Rambachan blasts PNM in New York

Foreign Affairs and Communications Minister Suruj Rambachan blasted the People’s National Movement (PNM), calling the party “a pariah” that is “working against the interest of the nation.” In a Guardian exclusive at T&T’s Mission to the United Nations in midtown Manhattan, Rambachan defended the People’s Partnership national security policy as an appropriate measure in a crisis situation. “The PNM did absolutely nothing to stem crime,” he said, calling its inaction indefensible and “an albatross that the party will have to carry forever.” He questioned the Opposition’s judgement, posing the question: “If it truly believes that the anti-gang law is sufficient, why wasn’t it used effectively?”

He said the laws on the book could not address the spate of drug trafficking, and what he called, “citizen insecurity.” He called the charge that the state of emergency has sullied the nation’s image, “ill founded,” and “baseless,” noting that cities such as New York and Toronto had in the past adopted stringent measures only to emerge stronger and more stable. He dismissed accusations of civil rights violations, reassuring citizens that the Constitution has not been suspended and the rule of law is in effect. “Detainees have a right to legal representation and a fair trial. Moreover, people in Trinidad are sleeping much better today,” Rambachan maintained.

He lauded the Government’s accomplishments in the area of national security, citing a 30 per cent reduction in crime during its tenure and assailed allegations that the state of emergency is a pretext to thwart trade unions’ efforts to destabilise the Government. These suggestions are without any merit,” he said, as he affirmed the Government’s respect for the role of trade unions in a democratic society. Rambachan said  that there is now a renewed spirit and sense of nationalism. “There is now a common mind, where people are putting what’s in the best interest of society first, and are willing to make some personal sacrifices.”

On the duration of the state of emergency and its possible extension through Christmas, Rambachan noted that such a decision will be based on recommendations from the security apparatus. He also mentioned that the Government intends to couple tough security measures with job training and mentoring programmes. On economic matters, the outspoken minister conceded that the Government faces challenges and he attributed this to a global financial crisis and lack of investor confidence. However, he was buoyed by the heightened interest in Trinidad and Tobago, especially from Latin America. “Bilateral agreements with Panama and Guatemala, and the reopening of the Colombia Embassy reflect our growth and economic expansion.” He also identified several African countries that have requested assistance from the nation’s natural gas industry.

“We are actually transferring technology and expanding global cooperation. He touted economic diversification and renewed interest in agriculture as important steps undertaken by the present administration. “Food security is the most pressing concern in the world today. We have realised this and will continue to make more land available for agriculture as we promote and subsidise green house farming. It’s part of our new entrepreneurial scheme. And as the economy expands we are ensuring that our people are well trained at all levels to take advantage of this development,” Rambachan said.

Rambachan also said that with inflation at 0.8 per cent, “the lowest in 42 years,” the Government is on track to fulfil its mandate. “While the PNM was caught up in building high rises, some areas were without water for decades. We are a back-to-basics government. We are building a civil society. We are giving the people the essentials – better infrastructure, food security and national security.” And as if sounding the first salvo for the next general election, Rambachan ended: “If we continue to do what we are doing; if we can redirect the restlessness of our youth to building the country, we don’t have much to worry about.”