2 days ago
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Senior Reporter
Tabaquite MP and shadow education minister Anita Haynes-Alleyne yesterday urged the public to carefully evaluate the rhetoric used by some politicians in the aftermath of Lisa Morris-Julian’s tragic death, suggesting it should influence how they vote in the future.
Haynes-Alleyne made the statement after signing the condolence book for the late D’Abadie/O’Meara MP, who perished with two of her children in a house fire on Monday.
The signing, held in the Rotunda of Parliament, saw Haynes-Alleyne accompanied by one person. She was the sole member of her party present and was greeted warmly by Deputy House Speaker Esmond Forde, who embraced her.
This scene stood in stark contrast to the previous day when the Opposition Leader was accompanied by a group of 20 UNC MPs, senators, and party members.
Speaking with Guardian Media outside Parliament, Haynes-Alleyne condemned the remarks made by PEP leader Phillip Edward Alexander, who insulted Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis in the wake of the tragedy.
Alexander had accused Robinson-Regis of hypocrisy for publicly mourning Morris-Julian while, according to him, neglecting other national issues.
However, Haynes-Alleyne strongly criticised these comments as unbecoming and insensitive, reminding the public that Morris-Julian left behind grieving loved ones.
“I would urge persons to remember that Mrs Morris-Julian has a family. There are surviving children. She lost her life with two of her children, and that should take precedence.”
She emphasised that the UNC leadership should align with individuals who share the party’s core values, rather than focusing solely on electoral victories.
“What you have to be looking towards is whether or not persons are aligning themselves in a way that will seek the interest of a better Trinidad and Tobago and not seek the interest of a victory on a particular night.”
When asked if Persad-Bissessar should reprimand Alexander, given that his remarks could reflect poorly on the UNC due to their budding alliance, Haynes-Alleyne offered advice for both the political leader and the electorate.
“Persons who intend to seek political office have a duty to create the type of politics you hope to see in the future, and Trinidad and Tobago has to look on.”
Haynes-Alleyne was branded one of five dissidents by Persad-Bissesar after they called for internal elections to be held within the UNC.
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