Criticism is mounting over the handling of the US military radar system in Tobago. Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus says Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's claim that Chief Secretary Farley Augustine did not need to be informed as he is not part of the National Security Council, was disrespectful, and she adds that Mr. Augustine failed to stand up for the island.
00:00Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa's request for the U.S. military to operate in Tobago without consulting the THA is being met with strong condemnation.
00:11Political leader of the IDA, Dr. Denise Soifat-Angus, says Tobago and its chief secretary should never be excluded from such major security decisions.
00:22She tells the morning edition that many residents are deeply unsettled by the move and that the chief secretary should have demanded an apology for the prime minister's failure to consult him.
00:34And in fact, persons were expecting the chief secretary to demand an apology from the prime minister.
00:42Because remember, the prime minister basically said, well, she didn't see the need to advise the chief secretary of Tobago that they were installing this piece of equipment into baby.
00:56And that was deemed as an insult and disrespect.
01:00It looked as if she had no confidence in the chief secretary.
01:06Dr. Soifat-Angus says the country needs leaders who can think ahead and protect its citizens.
01:13She tells the TV6 morning edition that Tobago now sits with a bullseye on its back, exposed and vulnerable to the fallout.
01:22The prime minister insists that the U.S. military radar in Tobago is not aimed at Venezuela, but is meant to monitor vessels linked to narco trafficking and enhance national security.
01:50However, Dr. Soifat-Angus says that explanation is falling flat.
01:56We have had too many situations over this, you know, since this has started, where the prime minister says one thing, and when, you know, in response to the public, the public outlaw, the story changes.
02:13So I don't, the majority of people here do not believe that story.
02:21The IDA political leader says Tobagoians are not buying the prime minister's explanation.
02:28In fact, she tells us, residents are starting to conduct their own research on the equipment.
02:33And she warns it could have long-term health effects, noting that there are some suggestions linking it to cancer, leukemia and other serious illnesses.
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