Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles Monday, urged Trinidad and Tobago to reject violence as a means of political change, urging citizens to defend the rule of law, and strengthen the institutions that preserve rheir freedom.
In a message marking the 36th anniversary of the failed coup attempt by members of the Jamaat Al-Muslimeen group led by Yasin Abu Baks that sought to remove the ANR Robinson administration on July 27, 1990, Beckles said the country should ‘pause to remember one of the darkest chapters in the history of our Republic’. She said that the armed insurrectionists was not only an assault on the Parliament and the Prime Minister, but on the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic values upon which our nation is built.
‘As Leader of the Opposition, I pay solemn tribute to the twenty-four citizens who lost their lives, to those who suffered and still endure physical and emotional trauma; to the members of our security services who courageously defended our nation, and to the countless families and business owners whose lives were forever changed by those tragic events. Their sacrifice and resilience are indelibly woven into the fabric of our national story.’
Beckles, the first woman to head the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said that 36 ywars later, ‘the memories of that terrible week remain vivid.
‘The attempted coup reminds us that our hard-earned democracy is neither automatic nor guaranteed. Democracy can only be sustained when we defend our institutions, respect the Constitution, and uphold the freedoms and rights of every citizen.’
She said that the greatest lesson of July 27, 1990 event is that democracy must never be taken for granted.
‘It demands constant vigilance, responsible leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. Every generation has a responsibility to protect these principles so that such an attack on our Republic is never repeated.
‘As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, as well as events which unfolded just recently in Trinidad and Tobago, I call upon the Government and all national leaders to recommit to the founding democratic principles of our Republic’
Beckles said that democracy cannot flourish where there is fear, intimidation, or any erosion of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens.
‘We must steadfastly guard against actions that undermine public trust, weaken democratic institutions, or intrude upon the liberties that our Constitution was designed to protect,’ she said, adding that the ‘strength of a democracy is measured not only by its ability to hold elections, but by its commitment to respect differing opinions, and the protection of the civil liberties of every citizen. Governments may change, but these principles must remain constant.
‘Today, as we honour those who stood firm in defence of our nation, let us also renew our collective pledge to safeguard our democracy. Let us reject violence as a means of political change, defend the rule of law, and strengthen the institutions that preserve our freedom.
‘May the memories of those we lost continue to inspire us to build a Trinidad and Tobago where democracy is protected, justice prevails, and every citizen can live in peace, security, and freedom,’ Beckles said, adding ‘lest we forget’.
During the six-day violent insurrection, the Jamaat al Muslimeen group targetted the Parliament and the national television station. A total of 24 people, including Member of Parliament Leo Des Vignes, died during the attempted coup.