Let’s unite in fight against crime

THE EDITOR: Most of our citizens, if not all, sense that Trinidad and Tobago is becoming an increasingly dangerous place and has no clear idea what the future holds. However, this is a cogent plea for the moral clarity and courage needed to defeat the criminal elements that imperil our society today. Unfortunately, crime continues to rattle our sense of confidence and security. When people break the law with impunity, the freedoms of everyone are in jeopardy. For the law to have effect, it must be followed. We must be prepared to fight criminal activities and wipe out the criminals and their regimes, no matter what sacrifices it requires or how long it takes. Without looking left or right, we must perform the task thoroughly, efficiently, and expediently as possible. We must keep our country safe and secure from the criminals. There are those timid souls who say the battle against crime cannot be won, that we are condemned. I do not agree. We have the power to shape the society we want. But we need your will, your labour, your hearts, if we are to build that kind of society.

Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, we are fortunate and blessed to have a Prime Minister with the character and the determination to attack crime head-on. He has exhibited both the fortitude and the will to set about his task without flinching or shrinking back! Prime Minister Manning has a very weighty responsibility on his shoulders, and needs our prayers. By extension, the Leader of the Opposition must be willing to make the effort. The way is not easy now, nor was it ever open to superficial and self-interested men. Ours therefore, is a strong voice for moral values and civic responsibility. Today society has been cheapened. We experience man’s hellish inhumanity against his fellow man. Children have children. Brutality rules. We can no longer be placid when the public is left pessimistic and afraid. When tactics overshadow truths and principles take a back seat to process, our guiding principles get lost. We all should get involved in fighting crime and make it the performance of a lifetime. We must not become complacent, indifferent and lax in our determination to win the war on crime. Instead of criticising and condemning the Minister of National Security and the Acting Commissioner of Police.

Let’s look within, begin in our homes, our neighbourhood, I assure you, we won’t be surprised just where crime starts. Join the fight against crime. Work with the law enforcement agency, our churches, our mandirs, and mosques to take back our communities. Stop complaining, fight back with purpose, faith and patience. For if we shrink back in fear and timidity, we are all doomed. It is sobering to see other voices sensing the dangerous direction our country is heading. Articles are published documenting the staggering decline in morality, and the increasing crime, violence, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and kidnapping that plague our country. That’s all good, but we must unite in the fight against crime to make the difference. I make a plea to the powers that be: Give the Acting Commissioner of Police the added impetus and inspiration needed to persevere and marshal sufficient courage to crush this malignancy of crime. Confirm him in the position as Commissioner of Police, show us all the confidence reposed in him, and together we will win the war on crime. In conclusion, it is important to remember, “When we call upon Jesus all things are possible.”

STANLEY RYAN
Fyzabad