Rambachan made the comments in New York an interview with the Trinidad Guardian.
He defended the People's Partnership government's national security policy, calling it an appropriate measure in a crisis situation.
The minister said the PNM's record on crime is poor, claiming that the party in government did nothing about the problem. Rambachan said that would have to be “an albatross that the party will have to carry forever.”
He also wondered why the PNM, which now claims that the anti-gang law is sufficient to deal with crime, didn't take that position before. “If it truly believes that the anti-gang law is sufficient, why wasn’t it used effectively?”
Rambachan said the current laws are not sufficient to deal with the magnitude of the crime problem in Trinidad & Tobago, especially with drug trafficking and the security of citizens.
He dismissed the claim that the State of Emergency has damaged the country's international image, calling such comments "baseless" and "ill founded". He also dismissed charges of of civil rights violations, noting that contrary to what some of the negative propaganda has suggested, the Constitution has not been suspended and the rule of law remains in effect.
“Detainees have a right to legal representation and a fair trial. Moreover, people in Trinidad are sleeping much better today,” Rambachan told the paper.
He also spoke of the government's achievements in reducing crime by 30 per cent since taking office. He said people are supportive of the measures the government has taken to fight crime.
“There is now a common mind, where people are putting what’s in the best interest of society first, and are willing to make some personal sacrifices.”
Rambachan was unable to say if the State of Emergency would be extended again into the Christmas season. He explained that such a decision will be based on recommendations from the security apparatus.
The Guardian also asked Rambachan about economic issues. the Minister acknowledged that the global economic turmoil has affected the country's economy. however he said there is optimism for the future because of the several strong Latin American countries have shown a heightened interest in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Bilateral agreements with Panama and Guatemala, and the reopening of the Colombia Embassy reflect our growth and economic expansion,” he said. He also said several African countries have requested assistance from the nation’s natural gas industry.
Rambachan also said food security is something the new government has made a priority.
“Food security is the most pressing concern in the world today. We have realised this and will continue to make more land available for agriculture as we promote and subsidise green house farming.
"It’s part of our new entrepreneurial scheme. And as the economy expands we are ensuring that our people are well trained at all levels to take advantage of this development,” Rambachan said.
Rambachan noted that today inflation in Trinidad & Tobago is the lowest it has been in 42 years.
“While the PNM was caught up in building high rises, some areas were without water for decades. We are a back-to-basics government. We are building a civil society. We are giving the people the essentials – better infrastructure, food security and national security.”
Rambachan said the PP is secure. “If we continue to do what we are doing; if we can redirect the restlessness of our youth to building the country, we don’t have much to worry about.”
No comments:
Post a Comment