Frank crime talk needed from PM

I remarked then that these were like breaths of fresh air in a stifling political climate and also created a connection with the people. Today I express my appreciation to the Prime Minister for deciding to resume these conversations.

There are now so many more reasons for the leader of the nation to step out of the ivory tower and come down to the level of the street and feel the pulse of the people through frank and open discussions with the average citizen.

It is more than necessary in the present realities of life in TT , when we are losing the sense of security, when there is so much anxiety among the people that many are daily losing their grip on sanity.

Case in point is the frightening stance taken by a leading light in our country, who has resorted to calling for guns to be placed in the hands of ordinary citizens as a response to crime.

There is no need to enunciate the multiple issues facing us; from the murder rate to the fast developing mayhem stemming from the executive orders of the President of the US, already having a domino effect on global life.

Our citizens are running around like headless chickens as they try to cope with the present drama that is life in TT .

Economic pressures, unemployment, pockets of protest ranging from failed negotiations to poor school conditions, kidnappings, murder and the list goes on.

Indeed, we are in the grip of general confusion that requires our leadership to clearly articulate measures that will provide a sense of assurance that we are not falling apart. The country sits on the brink of a disaster and the population is holding its breath, expecting some relief.

Recent pronouncements from people in high places have done little to allay the fears of the poor man that life will continue to be unbearably difficult. This is the message being filtered through and many prophets of doom, bent on making the Government look bad, are driving the country into a panic state.

I look forward to our Prime Minister rising to the occasion and stepping forward to provide a steadying hand. He has demonstrated that he has the testicular fortitude to stand up for what is right. He now needs to show that he is standing up for the people.

The average man in the street needs to hear his voice, giving us the assurance that in spite of the difficult times we face, we can weather this storm as a united people. The true plan for surviving these trying circumstances lies in the bosom of the people.

Build back that connection and let’s have the conversations. Together we can save our beautiful country.

Garvin Cole Tobago