Dear Editor: The recent declaration by Opposition Leader Penny Beckles that the People’s National Movement (PNM) will not support the extension of the State of Emergency raises serious questions about the Opposition’s commitment to public safety and national security in Trinidad and Tobago.
This position is not an isolated incident. It follows a troubling pattern of political obstruction on matters directly related to crime reduction and the protection of citizens. The country will recall that when the Government brought forward the Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) legislation, a measure specifically designed to target criminal strongholds, disrupt gang activity, and provide law enforcement with additional tools to combat violent crime, the PNM refused to support it.
The question therefore becomes simple. If the PNM did not support ZOSO and now refuses to support an extension of the State of Emergency, what exactly is their alternative plan to combat criminal networks, gang violence, gun trafficking, and the growing threat posed by organized crime?
It is easy to stand on the sidelines and criticize. It is much harder to take responsibility and support measures that may save lives. The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago deserve answers.
Penny Beckles must explain why her party continues to oppose initiatives aimed at strengthening national security. Families who have lost loved ones to violent crime deserve an explanation. Communities terrorized by gangs deserve an explanation. Law-abiding citizens who simply want to live in peace deserve an explanation.
Leadership is about making difficult decisions in the national interest. It is not about political gamesmanship when the safety of citizens is at stake.
For years, the people of Trinidad and Tobago have heard speeches, excuses, and political talking points from the PNM. What they have not heard is a coherent strategy to address the criminal elements that continue to threaten communities across this nation.
The reality is that every responsible government must use every lawful tool available to confront serious criminal threats. No measure is perfect, but refusing to support measures without presenting credible alternatives is not leadership. It is avoidance.
Penny Beckles now has a lot of questions to answer.
Why did the PNM refuse to support the ZOSO legislation?
Why is the PNM refusing to support the extension of the State of Emergency?
What alternative measures does the Opposition propose to keep citizens safe?
How does the Opposition intend to assist law enforcement in the fight against gangs and organized crime?
Most importantly, how many opportunities to strengthen national security must be rejected before the public concludes that politics has become more important than public safety?
The people of Trinidad and Tobago are watching. They are listening. They are paying attention. They deserve more than opposition for opposition’s sake. They deserve responsible leadership and a genuine commitment to protecting lives.
Crime does not distinguish between political parties. Criminals do not ask whether their victims support the UNC, the PNM, or any other political organization. Crime affects every citizen. That is why national security should never become a partisan exercise.
The time has come for Penny Beckles and the PNM to provide clear answers to the nation. The safety and security of our citizens are too important for political posturing.
Curtis Anthony Obrady,
Arima
