PNM: We will not be bullied

PORT-OF-SPAIN (CMC):

The main opposition People's National Movement (PNM) on Monday said it would not be bullied into supporting plans by the Trinidad and Tobago government for new legislation to ensure the execution of convicted criminals.

On the weekend, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said her coalition People's Partnership administration had prepared a package of crime legislation to address the 'tsunami of crime' in the oil-rich twin-island republic.

She said some of the legislation had already been introduced in the Parliament, adding "My govern-ment is committed to the implementation of the death penalty which remains part of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. You will recall last year we brought the necessary legislation, the Constitutional Amendment Capital Offences Bill 2011.

"The first bill required a special majority vote to be passed in the Parliament. Regrettably, in spite of our efforts there were those within the Parliament who saw it fit not to give their support to that bill, despite the cries coming out from our citizens."

But speaking at a news conference, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said that the PNM had always maintained that the death penalty is the law of the country and that two recommendations had been made to the government in order to have the law effectively carried out.

He said the recommendations included a maximum 18 months to ensure any appeal of a murder conviction and overhauling the justice system to ensure that cases are heard quickly.

But he said that the government dismissed the recommendations and, as a result, the PNM will not help ensure the success of the government's new "hanging bill".