In a statement yesterday Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bisessar expressed concerns about the violent unrest.

She called for peace and calm while there is an investigation into the fatal police shootings in Morvant last Saturday.

Mrs. Persad Bissessar said she has noted those she calls rogue individuals who assaulted and disrespected police officers.

She lamented that businesses were forced to close early while public servants at the Ministry of the Attorney General had to dodge bullets.

She said thousands of innocent citizens were caught in the dangerous crossfire and there was gridlock on the roads.

The Opposition Leader also recognised the death of Onella Greaves along the Beetham Highway.

Mrs. Persad Bissessar feels all of what happened is the direct consequence of what she referred to as the failed Rowley government’s cruel, punitive and destructive policies, which have impoverished and pauperized citizens in the past five years.

She said naturally, the people from the most neglected, vulnerable communities—un-ironically the PNM’s long-standing urban strongholds—have suffered the most.

Mrs. Persad Bissessar said for too long, they have been trapped in never-ending cycles of poverty, neglect and alleged abuse at the behest of the State.

She has questioned the absence of the Prime Minister on the issue.

Dr. Keith Rowley is expected to hold a media briefing later today, and it is expected he will deal with the matter.