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  • 1 day ago
The Innovative Democratic Alliance, the IDA, is strongly criticising the Government's recent increases in traffic fines, accusing the Prime Minister of reckless language and poor governance.
Transcript
00:00In a statement issued on Monday, the party took issue with the Prime Minister's description of
00:04the country as a lawless dump, and argued that the steep penalties approved by Cabinet
00:10among two austerity measures disguised as discipline. The IDA says the move represents
00:16a sharp political reversal, noting that while in opposition, members of the current administration
00:22had condemned similar increases as unfair to struggling citizens. According to the party,
00:28the new fines go even further than those previously criticized. The party rejects the government's
00:35claim that the increases are meant to deter dangerous behavior, insisting instead that
00:40they are designed to raise revenue amid what it describes as worsening national finances.
00:47It argues that genuine deterrence would come through improved enforcement, including modern
00:52traffic cameras, automated systems and technology-driven monitoring, rather than higher
00:58penalties imposed on fewer motorists. The idea also links the decision to broader economic
01:04concerns, pointing to rising fees and duties, credit rating downgrades and what it calls a
01:11stalled energy strategy with limited diversification. The party further criticized what it described
01:18as the silence of Tobago's chief secretary on issues affecting the island, and warned Tobagonians
01:24to brace for challenging times ahead. In closing, the IDA says the issue is not citizen behavior,
01:31but one of governance. Aksha Galston, TV6 News.
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