|
Our
darkest hours
By
Gillian Lucky, MP
gilly@tstt.net.tt
Oh
what a shame! Our nation justifiably boasts of having the
world’s best batsman and this Government openly refused
to secure any of the major games in the 2007 Cricket World
Cup.
Although citizens were braced for the disappointing news about
two months ago when they were informed that our country would
not actively pursue any prime part of the tournament, most
cricket fans and level-minded people find it difficult to
support the Government in what can only be termed a serious
error in judgment.
The cricket competition is being held in the region for the
first time in its 30-year history and one would have thought
that the Government would have been anxious to place a bid
to host at least one of the major events of the series. Why
has this Government decided to accept the scraps instead of
fighting for the choice prize?
While the establishment of the headquarters of the Free Trade
Area of the Americas is very important, there is no guarantee
that even with the support of the Caricom region T&T will
be the ultimate winner. In any event our country is still
in credit with Caricom nations such as St Vincent, Guyana
and Barbados.
Surely the safe return of two fishermen who were the beneficiaries
of a dismissal of their charges despite their alleged presence
in our waters must have strengthened our relationship with
Barbados.
And what message has this Government sent to our sportsmen
who continue to make us proud in various sporting arenas,
such as swimming, golf, cricket, track and field, when little
or no emphasis is placed on obtaining lucrative sporting events.
The conduct of this administration has been so suspicious
in previous matters that one is left to wonder about the terms
and conditions of any negotiations with Caricom countries
that have been made in exchange for their FTAA vote.
Enough is enough
Within recent time many citizens have shown their ability
to put the politics aside for the sake of fighting a common
evil. With respect to the kidnapping of ten-year-old Vijay
Persad, members of the public have come together in prayer
for his safe return.
Some citizens have even joined search parties with the hope
of finding the boy. When a nation is mature enough to appreciate
that the national interest must always reign supreme, then
it is incumbent upon this administration to set the example
of good governance by being transparent and accountable in
its operations.
Fitzgerald Hinds continues to make excuses for the Government’s
inability to control the escalation in criminal activity.
Telling the nation that provision of resources to the Police
Service takes time displays a great lack of understanding
for the reality that confronts us.
This Government has never given a comprehensive crime plan
that by its very nature has instilled fear in criminals. Instead,
piecemeal efforts have been made to try to create an image
that the Government is performing in the provision of national
security. It must be of great concern to this regime that
many of its supporters and political fence-sitters are now
prepared to say “enough is enough.”
Once again the call is made for the Government to wake up
and pay attention to the cries of citizens who are frustrated
with its lack of competence and commitment in areas such as
national security, health and education.
It is said that people deserve the Government that they get
but if people continue making objective assessments of the
situations affecting them, whether directly or indirectly,
then clearly the people deserve much better than this Government
now in office.
Guns gone missing
Minister Martin Joseph seems preoccupied with the removal
of guns from the hands of criminals and while this fixation
is understandable, there is nothing achieved if effective
measures to deal with the problem are not implemented.
Minister Joseph boasted that with the passage of the Firearms
Amendment Act 2004 there would be a serious crackdown on all
people who are in possession of illegal firearms. Consistent
with its policy to squander money and to promote propaganda
aimed at enhancing its image, the Government spent large sums
of money advertising the tremendous strides made as a result
of the passage of the firearms laws.
One must remember that this is a government that believes
that laws solve problems. Citizens wait with bated breath
for the announcement by Minister Joseph as to what action
will be taken to prevent further incidents of missing firearms
and ammunition from Camp Ogden and other army bases.
The fact that two high-powered Galil assault rifles, considered
the most lethal firearm used by the army, have gone missing
is beyond explanation especially in this time when crime is
at an all-time high.
To make matters worse, it is reported that a similar incident
involving the disappearance of weapons occurred a few months
ago, which means that there is an undetected corrupt element
not only in our Police Service but also in the armed forces.
President must speak
Although in the past there has been criticism when the request
was made for the President to address the nation on the issue
of crime and other matters of urgent public importance, the
time seems right once again for the President to indicate
to the nation his concerns about matters which affect all
of us.
Surely the President as head of state and commander-in-chief
of the armed forces is very worried about the existence of
impropriety within the army. The fact that high-powered rifles
are in the hands of criminals is an issue that must be addressed.
What assurance can be given to members of the public that
they will not be victims of a hostage situation or “collateral
damage?”
There is great merit in the President making a statement about
the escalation in the commission of serious crimes.
And perhaps a plea by President Richards for the safe return
of Vijay Persad, Rodney Deosaran and any other people who
are still missing will have the effect of softening the heart
of a hardened criminal or stirring the conscience of a weak
minded assailant.
The view that the President ought not to enter the public
domain in matters of national interest is no longer tenable
in a country that continues to face its darkest hours.
|
