Criminals will laugh at attack helicopters

THE EDITOR: Is the expression “collateral damage” to be added to the Trinidad and Tobago lexicon? Are these Israeli attack helicopters going to fire rockets at homes in Laventille, Morvant and Maloney as they do in Palestine? Are we going to start “taking out” alleged criminals in the manner of Israelis taking our Palestinians whom they demonise as “terrorists”? How in the name of reason are “attack helicopters” to be used in the containment of crime? The over-reaction of the people who call for “draconian measures,” a state of emergency and a dusk-to-dawn curfew gives legitimacy to these extreme intervention, despite the evidence that none of the actions of the state over the last few years have made any difference. Criminals have no reason to reduce their activities, except perhaps at Carnival time when the government really gets serious. After all, they think we are, for that period at least on the international stage.

The best that our Police Commissioner can do is continue to blame innocent citizens, who are afraid of the police — perhaps with good reason — or of becoming victims themselves. The government continues to labour under the misbegotten idea that throwing money at the problem will lead to a solution. Police helicopters, from the helicoptering noises heard in the skies on a regular basis, have had no effect on crime so the government decides to spend more of the country’s money on “attack helicopters”. The criminals will get so scared when they hear these “attack helicopters” that they immediately cease their nefarious activities. What is really wrong with this government that is ruining our country? It appears that once you have the ear of the Prime Minister anything you propose will be implemented. Some bright spark suggested a blimp. That does not work, so the country invests in another one. Nowhere in the world are blimps used in crime containment, but someone, whose training is apparently grounded in World War I wants to introduce this innovative technology.

In a few months time, when all the wasted money brings no relief, the calls from the business groupings, who are only aroused when crime affects them, will become more strident and the stage will be set for “draconian measures.” The government will then declare a state of emergency and institute martial law. That may bring a respite, but for how long and what cost? The police and the army, who have proven themselves to be part of the problem, will be given more power — more police beatings, more stop and search, more illegal unauthorised invasions of private homes, more detentions without charge - remember the “No Bail Bill.” Can we afford to let this incompetent government continue to destroy our country?

KARAN MAHABIRSINGH
Carapichaima