Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to provide a full accounting of the results of the State of Emergency, questioning how many people detained under the extraordinary security measures were ultimately charged or prosecuted.
In a statement titled “Roger, Roger – Over and Out,” Beckles also took aim at Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, arguing that the Government must provide evidence showing what the SOE achieved in the fight against crime.
Beckles said the approaching end of the SOE raises several unanswered questions, particularly surrounding people detained through Preventative Detention Orders.
She called for the Government to disclose how many detainees were charged, how many were released without charge and how many cases resulted in successful prosecutions.
The Opposition Leader also questioned what security measures are being put in place as detainees are released, arguing that the public deserves to know how authorities intend to manage any potential threats following their release.
Beckles further criticised what she described as a lack of communication from the Government as attention turns to prisons and detention centres and individuals begin leaving custody.
She specifically called on Persad-Bissessar, as Prime Minister and head of the National Security Council, to address the country directly.
Beckles argued that the Government has had significant time under successive States of Emergency to investigate suspected criminal activity and develop cases capable of being prosecuted before the courts.
She also questioned the financial cost of the security measures and called for greater transparency surrounding expenditure associated with national security and law enforcement during the period.
“A State of Emergency cannot be judged by the powers exercised. It must be judged by the results achieved,” Beckles said.
She ended the statement by placing responsibility directly on the Prime Minister, declaring: “Over to you Madame Prime Minister – time for accountability.”
