Unemployment and crime

THE EDITOR: I do not believe that there is currently another country in the world where criminals hold greater sway over the population than in Trinidad. With the number of perpetrations increasing daily, the country is becoming a very dreadful place in which to live. We no longer even have the liberty of going out for an evening stroll without putting ourselves in grave danger. Crime is motivated by robbery for money. The most heinous offences include kidnapping, abduction, stealing and burglary. Various parts of the country are plagued with the capture of innocent victims, who are held in captivity pending the ransom money from families for their release. The safety, serenity and peace once typical of this land of The Blessed Trinity has gone to the dogs.

The frequency of the atrocities is increasing exponentially, in spite of the fact that the powers-that-be have done the best they could. They have even solicited external help, but success seems to be eluding all efforts. We must evaluate the situation in its reality. It is said by experts and knowledgeable people that the man who is employed and can avail himself of the necessities of life, will not risk committing crime - which is an activity that is generally fraught with danger. The unemployed with little means of existing, combined with others who are lured by the shadows of luxury enjoyed by the affluent, could easily be tempted to gamble with their lives by turning to crime. It is my considered view that a group planning a criminal venture will be very careful not to let out any secrets or divulge any information.

To nip their devise in the bud before it is executed is practically impossible. In such circumstances, the police will have to depend heavily on informants - a tactic which is known to have been very successful in the past. What is needed with urgency is a Population Census which must be programmed to tell all pertinent facts which could be used to root out multiple crimes taking deeper roots. We must also not forget that Agriculture can be a quick solution to the hardships of unemployment, which lead to a life of crime for many. When we are confronted with insoluble problems, we must unite as one people in prayers of intercession with Almighty God and He will find someone to take us across the troubled waters.

SALER AMEERALI
Chaguanas