PNM cannot solve the crime problem

The Government today, just as in its many past incarnations, has been only offering “talk” and “plans” through hosting conferences on crime.

Absolutely nothing appears to be happening.

It seems the Government is treating with crime in the same way it treats with our external economic shock caused by the precipitous fall in the price of oil. In the case of oil and gas prices, it is praying that these go up.

Regarding crime, it is holding national days of prayer to pray that the level of criminality goes down. Apart from that nothing seems to be happening save a few paid political advertisements. These ads try to make us believe that somehow taxpayers are responsible for the escalation in violence and murders just as it blames the last government for the PNM’s fiscal illiteracy.

This state of affairs is entirely and completely expected once there is a PNM-led government. The PNM has installed its political implants in quite a few State institutions.

With their help and the help of one or two journalists, the Government has been “encouraged” to approach the UN, with the help of the US, to dispatch to Trinidad its “International Commission against Impunity”, as happened in Guatemala.

The commission had the mandate to investigate corrupt security forces and political corruption. A Trinidadian reportedly is now at its helm. Why can’t the Government do what it is paid to do? The commission also made recommendations for the improved efficiency of the Judiciary.

Late prime minister Patrick Manning in 2005 requested the help of Scotland Yard. Did that help? The same PNM sent them packing. Trinidad has nothing but “organised crime” running its affairs. The PNM, either in its present incarnation or at any future time, cannot solve the problem of crime in this country.

We will continue to bear witness to official silence on issues of PNM corruption.

The non-appearance of police reports and the PNM’s indifference to this will continue.

People in high office will continue being above the reach of the law and they will continue their victimisation of whistle-blowers through calumny and smear campaigns.

The country will sink further into the miasma of anarchy and lawlessness.

Trinidad as we know it will continue to die while the PNM prevails.

STEVE SMITH via email