Far from being a 'yes-man'

THE EDITOR: There has been much talk and finger-pointing surrounding our present crime situation (murders in particular).

We are all concerned and horrified at the frequency and apparent savagery in which murders are being committed.

I believe nothing can separate anyone seeking honest employment from getting such employment, even though it may not be well-paying.

I am also certain that any responsible government will try to use all avenues legally available to eliminate the scourge of crime. This government has tried to do this, through its social programmes, educational opportunities and through their legislative programme.

Unfortunately, both the amendment to the Bail Act and the passing of anti-gang legislation have been stymied by an Opposition which sees absolutely no value both laws being passed so our police can have the upper hand on criminals.

The acting CoP has said repeatedly both pieces of legislation are vital tools in this crime fight.

Therefore, I agree with Mr Harry Partap when he criticised MP Rodney Charles for likening Commissioner Jacob to a yes-man for the government.

Charles believes the commissioner is a yes-man because he is working closely with the Minister of National Security.

Mr Charles, national security requires holistic thinking. Minister Hinds is in charge of the police, regiment, prisons, the fire service, coast guard etc. Strategies will only work if there is synergy within the entire national security network.

Therefore, if MP Charles is the shadow minister for national security, all l can say is, thank God he is just a shadow.

This brings me to the support of Charles by former security minister Joseph Toney.

I was greatly disappointed with Toney's rationale for doing this. I am certain the current minister is quite aware of the principle of separation of powers and who holds the handcuffs and licensed firearms; who has the ability to charge people; who has to prosecute and who can send you to jail.

But again, if these arms of our government, police, legal, judicial and penal system, don’t talk and work with each other, despite their clear constitutional demarcations, then crapaud really smoke we pipe.

My question to you, Mr Toney, is: did you create such a synergy amongthese arms of national security before the 1990 attempted coup?

KEITH RUDDER

Barataria