Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-­Bissessar has warned that Trinidad and Tobago is facing a growing “social crisis” fuelled by pornography, addiction and mental illness.

Speaking at a United National Congress (UNC) town hall meeting at Hillview College, Tunapuna, on Thursday night, Persad-Bissessar raised concerns about three issues with the audience: the sexualisation of children, substance and gambling addiction, and mental health.

“We are under siege,” she declared. “Not just from violent crime but from hidden epidemics that are damaging the fabric of our society.”