As Government and Opposition MPs welcome 2018 they had one common wish—for the country’s murder rate go down.
Last year closed with 494 people being murdered, the third highest toll for T&T.
Planning and Development Minister Camille-Robinson-Regis said she hoped society could work together to ensure T&T could thrive.
“I also would like to see a reduction in crime. The people in T&T have to understand it is important for us as a country to recognise the number of blessings we have and to build on themselves and country.”
When we compared ourselves to other countries, Robinson-Regis said, our nation had done well.
“We as Government, we will do our part to ensure that we get it right and work in the interest of T&T,” she said.
Tunapuna MP and deputy Speaker Esmond Forde said while it was impossible, he was hoping for a crime-free country.
“That is the first thing on the burner is that crime be reduced drastically, especially crimes of passion, gang-related activities and murders.”
Forde said there was a need for a collaborative effort to get the murder rate down.
“I am thinking very positive. We know that the nation is going through some tough economic times but we all have to play our part to rebuild the economy.”
Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General Fitzgerald Hinds had this message: “I expect we would have to hold strain through 2018 again doing what we have been doing…cutting back on expenditure and waste. Everyone has had some experience with the cuts the Government had to make and the burden we all carry and share.”
The Laventille West MP said he was looking forward to a peaceful and orderly society.
“I find individuals and gangs are traumatising us with unnecessary violence. I feel as a society we are not doing enough to deal with the situation.
“I think we all look only to the police to resolve it when it is patently clear that all of us must take a more sober and serious approach.”
Hinds said at times he was painfully embarrassed at the state of affairs in T&T.
Minister of State in the office of the Prime Minister and Tobago East MP Ayanna Webster-Roy was also optimistic about meaningful change.
“I want to improve circumstances for children and work closely with my constituents. I just hope we can become a more tolerant society,” she said.
Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial had two wishes—the economy to rebuild and a reduction in crime and “murders especially against women.”
In the last 12 months, Ramdial said, many women lost their lives at the hands of domestic abuse, violence and crimes of passion. “I really hope to see a decrease in that.”
Fyzabad MP Lackram Bodoe wants to see less crime, as well as an improved economy and confidence in the judiciary.
He said: “I wish that as citizens of this diverse society we strive harder to understand each other and be kinder to one another.”
Mayaro MP Rushton Paray would like to see a renewed sense of purpose.
“Coming into the New Year people have to look after their neighbours and be kind to each other. I really hope the Government can build back confidence in the economy. 2018 should be a turning point for us to restore confidence and rebuild hope.”
Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Christine Newallo-Hosein also wants to see a drastic reduction in the country’s murder rate.
“I would like for us to be our brother’s keeper which we are not. We hear and know a lot of things with regards to crime but we remain quiet.”
Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh would like Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to call an early election.
“For the New Year, I wish for an early election to be called because people are fed up with the Government.”
Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal said he planned to work tirelessly in and outside of Parliament with his colleagues to ensure that 2018 was the PNM’s last year in office.
“I wish the country a safe and secure 2018 as best it would be, given that we are almost 500 murders in 2017. But my heart goes out to the families of murder victims, those whose homes were flooded out and to the hundreds of people who were thrown on the breadline.”