Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she is not in fear of her life if the 16 detainees being held in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate her and three Cabinet colleagues walk free. “If the detainees are released tomorrow I have no fear for my life,” the Prime Minister stated during a press conference at the VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport on her return from a summit in Venezuela last night. Describing the state of emergency as a “success” the Prime Minister said more than $1 billion in illegal narcotics were seized and destroyed. Among narcotics confiscated were—3,000 rounds of ammunitions and 300 high-powered weapons.
Persad-Bissessar also noted that there was a significant drop in crime, in particular the homicide rate. The issue of security and the fight against crime, the Prime Minister said, was also raised at the summit where Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez promised to partner in the fight against illegal guns and ammunitions trade in the Caribbean. “We are trying to negotiate in the United Nations Treaty the issue of small arms which is responsible for the death of young people. T&T seems as a transshipment point for drugs and guns.” The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to respond to Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley comments in relation to the alleged assassination plot describing his statements as “irresponsible” and “defamatory.”
Rebuking the allegations, Persad-Bissessar said it was her security adviser Gary Griffith who confirmed to the media that nation’s security had increased. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the Government was preparing to welcome Cuba President Fidel Castro and 80 other officials who are expected to attend Cuba Caricom Summit this week.
