Dramatic entrance by National Security officials

THE EDITOR: High-ranking National Security officials arrived via helicopter mere yards away from the scene of the recent Frederick Street bomb blast. Evidence was being lifted/preserved at the time. You have to ask yourself: Where else in the world could this have happened? Many contend that the mode of arrival was ostentatious and daft — aspects that unwittingly revealed the absence of common sense, presumably blown away by chopper blades. The explosion inflicted near fatal wounds and claimed 14 casualties, qualifying the crime scene for nothing short of expert handling.

The helicopter incident is only one faux pas that mirrors TT’s pathetic level of preparedness for terrorist acts. It confirms again, that we, the people cannot afford to leave our safety entirely in the hands of the authorities, since leading law enforcers sometimes operate like blind men on unfamiliar ground. We must be more cautious, more alert. Two days after the bombing, PM Manning issued an advisory for workers to go home at 12.30 pm in order to prepare for the then Tropical Storm, Emily. Amid the nationwide panic spending and traffic gridlock that followed, citizens were heard trivalising the impending doom.

At around 9 pm, when Tobago was already experiencing the effects of Emily, Trinis were on the streets buying doubles and burgers and saying, “Storm? What storm? Nothing go happen to we.” This mentality, although changed for many is seemingly still too prevalent and reflects a level of preparedness that can lead to loss of life. In the aftermath of the foregoing calamities, Mr Manning echoed words to the effect that the country’s level of disaster preparedness is to be improved — no news to us. But at least the shortfall was finally admitted. Nationals who hold that God is a Trini will be well advised to take up the PM’s cue, in this instance, in recognising and accepting when a problem exists. Citizens must forego denial and wake up to the doctrine established by current trends. That is, like it or not, self-preservation is largely our own responsibility.

DEXTER RIGSBY
Mt Lambert