The Prime Minister finds herself under fire this morning after making what many are calling damning statements against the People's National Movement. Over the weekend, the Prime Minister linked the PNM to crime and criminal gangs, a claim the Opposition vehemently rejects. Speaking on the TV6 Morning Edition, Opposition Leader and Political Leader of the PNM, Pennelope Beckles, responded forcefully, challenging both the substance and the implications of the Prime Minister's remarks.
00:00In a statement issued over the weekend, the Prime Minister accused the opposition party of being financed by a local drug mafia and of undermining efforts to combat drugs, arms and human trafficking.
00:15She further alleged that the PNM's actions were designed to shield criminal interests and create instability within the nation.
00:23However, the opposition leader is condemning these assertions as mischief.
00:28I mean, we're in politics and you can agree, you can disagree, you can agree to disagree.
00:34And as a politician, you feel very passionate on certain issues.
00:38And from time to time, you know, things can get, you look at the Parliament, things get a little bit out of hand.
00:43But to go to that level, I mean, because this is public, this is going international.
00:50I mean, and it's just absolutely ridiculous.
00:53And as I said, it's reckless and it is calculated to cause mischief.
00:59Beckles expresses concern over what she describes as government ministers' refusal to engage in the budget debate and adds that the administration lacks clear mechanisms to tackle criminal elements.
01:13Beckles also questions the plan to extend the state of emergency.
01:17The people of Trinidad and Tobago will not be satisfied for you to simply see that because you have seen a reduction in crime, that equates to continuing the SOE.
01:30If that is the case, is the SOE going to become a permanent feature?
01:33And that's why I said it was important for the three ministers who have responsibility for activities relating to crime should have come to the public via the Parliament and seek and give us some explanation,
01:50not just about the fact, whether it be murders, burglaries, but also say to us, what exactly are your plans separate and distinct from the state of emergency?
02:00The opposition leader also weighs in on investor confidence, noting that the shutdown of Nutrien Limited's nitrogen operations at the point leaseless industrial estate could undermine how foreign companies view TNT as a secure and viable place for business.
02:18We go back again to the issue of diplomatic language and the fact that you cannot instruct and bully people and they are developing a type of approach of bullying.
02:33You know, you either do this or you either do that or...
02:36Beckels emphasizes that attracting investors is not only about the resources available in oil and gas, but also about the relationships and the ease of doing business.
02:49She notes that while TNT has made some progress, challenges remain, and the Nutrien shutdown is a prime example of what it means to fail in facilitating a business-friendly environment.
03:01She adds that the situation warrants a thorough investigation.
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