Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently responded to criticisms revolving around a protest linked to the deaths of Joshua Samaroo and Kaia. She suggested that the demonstration aimed at provoking a confrontation with police officers to generate publicity and claims of victimization. The Prime Minister dubbed this as ‘publicity farming.’
Furthermore, she posed an argument that despite the occurrence of thousands of murders over the past decade, no analogous public demonstrations were organized against criminal gangs and violent offenders. This discrepancy was clear in her communications.
She stressed that lawful protests continue to take place regularly throughout Trinidad and Tobago, often facilitated by police protection. These demonstrations range from unions, NGOs, teachers, nurses, to political organizations.
Persad-Bissessar further noted that protesters are still permitted to gather in locations that are not restricted under the current emergency regulations.
Her comments come at a time of growing public debate on police accountability, protest rights, and the national response to recent police involved incidents that have sparked outrage both online and on the streets.
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