Patrick Manning and his People's National Movement (PNM) were soundly defeated on May 24, 2010 in a general election he called more than two years ahead of time.
Now the former Prime Minister is calling for another general election.
Speaking at a media briefing in San Fernando, Manning said the People's Partnership government's decision to call a state of emergency has failed to make an impact on crime. In addition, he said it allowed for the misuse of the Anti-Gang legislation.
Manning said that is why the government must call an election to let the people decide whether it wants to keep the government it elected less than two years ago.
"The question is this, what is the Government now going to do because a State of Emergency is an ultimate weapon. After a State of Emergency, the only thing you could do is call a general election...
"What is to happen next? That is what investors are going to ask themselves. We better wait and see before we take any step. What about the people of Trinidad and Tobago? What about our levels of security. So a State of Emergency has not worked, what do you intend to do?" he asked.
Manning told reporters the current administration is undermining the efforts his government made to deal with crime, including drug and money laundering problems.
He noted that the inititaives included the establishment of the Special Anti-Crime Unit, the purchase of 14 interceptor boats, six fast patrol boats and three offshore patrol vessels, four helicopters and a radar system. Manning said he had also planned to install scanners at the port in 2009.
Manning also asked why there had been no big cocaine busts under the state of emergency and why no one raided casinos.
Manning also took issue with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, saying she was disrespectful on Tuesday to citizens when she launched Phase Three of the Colour Me Orange project.
Manning said those who attended in search of jobs were treated as second class citizens.
"Her response to them was 'stand up, hands up, hands out.' It is disrespect and discourtesy to those who attended and I get very annoyed when I see things like that," Manning declared.
"It was disrespect and discourtesy and it is just a continuation of the way this Government has been operating and that has to stop."
Speaking at a media briefing in San Fernando, Manning said the People's Partnership government's decision to call a state of emergency has failed to make an impact on crime. In addition, he said it allowed for the misuse of the Anti-Gang legislation.
Manning said that is why the government must call an election to let the people decide whether it wants to keep the government it elected less than two years ago.
"The question is this, what is the Government now going to do because a State of Emergency is an ultimate weapon. After a State of Emergency, the only thing you could do is call a general election...
"What is to happen next? That is what investors are going to ask themselves. We better wait and see before we take any step. What about the people of Trinidad and Tobago? What about our levels of security. So a State of Emergency has not worked, what do you intend to do?" he asked.
Manning told reporters the current administration is undermining the efforts his government made to deal with crime, including drug and money laundering problems.
He noted that the inititaives included the establishment of the Special Anti-Crime Unit, the purchase of 14 interceptor boats, six fast patrol boats and three offshore patrol vessels, four helicopters and a radar system. Manning said he had also planned to install scanners at the port in 2009.
Manning also asked why there had been no big cocaine busts under the state of emergency and why no one raided casinos.
Manning also took issue with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, saying she was disrespectful on Tuesday to citizens when she launched Phase Three of the Colour Me Orange project.
Manning said those who attended in search of jobs were treated as second class citizens.
"It was disrespect and discourtesy and it is just a continuation of the way this Government has been operating and that has to stop."
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