New ground rules established

Giving his report on the "crime talks" between the Opposition and Government at yesterday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday said it was one of the stipulations outlined during the discussions, and it was agreed on by both parties.

The critical discussions on crime and legislation stemmed from a recent motion piloted by Government, asking the House to take note of Government’s efforts to combat crime. Representatives from both sides of the House met at Whitehall on November 14, 15, and 16.

It was also agreed, Panday said, that amended versions of certain legislation would be brought before the Parliament for consideration. These include the Police Service Reform Bills, the Anti-kidnapping Bill, the Bail Act, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, DNA legislation, money laundering legislation, legislation for establishment of a special court to hear gun and kidnapping related matters, legislation designed to end the carnage on the nation’s roads, and a review of the Equal Opportunities Act.

Panday insisted that deeper analysis of further legislation to deal with crime supported the Opposition’s call for constitutional reform. He said while there was agreement during the discussions that constitutional reform would continue to be a consideration, only time would tell if Government was really serious about it, or if it was included on the agenda as a ploy to get the Opposition’s support on other matters.

However, Panday said, it was clear that legislation alone could not solve the current crime problem, and Government needed to consider non-legislative measures for a reduction in the economic incentives in crime-related activities. These could include workable systems of administration, new and transparent processes, and the provision of proper support services, he said.

According to Panday, under the existing political system, the Government was solely responsible for and had the power to deal with the spiralling crime situation. The Opposition, he said, was a minority in the Lower House, allowing it (the Opposition) the limited power of giving or withholding its vote for legislation requiring a constitutional majority. This, Panday said, could do very little in the fight against crime.

He said, "The first and primary duty of the State is to provide for the safety and security of its citizens," adding that it (the State) had not properly discharged this duty.

The Opposition Leader said his team had drawn Government’s attention to the relevant recommendations of the Law Association and various non-governmental groups such as the Keith Noel 136 Committee and Communities Mobilising Against Crime.

The Lower House will resume sitting on November 25.