In a sharp political confrontation, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and Patriotic Front political leader Mickela Panday have launched scathing critiques against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s governance approach and economic policies. The opposition figures issued separate statements on December 29, condemning the Prime Minister’s characterization of Trinidad and Tobago as “a lawless dump” during her defense of heightened penalties for traffic violations.
Beckles, who also serves as PNM political leader, accused Persad-Bissessar of demonstrating “love for office rather than service to country” and labeled her remarks as “distasteful and unbecoming of a prime minister.” She suggested the description might actually reflect the “amalgamation of characters” within the current government rather than the nation itself.
The opposition leader criticized the government’s approach to crime prevention, asserting that instead of addressing root causes through institutional reform and enforcement enhancement, the administration is opting for punitive measures that burden citizens with increased fines and fees. Beckles emphasized that “hard-working Trinbagonians are not criminals” and condemned what she described as governance through “fear, threats, insults, and bullying.”
Adding to the political tension, Beckles referenced Persad-Bissessar’s controversial stance on CARICOM, suggesting the Prime Minister’s position could cost the nation billions in revenue. The opposition leader also highlighted the dismissal of approximately 50,000 workers from CEPEP, URP, and other programs since the UNC assumed power in April.
Panday echoed these concerns, calling on the Prime Minister to directly address the nation and explain “how years of failed governance have suddenly become the fault of citizens.” She asserted that citizens constitute “the backbone of this country” rather than being the problem, and criticized the government’s approach to implementing new taxes and fees without proper public debate or justification.
The Patriotic Front leader particularly condemned the timing of policy announcements, noting that increases in fines, fees, and tolls were quietly published on Christmas Day and scheduled to take effect at the start of the new year when households are already financially strained. Panday accused the government of employing “governance by ambush” tactics and drawing parallels between current administration policies and those of previous PNM governments.
Both opposition figures warned that the cumulative effect of increased alcohol prices, higher customs taxes, elevated birth and death registration fees, punitive traffic fines, and raised NIS contributions would adversely affect living standards, weaken the economy, and fundamentally alter the character of Trinidad and Tobago.