No confidence in our leadership

THE EDITOR: The escalation of crime and the latest trend of kidnapping of adults and children really has no words to describe it except maybe an abomination. My sentiments may seem trivial but I think the Government and the Police Service, Army included, should all bow their heads, not in prayer but in shame.

Mr Manning exudes his power over us mere mortals and really does not care about the people in this country, especially the kidnapped victims. Is it because 99.9 percent of these victims belong to one ethnic group or oops! Sorry, I will be labelled as a racist. The proof is certainly in the pudding, and now the Government wants to pass legislation to include that persons who negotiate with kidnappers will be prosecuted. Mr Prime Minister, any right thinking person in this country will negotiate for their loved ones.

Look at the movie The Negotiator, Sir, and you will understand how far a parent will go to secure the safety of their children and at what cost. Mr Manning I can’t imagine the pain in the belly of that mother whose child is kidnapped, can you? All those tears do not fall in vain. Rather than negotiate with known criminals who have no intent on bringing peace to our nation, you should instead try and put them behind bars without bail.  People are terrified to go to the Police because many in the police force are corrupt and have their own agendas.  They first of all have to learn manners and how to speak to John Public. They do not wield the hand of power over the public at large. I remember when you became our Prime Minister you publicly stated that no one in our beloved country has anything to fear. Alas! Sir, Me thinketh not. Believe me we have lots to fear and we do not feel safe under your rule. At least I don’t.

Now Mr Manning is holding talks with Mr Panday to discuss the crime situation and constitutional reform. Why were talks not also held with Mr Panday to discuss the laying off of workers of BWIA, Customs, San Juan Regional Corporation, Caroni and others? Can’t the people of Trinidad wake up and smell the coffee. Everything in the groceries has escalated since this new Government took office, and thousands of workers have been retrenched. Do we need to be wrung by the neck to see what is happening? Or maybe all that is happening because of the War in Iraq and 9/11. My mistake. Maybe Mr Bush and Mr Blair should take a look at this end, but they will be treading on thin ice because they will have to deal with our Army and our Police force.

R BOODAN
Valsayn