Former government minister Marvin Gonzales has accused Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of using racially divisive statements to distract the population from concerns surrounding the Special Operations Bill.
Gonzales urged citizens not to become distracted by what he described as the Prime Minister’s “daily” divisive statements, alleging that racial tensions were being used to shift attention away from questions about the legislation.
He referenced concerns raised by former prime minister Stuart Young, arguing that the Special Operations Bill could strip citizens of certain rights without meaningfully improving the country’s ability to investigate and prosecute crime.
According to Gonzales, the legislation would not provide the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service with the technology, forensic resources, intelligence capabilities or training necessary to strengthen the fight against crime.
He argued that restricting citizens’ rights should not become a substitute for improving policing, preparing stronger criminal cases and ensuring matters are dealt with fairly and efficiently before the courts.
Gonzales also accused the Government of attempting to create racial divisions among Afro-Trinidadians, Indo-Trinidadians and the Syrian community as a means of distracting the population and avoiding scrutiny.
He urged citizens to reject racial division and instead remain focused on questions surrounding the Special Operations Bill, accountability and the protection of constitutional rights.
“Trinidad and Tobago belongs to all of us, regardless of our race, religion, class, community, or our political affiliation,” Gonzales said.
He maintained that the debate should not become a racial struggle, but should remain focused on accountability, democracy, the exercise of state power and the protection of citizens.
Gonzales concluded by accusing the Prime Minister of attempting to project strength through her statements while describing them as a sign of political weakness and an attempt to divert attention from what he considers failures of the Government.
