Penny visits Daniel's mom, says PNM supsports death penalty

Daniel's mom greets Senator Beckles-Robinson

Opposition Senator Pennelope Beckles-Robinson on Friday denied that the People's National Movement (PNM) has been obstructionist with respect to the "hanging bill", adding that the party supports the death penalty for capital offences.

However she said there needs to be some "serious amendments" to the legislation. 

On Thursday, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan told reporters that the government has bent over backwards to make adjustments to the bill as demanded by the opposition but that the PNM was still opposing the legislation.

He called their action "obstructionist".

Read the story: PNM not voting for "hanging" bill; AG Ramlogan calls opposition "obstructionist"

Beckles-Robinson made the comments when she visited the home of Daniel Guerra, the eight-year-old Gasparillo boy whose body was found in a river last Sunday, two days after his family reported that he was missing.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar visited the family on Monday and vowed to find Daniel's killer.

Read the story: PM Kamla weeps for little Daniel, pledges to find the child's killer

Beckles-Robinson said she went to the family home to express condolences on behalf of the PNM. 

"I have been looking at what has been happening over the last couple days and his death has almost united the country, in the sense that many people have come out in support of the parent, in support of the family," she said

She also took the opportunity to speak about the debate over the death penalty. 

"What is clear is that the Opposition has some concerns in terms of the categorisation of the bill, so I don't think the issue is supporting the death penalty," Beckles-Robinson said.

"I think there are some serious amendments that need to be done. What the Opposition wants to ensure is that when that debate is completed you want to achieve what the public is asking."

Beckles-Robinson was optimistic that the Government and Opposition would do what is best for the country. "I am sure that both parties will come together and try and resolve it in a way that people will be comfortable," she said. 

However her view is in conflict with that of her leader, Keith Rolwey, who stated earlier in the week that the PNM will vote against the "hanging" bill on Monday.