Paray willing to support Govt’s anti-crime bills
Lead Editor-Newsgathering
chester.sambrano@guardian.co.tt
Mayaro MP Rushton Paray has told the Lower House of Parliament that he is actively considering supporting anti-crime bills to be brought by the Government.
Paray made the statement during his contribution to the 2024/2025 Budget debate yesterday.As he lamented the crime situation in the country, Paray said the police have to implement an immediate crackdown on crime.
“Attack with full force,” he said.
He also called on the Government to give law enforcement the necessary tools to combat the criminal elements in society.
“Let’s take the fight to the criminals, let’s not wait for the criminals to fight us.”
It is in that regard he turned his attention to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, whom he said carried a heavy responsibility to find a solution to crime and offered his support.
“I am prepared to work beyond any line, anyone, to grant the Prime Minister the authority that he needs to provide our protective institutions with the legislative tools that are required to combat and suppress crime in this country.”
Paray then stressed that “if the legislation can come with the protection for our citizens, their constitutional rights and it can stand the test of the Judiciary, I am prepared to consider it.”
The Mayaro MP made it clear that his stance is not about the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.He also addressed allegations that he had been called a PNM (People’s National Movement) operative who had come to mash up a party.
“I en doing that,” he said.
On the contrary, Paray said he considered himself lucky to be alive and that his family has not been directly affected by crime.
“And you see what I don’t want for you and your family, I don’t want for mine and it is for that single reason that if something is presented, we have a duty to act in accordance with the wellbeing of this country.”
As he made his stance clear, Paray said he was willing to put aside partisan politics in order to save lives.
“This may very well be my swan song, let the chips fall where they may,” he said.
In response to Paray’s statements, Chief Whip David Lee said, “The Opposition Leader has always said we would support good legislation once it does not infringe on the rights of the people! All laws must strike a balance! It is premature to give blanket support without knowing what it is that you would be supporting!”
Paray, along with Naparima MP Rodney Charles, Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne, Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally and Cumoto/Manzanilla MP Dr Rai Ragbir were moved to the far end of the Opposition bench in the Parliament chamber, after they publicly criticised the leadership of the United National Congress (UNC) during the party’s June NATEX elections.
Paray led a slate called the United Patriots which was defeated in the internal polls.
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