COP leader wants referendum on capital punishment

File: COP Political Leader Prakash ramadhar

The leader of the Congress of the People has called for a Referendum on capital punishment.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Wednesday her government is committed to passing legislation to hang convicted killers. And Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner launched his own campaign Wednesday to gain support for hanging killers.

Read the story: Jack launches "A FISHERMAN's PLEA" campaign for restoration of hangings

Warner's campaign has been endorsed by COP's Deputy Chairman, Vernon de Lima.

In a statement Thursday Prakash Ramadhar said delegates from the country's 41 constituencies called on the leadership at COP's National Assembly on January 14 to make Constitutional Reform an important part of the Government's agenda.

"This resolution was unanimously passed and we are heartened by the promise of our Honourable Prime Minister to ensure that Constitutional Reform will be tackled in 2012," Ramadhar stated. 

"Capital Punishment for certain crimes is the law of Trinidad and Tobago. We have always taken the position that the laws of the country must be enforced. This issue is bigger than any individual and must be on the front burner of every patriot. We must have open and frank dialogue and debate on this matter."

Ramadhar added that COP favours the use of the Referendum to decide important national issues. 

"If ever there were a need for a Referendum, it would be on this issue of Capital Punishment. Constitutional Reform and the use of the Referendum has been a pillar of the COP's Legislative Agenda from our early days. 

"We campaigned on the promise of Constitutional Reform in 2007 and again in 2010. We stand by our pledges. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Let the people decide," he said.