We live in den of inequity

THE EDITOR: Some politicians perceive crime to be the peculiar problem of certain classes of people in certain areas. These “dens of inequity” seem to be exclusively located in NHA settlements. What arrant drivel!!

Crime is not the exclusive characteristic of the poor, the underprivileged, the uneducated, the black. It may be more easily seen and exposed there. These may be conditions that lead to the violent and dramatic criminal acts that make the headlines. Efforts to alleviate such oppressive factors sometimes reduce the incidence of some types of crime. No responsible administration can deny the basic human rights of any sector of the national community. Surely Mr Ramnath knows that “decent” white collar economic crimes, as well as “white powder” crimes take place in the upper class regions where swimming pools are de rigeur. However the locale, the posh, swanky, elite atmosphere cannot be polluted by or even be suspected of harbouring crime lords or drug barons. We know that crime does not pay and that is why the “lower class,” the denizens (not at all to be confused with citizens) of the infected settlements must be scrutinised, ostracised and placed out of sight. Is this what the goodly gentleman is subliminally suggesting even though he gave his assent to the bill?

Yes indeed, “crime does not pay for when it does who dares call it crime?” See how prominent citizens of a certain regime rushed testimonials and character references on behalf of a certain convicted international drug dealer some years ago? Remember how the judge in Florida responded in that matter? Can you imagine a poor, young man of ebony hue from one of those “dens of inequity” being found in a similar criminal situation? Perhaps we live, or prefer to live, in a den of inequity ... forget for all practical purposes — “where every creed and race find an equal place.” Keep those scum in the slums, don’t you dare put them in our area! Indeed it now seems that some among us would object to poor people of colour being given space in their own country. Good Mr Ramnath claims to know two streets in his own constituency where crime, including kidnapping and theft take place. Is not this honourable man, as a leader in the national community, morally obligated to declare that information to the police or the national community?

GLENROY ROBINSON
Couva