Freeze kidnap victims’ bank account

THE EDITOR: Many worthy suggestions have come from concerned citizens on ways to stem the tide of kidnappings now gripping our fair land.  Our hearts bleed daily as we read of loved ones being savagely taken away.  Our families are traumatised by greedy, unsrupulous people. As a researcher, I have spoken to many people.  Make kidnapping punishable by death, introduce more electronic monitoring of suspects and would-be-victims, make pictures of criminals available to businessmen etc.  And regularly tips against being kidnapped are posted on the daily paper. All commendable.  But the best I’ve researched so far is a way to prevent kidnapping in the first place.  Saran Kissoondan, a recent victim, was surprised at the details of his bank accounts known by his kidnappers.  So as most of us thought there are people at the banks divulging these details.  What if your hard earned wealth cannot be touched?  Even by you?  Therein lies the solution.

The Government and Opposition must cooperate on this one.  Bail is after the fact.  But freezing the kidnapee’s bank accounts the moment he/she is kidnapped, means by law not a cent cash can be withdrawn from any of the family’s accounts, even by the family.  The everyday running of the household and business can be easily done by cheques until the victim is freed. Though vicious and cruel, kidnappers are intelligent people.  They will know that such is law. Money cannot be obtained from the victim’s family and significant other who could volunteer to have their accounts similarly frozen.  If kidnapping persists then the motive is not money. So come on Mr Manning.  And my dear friend Mr Panday.  Forget the political points.  Let us put our country and its frightened peoples first!

SHAMSHU DEEN
Port-of-Spain