Former Minister Jack Warner Criticizes Government’s Stance on Protests

Jack Warner, the former National Security Minister, has issued a stark warning to the government: don’t muzzle the citizens. He reminded the authorities that Trinidad and Tobago is a democracy, where citizens have the constitutional right to voice their dissatisfaction with the government. Warner is critical of the recently implemented no-protest zones, which he believes should not be in place.

He posits that the United National Congress government owes its position in office to protests, thus highlighting the importance of this form of expression. The people are hurting, Warner says, and there’s something fundamentally wrong when they are barred from protesting outside the Parliament.

He also voiced his surprise at the level of force displayed by armed officers at protests, particularly those against the police-involved killing of Joshua Samaroo. Warner’s views were shared during an appearance on TV6’s Morning Edition programme, bringing this issue to the forefront of national discussion.