A former attorney general said yesterday that T&T has been experiencing a crisis and that innocent citizens were the ones paying the price. Responding to questions after yesterday’s meeting with the Clico Policyholders Group, former AG Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj said the Clico matter was only one example of bad governance. “This is just another one of the issues of bad governance in T&T. It is an abuse and misuse of governmental power for their own purposes,” he said.
Referring to the matter which is now before the Privy Council, Maharaj said, regardless of one’s political affiliations, everyone had a duty to stand up for what is right. Admitting he was still a member of the United National Congress, Maharaj drew looks of surprise from those nearby as he said, “I must confess I am ashamed for the UNC, what has happened to governance in T&T and at what is happening, I am ashamed.”
“We cannot call wrongs right, when they are totally wrong. If this is done, we won’t leave a society for the future,” he said. Referring to other issues such as crime and poor healthcare, Maharaj said, “We are in trouble in T&T and we have plenty problems.” Contrary to claims that crime was under control, Maharaj said law-abiding citizens were afraid to venture out of their homes, whilst many others fear their loved ones may not return home when they leave for work at the start of the each day.
He also referred to the lack of services and poor delivery of healthcare at public institutions across the country. “I see all the problems in T&T which are happening. I had thought we would be living in a better society today and I am very disappointed but there is nothing I can do as I am no longer in electoral politics,” Maharaj said.
He added: “All the institutions in this country seem to be collapsing as there does not seem to be any values,” the former AG said. “People do not seem to have the values of honesty and integrity anymore. People seem to say anything, people as ministers seem to say anything, get on any way. Look at the proceedings in parliament, it is of such a low behaviour, even the way the proceedings are conducted so that, like you, I am disappointed.”
Pained by the continuation of such occurrences, Maharaj said, “I am sometimes distressed and depressed but we have to have faith and stand up for what we believe is right.” Highlighting the crime situation, Maharaj said, “I listen to all this talk about crime and what government is doing to fight crime and crime is under control and I am vex, I am annoyed because crime is not under control.”
Accusing government of “pussyfooting and fiddling with serious issues,” Maharaj added, “Are we so stupid? Does the government think we are brain dead? A few months before an election, they are coming to bring a hanging bill when hanging is the law of T&T?”