PM insists on hanging killers; Rowley can oppose it at own peril

The Prime Minister said Monday she is determined to fight crime and expects a responsible opposition to support the administration.

However she said should the Opposition reject the measures, including the implementation of the death penalty, they do so at their own peril.  

Kamla Persad-Bissessar said her Government will do all it can to ensure the death penalty is implemented. "Our duty is to place crime fighting high up on the agenda. Should the Opposition not support it, they do so at their own peril."

Opposition Leader Keith Rowley said on Monday his party won't support the legislation to hang killers, suggesting that it is not necessary since hanging is already the law of the land.

"That will not stop us. We continue to try in every area that we can, through the legislative framework, through the administrative, and of course, through enforcement," she told reporters in San Fernando.

Last year the government tried to pass a bill on the capital punishment issue but the opposition rejected it and voted it down. Justice Minister Herbert Volney said over the weekend the Government would enlist the help of the people in getting support for the Bill.

Persad-Bissessar confirmed that the government will seek public discussion on the matter.

"We will continue to try to do the best that we can. If he (Rowley) is not inclined to support it, we will do what we can. We will hold consultations and discussions and continue to try."Rowley wants a revised Bill and an acceptance of the Caribbean Court of Justice as the country's final court of appeal.