The People's National Movement is calling for more transparency relating to the calling of the State of Emergency.
According to the Opposition, one of the aspects that the public should be made aware of, are the measures to be implemented. But the party plans to speak on the matter later on.
00:00The People's National Movement says it is alarmed by the high levels of crime, including kidnappings, murders and gang violence, which continue to plague the country, as it notes that the national security agencies are under a lot of pressure.
00:13While the opposition pledges its support for the police, defense force and other entities tasked with keeping citizens safe, it notes that as much as four hours had passed after the state of emergency was called and no official statement had yet come from the attorney general, the prime minister or any other government official.
00:33Only the police service had spoken about it through a press conference, and the PNM finds this concerning that there was no other direct address to the public up to that point.
00:44An address from the AG and a statement from Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa came subsequent to the opposition statement.
00:51The opposition notes the reason provided, which is that the SOE was triggered due to a, quote, coordinated and highly dangerous criminal network operating simultaneously from within and outside of the prison system and targeting senior officials and national institutions, end quote.
01:10The PNM says the declaration of an SOE is a very serious measure with implications on the rights and freedoms of citizens.
01:19And in that regard, the party adds that transparency, accountability and leadership must be accompanied with a decision that was made.
01:28The opposition states that the public should be made aware of, quote, those shareable details which do not impact the operational effectiveness of the national security apparatus
01:38related to the rationale for such an action, the anticipated scope and duration of the SOE and the specific measures to be implemented, end quote.
01:50The PNM says it is reviewing the information publicly available, including the SOE regulations, following which it will hold a caucus to assess the national security concerns and issue further correspondence to the public.
02:03The opposition says in such moments, national unity is required, along with responsible governance.
Be the first to comment