Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has issued a sharp rebuke to citizens following what she described as irresponsible behaviour captured in a video circulating over the Independence weekend, saying Trinidad and Tobago cannot continue to tolerate lawlessness in public spaces.
In a statement yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said the conduct on display stood in stark contrast to the values of the majority of the population.
“Trinidad and Tobago, the irresponsible behaviour seen in the video clip occurred over the Independence weekend. The majority of citizens are decent, law-abiding people who should not have to live in a lawless dump because of criminals and belligerent individuals.”
The Prime Minister said that while crime is often blamed on institutions, many acts of violence begin with personal choices and avoidable confrontations.
“85 murders have occurred this year because of altercations that were totally avoidable. We cannot keep blaming the TTPS, Judiciary, the British Empire, and every other entity for violence and crime when supposedly normal persons are behaving like this in public.”
Persad-Bissessar said the country must embrace greater personal responsibility if communities are to become safer and more peaceful. She stressed that decent families should be able to enjoy public spaces without fear of being affected by the actions of disruptive individuals.
“If you can’t behave properly in public, please stay home so decent, law-abiding citizens and their families can enjoy the country without suffering from your lack of personal responsibility.”
Trinidad Express
