DOMA calls for ‘three strikes out’

The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) is concerned about the “epidemic of senseless gun crimes” in TT and attacks against tourists. DOMA is calling for bail to be denied to three-time offenders. “This is an excellent way of getting gunmen out of action. If you have two prior offences and they catch you a third time with a gun, you should not get bail. This method has been used in other jurisdictions where crime has been reduced. Why can’t we at least try it, what harm is there?” DOMA President Gregory Aboud said in an interview. He said it was noted that crime dropped within six months after the “three strikes and you’re out” policy was implemented in the United States by former President Bill Clinton. Aboud lamented the “diminished value” of human life that is pervasive among young gunmen in TT and cited the murder of two brothers in Cocorite last week.

A report carried in last Friday’s Newsday quoted statistics from the quarterly report of the Strategic Services agency that overall there was an 11.4 percent drop in crime for the period January to March this year compared with the same period last year. There were still increases in the six major divisions — Northern, Southern, Central, Tobago, North-Eastern and Western. For the country, murders increased from 58 to 61, while woundings dropped from 179 to 146. There were 128 sexual offences last year by this time compared to 147 for the first three months of this year. Thirty-three serious indecency cases were reported last year and 13 this year. Kidnappings also decreased with 65 for the same period and 33 this year. Break-ins and robberies also dropped.

Aboud said public perception is as important as the statistics and there are other statistics which should be considered. He questioned the under reporting of crimes, especially burglary and assault against people “where bags are snatched and chains taken.” Aboud also said the percentage of crimes committed which lead to an arrest is also important. “There is a great degree of concern that we only give a one-sided picture.” He described attacks against tourists as “economic suicide.” Aboud said the people of Tobago have understood the ramifications of this type of crime. “It is going to destroy jobs, it will hurt our image overseas and therefore affect the investment and creation of jobs in crucial areas.”

Aboud said the dramatic reduction in kidnappings is a very welcome improvement in the recent challenges which the country has faced. He commended the Ministry of National Security and the “many dedicated officers working above and beyond the call of duty to maintain law and order.” Over five days in April 22-26, four people were shot dead. On April 22, Canadian Robert McDonald was shot in the head after he and seven of his countrymen were robbed at Eastern Main Road, St Augustine. On April 24, brothers Elton Delice and Allen Sterling were shot and killed after leaving a baby shower in Cocorite and on April 26, Mark Boodoo was also shot and killed at the Chaguanas Flyover.