Time for President Kangaloo to get involved

THE EDITOR: Within recent times, President Kangaloo has suggested that the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition come together and hold talks aimed at finding a unified approach to fighting the crime scourge within the ambit of national security.

We have seen roadblocks thrown up from both sides of the political divide to the point where no talks have been held as yet, weeks after her Excellency's call, and with the crime and bloodshed continuing unabated.

I wish to suggest that President Kangaloo herself get involved for the sake of the nation and immediately convene a meeting to be attended by Dr Rowley and Mrs Persad-Bissessar so that all preliminary conditions for the holding of these urgent and critical crime talks can be ratified in order for meaningful dialogue to take place as soon as possible.

I am also suggesting that Ms Kangaloo conceptualise a pathway for the talks given the current staus quo where both the Government and Opposition remain unable to meet and discuss this burning national issue. Our nation's leaders must remain focused on the issue at hand – the security and safety of the nation and its citizens.

Further to this, these meetings will be futile without the presence and input of the heads of the various arms of National Security and even the Minister of Education herself, since school violence and youth delinquency can be factors that could fuel lawlessness and criminality.

The crime talk team should also comprise subject matter experts who are versed in the areas of national security and its many nuances. Further to this, it is important for heads of the protective services to provide all relevant data to the team of subject-matter experts so they can then be fully apprised of the issues in order to come up with solutions in order to transform existing operating systems within the protective services, with the purpose ultimately of dealing with crime.

The education ministry needs to communicate the challenges of indiscipline and criminality within our nation’s schools.

At no time am I suggesting that the team of subject matter experts will directly interfere with the work or the independence of the different arms of the protective services. But once this type of collaboration is actioned, constructive dialogue can begin to take place among our nation’s leaders, and this will engender comfort and confidence in the crime-weary population.

SHYMDEO GOSINE

Managing director,

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