Get foreign doctor for local poison

THE EDITOR: What is it going to take to stem the reckless murder spree plaguing TT? Clearly, the ones in power are clueless with regard to the answer. Imagine 13 murders in 14 days, all in the midst of political picong, a jesting Parliament and downright complacency. We the people must realise that the Government and the Opposition have their own agenda. Make no mistake — seeking the population’s foremost interest is indubitably a low priority item — an afterthought even. Call this an extreme conclusion but a quick look at the facts puts things into perspective.

Hundreds of appeals have been and continue to be made to the Administration regarding crime, many with reasonable proposals for a resolution. Almost daily I read opinions and suggestions from scared and fed-up citizens. They are begging for an end to the madness, for relief from the gang warfare and an inept police force that is instructed by an apparently daft Commissioner and a dubious Minister of National Security by extension. Any normal 10-year-old would agree that the element of surprise is key in entrapment. So why would a National Security Minister or Police Commissioner publicly announce when and where armed forces would be deployed to ensnare criminals? That move is tantamount to hunting deer and shouting, “OK deer, ready or not here I come!” We have confirmed that the skills used to manage a nightclub cannot be used to manage crime.

News reports have time and time again allied an infamous seditious group with the incidence of heinous crimes. Many citizens harbour frightening thoughts and nightmares of the police and/or Government officials being in cohorts with these insurrectionists who hide behind religion. Other law-abiders believe that the group has law enforcers wrapped around their fingers, making the entire nation their turf. For me, I often wonder about the percentage of mentally challenged or brain dead members in Parliament. Whether or not these concerns and beliefs are credible, the fact remains that TT is in crisis. Ole’ talk and reaction is not helping. As difficult as it is to hear, the nation is presently unable to produce a competent and just administration with a workable and effective anti-crime plan. Crime is “the” major societal poison for which we have no antidote. Mr Manning, swallow your pride and seek out a foreign doctor.

PERNELL TRANTON
Port-of-Spain