating.”

Trinidad Express