By Andre Bagoo Saturday, February 23 2013

OPPOSITION Chief Whip Marlene McDonald yesterday signalled that the PNM was ready and willing to meet with the Government over legislative proposals to tackle crime as she expressed horror over the crime situation and called for urgent action.

“It is terrible, terrible, terrible and to be honest I really want to see something done very quickly,” Mc Donald told Newsday yesterday, moments after the Parliament adjourned for the day. She spoke of the crime situation in general over the past week but also referred specifically to the placing of a severed head on a table outside a bar, an incident widely reported yesterday.

The Port-of-Spain South MP said the Opposition would consider the legislative proposals announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, including making certain offences non-bailable and removing discretion in the application of certain sentences.

Asked if the Opposition would meet with the Government on the proposals, she said, “I am sure that my leader will say that anything that could redound to the benefit of the citizens especially on an issue like crime, we would not have a problem there whatsoever.”

Lawyers yesterday said it was possible that the measures announced by the Prime Minister may need a special majority in order for them to be passed in Parliament since they concern fundamental rights. As such, the Opposition’s support could be key.

McDonald, however, made clear that any proposed legislation would have to be considered by the PNM’s own internal parliamentary caucus and would have to be examined by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.

Asked if there could be a bi-partisan approach to the crime issue in Parliament, McDonald said, “As I said this would have to be discussed and the leader would have to look at it. I cannot comment further until I see what is proposed.”

Rowley did not answer calls yesterday. He obtained a leave of absence from yesterday’s sitting of Par-

liament.