President Christine Kangaloo has urged Parliamentarians to embrace unity, compassion, and bold legislative reform.
At the Ceremonial Opening of the 13th Republican Parliament on Friday, the President addressed members of both Houses of Parliament, reflecting on the significance of the moment and outlining key expectations for the new legislative term.
She called on the Parliament to ensure that road safety remains a legislative priority, referencing the devastating loss of her own siblings in road traffic accidents as she made a call to reconsider the removal of the Demerit Points System.
“Demerit Points 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. I therefore plead with Parliament that, whatever is done in this area, Parliament commits to ensuring enhanced safety on our nation’s roads and to reducing road fatalities and related injuries.”
Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC revealed that the government had intentions to remove such a system, saying it had been a call by citizens because of its harsh penalties for motorists.
Turning to national security, the President made an appeal for bipartisan unity in tackling one of the country’s most pressing issues—crime.
“I renew that call today, with even greater urgency, but with greater hope – in light of the initial signals from the leadership of both the Government and the Opposition that we might well be at the start of a Parliament in which there is the chance of more meaningful collaboration than before.”
President Kangaloo also identified several areas where she believes the Parliament can lead with legislative innovation—starting with artificial intelligence.
“The short point is that with government’s sensitivity to the importance of artificial intelligence, Parliament has an opportunity – and it might well only be a short one – to get out in front of artificial intelligence in a way that we did not do in respect of social media and arrange for the regulation of AI technology in such a way as will maximise its benefits and minimise its risk to citizens’ wellbeing.”
Another area highlighted was the need for enduring powers of attorney to ease the burden on families of those living with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions.
“Under our current laws, a power of attorney becomes ineffective when its giver ceases to be mentally competent. An enduring power of attorney will continue to be effective when the donor begins to lose mental capacity. Legislation which establishes the efficacy of an enduring power of attorney will bring enormous relief to thousands of citizens.”
The President also urged lawmakers not to delay in passing long-overdue legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities as she said if a truly inclusive society is to be built, laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities must be included.
As it pertains to the Service Commissions, President Kangaloo said there is a need for modernisation, as there is a slow pace of appointments, particularly in the education sector.