Do more to keep us safe

THE EDITOR: I note the enthusiasm of an entire family, set to migrate within a month’s time, and I understand the feeling of relief that engulfs them.

These folks are some of my closest friends who, like many others with the ability to seek “greener pastures,” are leaving our beloved TT shores primarily due to the abhorrent incidence of crime. They no longer feel safe, conforming to perceptions that the relevant authorities remain clueless, complacent and reactive.

After two recent incidents of multiple murders claiming eight lives and injuring several others, the public listened to the National Security Minister talk about the challenges that hinder progress in the crime-fight dilemma. Citizens were left with no hope at the end of his press conference, as there continues to be no real plan to curb murders, in particular.

The Prime Minister supported the incompetence by chiding that the judiciary has its part to play. Indeed, the judiciary is the principal entity involved when criminals are shown extreme leniency and are literally back on the streets several days after stealing a vehicle or committing a similar offence.

However, the parliamentarians must also play their part in reviewing/increasing sentence durations – an aspect that should act as a deterrent for crimes in general. No one wants to go to prison for extended periods of time. The issue here is that our parliamentarians comprise of government and opposition members who refuse to work together for the betterment of all citizens.

Sadly, history tells us that government members believe that all legislation drafted by their Attorney General is perfect and requires no amendments. Discord then manifests if the opposition finds that changes must be made before agreeing to pass the legislation.

This is where meaningful discussion should take place among responsible adults to seek a compromise that would benefit the country. Alas, to the detriment of law-abiding citizens, that level of maturity is a virtue in short supply in Parliament.

Another shortcoming relates to the lack of urgency to beef up our porous borders where the murder weapons of choice come in. There is too much complacency in addressing major issues like this crime scourge. Even if US or Caricom help may be on the horizon, many able-bodied resources in the Defence Force may be deployed to curtail the influx of illegal firearms and ammunition. It all comes down to will and management or lack thereof.

Bearing further testimony to the nonchalant way crime is addressed is the fact that police stations across the country often appear to have an inadequate supply of official vehicles, critical in assisting victims in distress and saving lives.

There is no excuse for this perennial and utter mismanagement when the Ministry of National Security is annually allocated a significant part of the budget. As usual, no one seems to be held accountable, so the status quo of disservice to the population is maintained.

The next time the nation hears why certain crime initiatives cannot be implemented, ask yourself: Is this government doing all that it can to keep us safe?

DEXTER RIGSBY

Mt Lambert