Enough is enough. Time to bring crime under control

What we have repeatedly expressed as unease is now unfortunately becoming alarm as a collapse of law and order looms ever closer over our heads. Not a day goes by without news of heinous crimes being committed against others who live and work here. Needless to say, violent crime - unprecedented in our country – has become a norm.

It is particularly disturbing when, increasingly, we learn of attacks upon our children and youth.

Over the past five years or so, we at the TT Chamber can recall several high-profile crimes that remain unresolved. But make no mistake, every day the average citizen of Trinidad and Tobago is exposed to some form of violence and injustice that threaten either their own life or that of a loved one, friend, co-worker or just someone in their network with whom they are acquainted. We are all grappling with this scourge.

The increasingly brazen attitude of criminal elements has been a disturbing trend. Today, there are communities being held to ransom by groups who have established themselves as community leaders. These “leaders” operate within areas as if it were their personal fiefdoms, dispensing jobs, justice and even charity as they appear to provide a parallel order to the legitimate institutions within the community.

As a business representative organisation, the TT Chamber cannot turn a blind eye to the devastating impact of white collar crime on our country – economically, socially and reputation-wise. White collar crime is both insidious and pervasive, and accounts for a multi-million-dollar industry. Parliament’s Joint Select Committee into the National Security Ministry certainly disclosed numerous bits of eye-opening information – not in the least the worrying trend of only 40 per cent of containers being checked upon entry into this country. Because owners are deemed compliant in the main, they are given free clearance. This is indeed cause for concern.

Within recent times, the police service has demonstrated how swift action can lead to the apprehension of suspects and foil intended criminal activity. And while such proactive strategies need to be commended in the discharge of duty, being one step ahead of the criminal element seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

Enough is enough. Urgent action by those charged with the responsibility is an imperative. There must be no compromise – particularly during a period of economic uncertainty. Crime must be brought within manageable levels and detection rates must increase. Only then will we be on the path to restoring some sense of safety and security among all citizens, and legitimate businesses will be able to reap their just rewards. Following the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition the TT Chamber remains hopeful that despite the rhetoric, it is the beginning of a genuine quest to find some common ground to address the critical issue of crime, with a view to developing concrete solutions to this pervasive challenge.