Loyal constituents in Laventille

THE EDITOR: Con-gratulations to the Minister of National Security on guaranteeing our safety on a crime free Carnival Monday and Tuesday, now only if we can make it through the next 363 days to the 2003 Carnival. It has been 65 days since Carnival, also 68 brutal murders, a number of rapes including that of a 12-year-old child, countless kidnappings and robberies, but what makes Carnival different from any other day? Well, it’s simple, to gain protection by the government of Trinidad and Tobago one must wine and jam, blast music, take a few drinks and go on with our daily activities half naked covered in mud.

The government’s brilliance continues to shine in its attempt to deal with the 25 page report on the struggles of its most loyal constituents the people of Laventille. The east west corridor has voted for the PNM since its inception and have held the reins of power more times than any other political party, even in the oil boom days where billions of dollars flowed into TT. After their steadfast support you would think that these would be the most prosperous constituencies in the entire island. What were their rewards after their vigorous support? Was it a technical institute or library where parents, sons and daughters can be educated and become self-reliant in some sort of profession? Was there an improvement in their standard of living? Was there a reduction in crime? Sadly the evidence speaks for itself. After years of neglect, betrayal, oppression, lack of education and poverty, much of the east west corridor is now overwhelmed with murder drugs and violence. A problem which cannot be solved with the installation of soup kitchens and a home for vagrants. A government is voted into power by the people for the people, questions must be asked and answers demanded. Politicians on both sides of the house are accountable to you the voters not only when there is an election but 1825 days of those five years. By the way, since the Prime Minister is adamant in the removal of Parlia-ment from the Red House there is no need to spend millions of dollars on a home for vagrants, if left vacant the Red House might be quite accommodating.

DEVANAND ANIL DHANPAUL
Port-of-Spain