PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Opposition Chief Penelope Beckles has demanded transparency from the Authorities following Friday’s announcement that this yr’s Independence Day Army Parade and related State occasions, together with the nationwide fireworks show, have been cancelled.
In a strongly worded assertion, Beckles stated the announcement had left the nation “bewildered,” noting that Independence Parades had been held even in periods of nationwide disaster, such because the 2011 State of Emergency, and solely the COVID-19 pandemic had beforehand halted the annual ceremony.
“The nation deserves solutions: Who made the decision to silence our Parade? Will the Prime Minister deal with the nation on this matter? What’s the true cause for the cancellation? What’s being hidden from the residents? Will the Prime Minister do the honourable factor and face the general public on this problem?” she requested.
The Opposition Chief criticised what she described because the Authorities’s imprecise explanations of nationwide safety and financial duty, saying they “solely made the scenario worse.”
She argued that the choice advised the Parade had been assessed purely in monetary phrases, with out consideration for its patriotic, social, and cultural significance.
Beckles additionally pointed to the inconsistency between the cancellation and up to date authorities claims that crime ranges have been falling.
She reminded the general public of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s assurance simply 4 days earlier than the cancellation that crime was down within the nation and residents may really feel safer, contrasting that with the sudden suspension of the nationwide celebration.
“What ought to we consider?” she requested, warning that the combined messages forged doubt over the Authorities’s credibility.
Calling the transfer “an affront to our independence, democracy, and nationwide identification,” Beckles stated the cancellation risked damaging nationwide morale, significantly amongst younger individuals who look ahead annually to celebrating the nation’s sovereignty.
She harassed the broader significance of the annual Parade, describing it as “a dwelling classroom the place our younger folks see historical past in movement; and be taught in regards to the sacrifices of those that got here earlier than, the self-discipline of our armed forces, and the values that bind us collectively.”
The Armed Forces, she added, anticipate to steer the preservation of patriotism and civic delight, and their absence from the celebrations would depart a void.
The Opposition Chief referred to as on the Authorities to rethink its choice and contemplate alternate options akin to scaled-down parades, ceremonial flag-raisings, or a symbolic fly-past. “We subsequently name upon the Authorities to rethink its choice and discover choices that shield each public security and nationwide delight,” she stated.
Trinidad and Tobago’s 63rd anniversary of independence can be noticed on August 31.
