Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday has predicted that over 500 persons would be murdered this year and has called on the Government to reconvene Parliament immediately to discuss the issue.

Speaking at the post-executive media briefing at the Rienzi Complex, Couva, on Wednesday night, Panday said that members noted that crime was spiralling out of control and if continued this way, it would cross 500 murders for the year.

He said countries have issued advisories to their citizens, warning them about coming to this country because of crime, most recently because of the brutal, violent attack on a British couple in Tobago.

Panday said the United National Congress believes that this would add to the recession problem in this country as it would impact on tourism and lead to further unemployment.

Panday also confirmed yesterday that his communications specialist, Sunil Ramjitsingh, had resigned as he had received another job offer.

The Express understands that Ramjitsingh’s new boss will be Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner.

Panday’s office issued a release yesterday indicating that Ramjitsingh was no longer employed at the Opposition Leader’s office and in the interim, Leah Mathura, media relations officer at the office, would carry out his functions until there is a replacement.