Fundamental rights being subtly threatened

THE EDITOR: Events occurring in Chaguanas on Monday October 6, 2003 (Budget Day) is an ominous sign for Trinidad and Tobago. The peaceful protest of the overburdened citizens and residents of Central Trinidad was turned into blatant abuse of power by the Police with the acquiescence if not connivance of the Government of the day. Apart from injecting life into a moribund of brain-dead opposition, the events serve as an early warning sign for those of us who hold our fundamental rights under the Constitution as sacred. In any true democratic society, freedom of association and freedom of expression are fundamental rights.

Some of the statements in the Budget reinforce my view that our fundamental rights are being subtly if not seriously threatened. Eg (i) The establishment of three new Army Camps; Has anyone asked the question — when does a nation seek to expand its army? Speaking for myself, I can only say it’s when a nation is preparing for war. Can we safely say that Trinidad and Tobago is under such a threat! (ii) The promotion of an Army officer to the rank of Brigadier and appointing the same person to head a Special Anti-crime Unit. Can we really believe that the Army is more competent to combat crime? (iii) The provisions of approximately $300 million for CEPEP to be supervised by the Army. (iv) The proposed redefinition of the law of treason and need for compulsory finger printing. We all remember the brutality unleased on the villagers of El Socorro and the subsequent whitewash by the Army Inquiry.

The inferences to be drawn from these decisions can only be that there are plans afoot by the powers that be to suppress the free will of the people. History has shown us that the expansion of armed forces unnecessarily is the first step to dictatorship. This is and has always been the beginning of a Banana Republic (to which we seem to be more and more gravitating.) Additionally, we must bear in mind that for the past two years this Government has been virtually ruling by decree, ie The Prime Minister and his select ministers at the regular Thursday “Press Conference.” I would hope that all concerned citizens wake up from their idyllic slumber and closely monitor these events. As the saying goes “A stitch in time save nine” and it would be very unfortunate that we awake one morning only to discover that the army is in charge.

WH SINGH
St Joseph