Crime will remain a serious challenge, despite which government is in office.

That’s the sentiment shared by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, as he condemned the Opposition for what he says is its politicization of the issue. 

Speaking at a PNM meeting at Signature Hill in Chaguanas on Tuesday night, Dr. Rowley accused the Opposition of politicizing the issue of crime in the country, while refusing to support pieces of legislation that could make a real difference. 

The PM said he was told by law enforcement during Monday’s meeting of the National Security Council, that bail restrictions under the Bail Act had been a positive in the fight against crime.

The Bail Amendment Bill expired on August 5th, however, as it failed to receive the special majority support.   

The legislation sought to extend for another three years, the restriction of bail for 120 days to repeat offenders of serious crimes.   

“But the Opposition has said very clearly, unless they are in office, that they will have nothing to do with the restriction of bail in this country,” the Prime Minister said.   

“Those who are on the other side, all they are concerned about is election and hoping that election will come and that you will put them in office and somehow that will change the circumstances. ‘Call the election now!’ That’s all they have,” he added.  

Government has been facing mounting pressure on its response to crime over the past weeks- especially after the murder toll surpassed 500 last weekend.

Hitting back at the Opposition Leader’s criticism of his silence as the murder toll continues to climb, Dr. Rowley asked what could be said, except that the government is committed to providing the necessary resources, as far as it is able to, to assist police in their ability to prevent and solve crimes.