Sunday, March 18 2012

THE EDITOR: It seems of late the police force has been flexing its arms and causing problems for the general citizenry. Such a show of force can be seen in the areas ranging from Tacarigua to Curepe. The Tunapuna Regional Corporation installed many “No Entry” signs in the roads adjacent to the Eastern Main Road, these signs are causing severe problems for the motoring public. They are placed close to the highest concentrations of schools, and traffic, in the St George East region. Drivers were previously able to filter easily through these roads. No longer can this be done. The police now have an almost permanent presence in El Dorado.

Their presence is not to assist drivers, but to bully them, and charge them for any alleged infraction of the law. Every few days a van load of police officers descend on the area and give out tickets without any care for the hardships drivers face in trying to get out of the congested area. One wonders how these police officers have such easy access to vehicles on these days. It is common knowledge that there is a permanent shortage of vehicles in police stations ranging from Arouca to St Joseph.

This potentially explosive situation has been reported to officials of the Tunapuna Regional Corporation and to the office of Mr Winston Dookeran, the parliamentary representative for the area. Nothing has been done to alleviate the situation. It is only a matter of time before violent conflict breaks out between the motoring public and the police. Someone in authority needs to step in and provide a practical solution for the headaches which these “No Entry” signs, and the arrogant police officers, give to the long-suffering road users in this part of Trinidad.

HILARY WILLIAMS

El Dorado