By: Paul Sarran
October 30, 2026
There is absolutely no reason for me to object to the sentiments expressed by the Honourable Prime Minister, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, regarding Beetham Gardens, Laventille and the temporary electricity disconnection following the arson attack at the TSTT Laventille Work Centre. On this matter, I join hands with the Prime Minister because public safety must always come before political point-scoring.
Let us be blunt. When an arson attack occurs near the Angostura compound, with the potential for fire to spread to nearby warehouses and endanger surrounding communities, the situation must be treated seriously. Human lives, homes, businesses and innocent citizens are at stake. This is not the time for political games or unnecessary allegations.
According to the Prime Minister’s statement, the temporary interruption of electricity was necessary to protect residents, police officers, firefighters and T&TEC employees while the danger was being addressed. These concerns should command attention regardless of political affiliation.
Yet the incident quickly became another source of political controversy. Opposition MP Kareem Marcelle raised allegations of political interference, suggesting that a UNC minister had intervened to prevent electricity from being restored by 7 a.m. Such allegations should be examined through evidence and appropriate channels rather than becoming ammunition for partisan warfare.
Let us understand something: asking questions is part of democracy, but allegations must be supported by facts. Politicians have a responsibility to speak carefully, particularly when public safety is involved. Citizens deserve accurate information, not a competition over who can generate the loudest headline.
I am not suggesting that the Opposition should remain silent or abandon its responsibility to scrutinise the Government. That is part of parliamentary democracy. However, scrutiny must be responsible, constructive and guided by facts. There is a clear difference between holding a government accountable and turning every emergency into another political battlefield.
The people of Beetham Gardens and Laventille deserve far better. These communities are home to hardworking citizens, parents, young people, entrepreneurs and families who want reliable electricity, safe neighbourhoods, decent infrastructure, employment and better opportunities for their children.
They should not have to watch politicians argue while their everyday concerns remain unresolved. District One is not a political playground. It is home to real people whose lives cannot be reduced to party colours, campaign promises or parliamentary arguments.
As a political scientist, I believe representation must mean more than securing votes and making statements when controversy arises. Effective representation requires commitment, accountability and practical solutions. Citizens deserve leadership that puts their interests ahead of political ambition.
When criminal elements threaten public infrastructure and endanger innocent people, the response must be firm, lawful and focused on protecting the public. However, the overwhelming majority of residents should not be judged by the actions of individuals who engage in criminal conduct.
It is unfair to damage an entire community’s reputation because of the actions of a few. Those responsible must be held accountable through due process, while residents deserve protection and access to essential public services.
The Opposition must recognise that responsible political conduct is essential during a crisis. Criticism is necessary, but it must contribute to understanding and solutions rather than deepen public frustration.
Nation-building cannot succeed when every disagreement becomes a war of words. Trinidad and Tobago already faces serious challenges, including crime, economic pressures and public concerns about safety. We cannot afford a political culture in which every unfortunate incident becomes an opportunity to discredit the other side.
I have followed politics for years, and I firmly believe our country needs a higher standard of political engagement. Leadership means recognising when public safety comes first, allowing professionals to perform their duties and waiting for the facts before drawing conclusions.
The Prime Minister’s sentiments on protecting lives deserve serious consideration. Equally, legitimate concerns about the electricity interruption should be addressed through transparent explanations and evidence. Both principles can coexist without unnecessary hostility.
This is not about defending one political party at all costs. It is about applying the same standards to everyone, demanding evidence and remembering that residents should never become collateral damage in a political dispute.
The residents of Beetham Gardens, Laventille and District One deserve action, not political theatre. They deserve representatives who can work across party lines when lives are at stake and understand that public office is a responsibility.
Let us stop the labasse politics and start practising politics that delivers results. Trinidad and Tobago belongs to all of us, not one political party. Our communities deserve safety, dignity, development and responsible representation.
Enough of the unnecessary mudslinging. Enough of turning emergencies into partisan battles.
If we are serious about building a better nation, politicians on every side must put the people first. The time has come to replace political hostility with accountability, meaningful dialogue and practical solutions.
(Paul Sarran holds a BSc in Political Science from the University of the West Indies.)
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