PM urges UNC dissidents to support laws proposed by Gov’t

  • Oct, Fri, 2024

Senior Reporter

dareece.polo@guardian.co.tt

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday urged the five dissident members of the United National Congress (UNC) and the wider Opposition to back legislation proposed by his Government aimed at tackling crime.

He told Parliament the Government is developing a mechanism for nationals returning from conflict zones. It is one of the proposed laws he hopes the Opposition will support, given the rising tensions in the Middle East.

“I am instructing the Attorney General to speak to all members on the other side, especially those who have indicated, and as the draft is ready, to make the draft available to them and we will see who will come to this House and support it so we can advance that,” he said.

Rowley said he plans to introduce the Tobago Self-Governance Bill immediately after the Budget debate concludes and noted that Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes, Naparima MP Rodney Charles, Mayaro MP Rushton Paray, Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Dr Rai Ragbir, and Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally have the opportunity to vote with their conscience after being sidelined by their leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

“They have come out from under the yoke of the Member for Siparia and now they are free to be decent and patriotic citizens. You said you would support good legislation. We have a piece of legislation before the Parliament for Tobago’s internal self-government coming from the committee in this House. I ask you to read it because as soon as the Budget is over, I’m going to bring it back to the floor and if you really believe in being patriotic, you will support what that bill supports for the people of Tobago.”

Dr Rowley also outlined other legislation, including a Control Operations Bill, which will enable law enforcement officers to conduct undercover operations and gather evidence while ensuring public safety and successful prosecution.

“As soon as that draft is available, I will ask the Attorney General to make it available to them on the other side and then we’ll come back to the house and we’ll see who will vote for it,” he said.

Additionally, Rowley announced plans for a Firearms Amendment Bill aimed at banning assault weapons and high-powered rifles.

The post PM urges UNC dissidents to support laws proposed by Gov’t first appeared on CNC3.