Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar broke her silence on the impasse with environmentalist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh on Thursday night. But while she did not deal directly with the Highway Re-route Movement leader’s cause, she said she did not want him to die. “Some people think I have no heart,” Persad-Bissessar said during a cocktail reception in celebration of Republic Day at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.
“But I am no monster. I do feel pain when it comes to the sanctity of life. However, as your Prime Minister I cannot operate or run my office based on personal pain.” Persad-Bissessar told guests she did not initially intend to speak on the subject, but felt compelled to digress a little because it had become a contentious issue.
The PM said earlier in the day she had met with the Inter-religious Organisation to discuss some method of going forward with respect to Kublalsingh and the HRM’s attempt to stop construction of the Debe to Mon Desir leg of the Point Fortin Highway, which she said was much needed.
“I met with the IRO today and I have asked them to seek a meeting with Dr Kublalsingh to intercede, and they have agreed to. Because from my heart, knowing the sanctity of life and as a wife, a sister and a human being, I don’t think that anyone of us here tonight wants a citizen to die,” Persad-Bissessar said. She said her Government had challenges like all other governments, but she has placed her faith in the hands of God that this issue will work out to benefit all involved.
“My conscience remains very clear about the founding principles upon which this nation was built,” she added. But Kublalsingh yesterday refused to end his hunger strike, which entered its 24th day, despite being visited by the members of the IRO.
Earlier Thursday night, Persad-Bissessar paid special tribute to members of the protective services, saying they were ones who worked tirelessly to keep the nation safe. She also praised NGOs, charitable organisations and faith-based bodies for their continued collaboration with the Government in working to build better communities and improve the quality of life for every citizen.
The belated celebration was held Thursday because the PM was on New York on Republic Day attending the United Nations General Assembly. She noted that on Republic Day, although she was not home, the pride of this great nation was still celebrated, as she was fortunate enough to raise the T&T flag high while delivering her Republic Day message in Bowling Green Park, which is located in the Wall Street district, the financial capital of the US.
She said this country had made giant leaps in its 52 years of independence and 38 years as a republic. “We have truly come a long way as a nation, as a democracy, but more importantly as a people. And as we celebrate this milestone, we must chart our way forward together. For together we aspire, together we achieve,” she declared.