Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has responded to President Christine Kangaloo, on Government’s move to scrap the demerit points system.
The Prime Minister said the President didn’t exactly oppose the move, but that there should be measures in place for road safety.
It was a day of tradition and transition as the 13th Republican Parliament had its ceremonial opening on Friday.
And inside the Lower House, President Christine Kangaloo urged Government to reconsider its move to scrap the Demerit Points System.
“I have read that government intends to do away with the demerits points system. Demerits point systems, in general, have the goal of safeguarding road users. Road accidents cause death and disabilities. They also cause unbearable mental anguish and long-lasting trauma. Sadly, many of us here today have felt this anguish and still live with this trauma.”
On May 8th, at the Government’s first Post Cabinet media conference following the General Election, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had stated her intention to scrap the Demerit Points System, which was initially brought under former Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan.
“We have started the plans today and we plans to complete in the coming months, this includes scrapping of the Demerit Points System.”
But speaking to reporters on Friday evening, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar responded to the President’s plea, saying President Kangaloo did not reject the system, but rather encouraged improvements to ensure public safety.
“She never said she was against the system. Well, if I remember correctly, she talked about it and she didn’t actually come out to say she was against it, but she said we should put health and safety measures in place, which is a good thing to do.”
Just prior to the April 28th General Election, then Transport Minister, Rohan Sinanan had promised that the System would be reviewed, following complaints from motorists.
The Demerit Points System was first introduced and implemented in May 2020, and was designed as a traffic enforcement mechanism to monitor, track and improve driver behaviour, by assigning penalty points for traffic violations, which could lead to suspension of a driver’s license if accumulated beyond certain thresholds.