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Kareem Marcelle is standing by his controversial “they hate we” remarks, using an appearance on the Talks with KG podcast to explain what he meant and why he believes his comments were justified.
During the interview, Marcelle was asked whether some of his language had been misunderstood and who he was referring to when making the remarks.
Marcelle said he does not believe politicians should shy away from difficult conversations surrounding race and racism, arguing that uncomfortable issues still need to be addressed openly.
He said his comments were directed at the UNC Government and what he views as its treatment of his constituency, East Port of Spain and other communities regarded as traditional PNM areas or predominantly African communities.
Marcelle pointed to government decisions affecting reforestation, CPEP and URP programmes, arguing that vulnerable workers who depended on those programmes were negatively affected.
He also raised concerns about funding for municipal corporations, claiming PNM-controlled corporations received cuts after the Government took office.
Marcelle questioned how communities already facing problems with roads, drainage, rubbish collection and other infrastructure could improve if the organisations responsible for those services were given fewer resources.
He further cited the East Port of Spain Development Company, saying it had previously been involved in community infrastructure, sporting and cultural projects but had not been given the necessary board appointments and funding under the current administration.
Marcelle said these examples were among the reasons he continues to stand by his words.
He argued that, as an elected representative, he has a responsibility to challenge the Government when he believes its decisions are hurting the people he represents.
Marcelle said his position is based not simply on political rhetoric, but on what he considers the Government’s actions towards his constituency and surrounding communities.
