PNM: Killing must inform stand-your-ground debate

Akash Samaroo

Senior Reporter/ Producer

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The People’s National Movement (PNM) says the tragic death of Susan Madrano-St Louis should help shape ongoing consultations on the proposed stand-your-ground legislation, even as it accused the government of mishandling the process.

Madrano-St Louis, described by the party as an active and close member, was fatally shot yesterday morning during an altercation outside Sauce Doubles on the Southern Main Road. Around 8.25 am, she and relatives got into a dispute with occupants of a Nissan Tiida over parking. During the fracas, one of her relatives, a prison officer and licensed firearm holder, opened fire after reportedly being stabbed—but accidentally struck Madrano-St Louis.

Speaking after the PNM’s General Council meeting yesterday, Vice-Chairman Dr Amery Browne said a moment of silence was held in her memory. He noted that her killing highlights the need for sober reflection on the government’s proposal to shield citizens who use deadly force to defend themselves on their property.

“That’s just one incident that should also inform our contemplation on the very dramatic measures that the government is seeking to introduce,” Browne said.

The PNM criticised the government’s handling of the consultations, calling them undemocratic and dismissive of opposing voices.

“If you are claiming to be engaged in national consultation but mislabelling and dog whistling and doing all sorts of things to dismiss views that are being expressed counter to your proposals, that does not make for a proper consultation and your end result is unlikely to be fair to the citizens,” Browne argued.

Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle also called for inclusivity, saying the process had been “trivialised and politicised.” He urged government to ensure a neutral environment for public forums.

“I want to call on the government … to go around this country in a sane and sober manner that will make it comfortable for any citizen to come to an event where you are not seeing a UNC banner or persons in UNC jerseys left, right and centre,” he said.

PNM Lady Vice-Chairman Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly warned that the consultations should not be “pre-determined.”

“It seems very much as though the government is trying to convince the population of their point of view. In a matter as serious as this … it really should be about hearing from the population what are the different views and then distilling that into something that works for a society such as Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

At Friday’s session of the consultations, the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM)—part of the UNC’s Coalition of Interest and which fielded candidates under the UNC banner in the April 28 general election—declared its unequivocal support for the proposed legislation.