National security may be one issue capable of bringing political rivals to the same table. The United Democratic Party says it is prepared to work with the Briceño administration and civil society through the proposed National Security Advisory Committee. But the Opposition says cooperation and recommendations alone will not deliver results. It argues that government must also provide the financial resources needed to turn those proposals into meaningful action.
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Leader of Opposition
“Our proposals we are hopeful of will be taken under serious advisement by that national committee and that once these proposals are approved the government will in fact put some budgetary support behind the implementation of the intervention strategies proposed by the wider group.”
Paul Lopez
“One may argue that neither the UDP or PUP has the solution to crime. The UDP was in office for thirteen years, the PUP for six years and they have been unable to get a hold of this issue. What would you see is different this time around, perhaps a lesson learnt over the last thirteen years, and respectfully how do we not view this as grand standing, as taking advantage of a crisis to gain political mileage?”
Tracy Panton
“I don’t agree with your promise. There are tried and proven strategies that were utilized by UDP led government that had significant results. BOOST, the CYDP Program, the National Apprenticeship Program, the Pantry Program, all of these helped the situation. Because let us face it, the high cost of living is a major contributing factor to crime and violence in this country. *applause*”
Panton questions where the government will get its resources to tackle the issue of crime.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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