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OPPOSITION LEADER Pennelope Beckles is calling on the government to reconsider its decision of cancelling Independence Day festivities and explore options for protecting both public safety and national pride. She said the decision to cancel the military Independence Day Parade has left the nation bewildered.

In a release on August 15, several hours after the decision was announced via media release and press conference, Beckles said Trinidad and Tobago has held successful Independence Day Parades through all kinds of events, including during the 2011 state of emergency, with the only exception being the covid pandemic.

She said the cancellation came four days after the Prime Minister said at the August 11 Monday Night Forum that crime is down and the country can feel safe.