Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has strongly defended the Zones of Special Operations Bill, accusing the PNM and some so-called independent groups of prioritizing the rights of criminals over the suffering of law-abiding citizens.
She argued that these critics ignore the daily realities of violent crime and the severe emotional, social, and psychological harm inflicted on victims and their families.
“It’s amazing how the PNM and pseudo ‘independent’ groups have suddenly found their fake sense of humanity to defend criminals and gangsters,” the Prime Minister wrote.
“They say nothing about the crime, robberies, rapes, murders, and brutal home invasions that have plagued the country for the past decade. They also keep quiet about the dehumanizing treatment of victims of crime,” she added.
The Prime Minister stressed that her government’s responsibility is to protect citizens, not criminals.
“They don’t complain about how hard it is for ordinary citizens to live and survive here due to violent crime. But when your government takes measures against violent evil criminals to protect citizens, these weak men and women become experts in what are reasonable measures,” she said.
“They are so very concerned about the blood thirsty criminals who force themselves into people’s homes. They are experts in race relations and are concerned about speech.”
Mrs Persad-Bissessar vowed to take firm action to instil fear in criminals while standing firmly with victims of crime and communities terrorized by gangs.
“There are too many weak men and weak women in positions of influence who do nothing to protect you. Your government is here to protect you and your family. Criminals prey on fear. We will instil fear into criminals,” she said.
