Opinion
- Editorial- Commentary
Trinidad
Guardian:
Crime
could be deciding factor
Editorial
SATURDAY’S
kidnapping of Atlantic LNG Chairman Gordon Deane
is a stark reminder of the lawlessness
that pervades our country.
It is a vivid example of how unsafe everyone is,
even the god-fearing, law-abiding people who continue
to serve this country.
Thankfully, Mr Deane was able to escape the clutches
of the armed men who grabbed him from his estate
in Toco.
The long-time businessman, a former chairman of
the Integrity Commission, was alert and fit enough
to run through the forest and make his way to the
Toco Police Station, despite a dislocated shoulder
and other injuries.
In
a statement on Sunday, Mr Deane was in good spirits
and “grateful to be alive.”
It
is unclear whether this was a case of attempted
robbery gone awry or a planned abduction, but,
in any event, that doesn’t matter.
The memory of the fate of business executive Vindra
Naipaul-Coolman is still very vivid in the psyche
of the nation. Hers was the case of a successful
and philanthropic businesswoman snatched and presumably
killed nine months ago.
There is a continuing and growing sense of a breakdown
of law and order in the country that seems to be
beyond the capacity of the police to bring under
control.
Both Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and National
Security Minister Martin Joseph seem to rely on
statistics to demonstrate a reduction in crime.
However,
42 murders less than last year’s
record 273 by September 10 is not very impressive.
And a murder detection rate of 22 per cent is
not very assuring.
The fact of the matter is the criminals appear
to be in control as they continue to terrorise
the lives of innocent people and shred the basic
fabric of the society.
Even
from behind bars, the police were forced to admit
yesterday, criminals and suspects on bail
are wielding such incredible power, they become
dons who control hit lists and issue contracts
on people’s lives.
Drug blocks continue to thrive, gun-running continues
unabated, murders remain rampant, gang leaders
go about their nefarious business as usual, and
kidnappings, well, the average citizen has little
confidence that the authorities have given a truthful
disclosure of the number of kidnappings.
Too many people who live productive lives and
strive to contribute to the development of the
country are now too afraid to venture out to enjoy
the fruits of their labour.
It
is shocking that after so many “crime
plans” and millions of dollars spent on purchasing
the now-grounded “blimps” and sky-watch
towers, the police continue to fail to bring gang
leaders and major criminals to book.
The
authorities must get their act together soon
and show the population that they have the competence
and ability to make T&T safe again.
The
safety of the nation is people’s number
one concern at the moment.
So far, nothing in the nature of breakthrough
thinking in finding solutions has emerged from
any of the political parties seeking to form the
government in the next general election.
This is a golden opportunity for the Government
and the opposition parties to present a compelling
case that they have the capability to make the
country safe.
Their ability to convince people that they will
be able to do so may well be the deciding factor
in who wins the election.
Trinidad
Guardian is
one of Trinidad & Tobago most important newspaper.
Petroleumworld not necessarily share these
views.
Editor's
Note: This article was first publish in Trinidad
Guardian,Tuesday 11th September, 2007 . Petroleumworld
reprint this article in the interest
of our readers.
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09/16/07
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