Will TT ever be safe again?

THE EDITOR: My purpose of writing is to express my disappointment and hurt regarding the recent incident in which visiting Canadian Professor Robert McDonald was unlawfully attacked by bandits, and has subsequently died. Before proceeding further, I ask the question, from whose bowels do these criminal elements manifest? I hope there is an answer. I cannot imagine what will influence an individual, to literally attack another, deprive them of their valuables, and then extend that action into grievous bodily harm or murder. For God’s sake, when will it end?

This is definitely not reciprocity in  the context of country to country. Both my husband and I are Canadian residents, and during the time in which we lived there, and visited, we have never experienced any such unfortunate incidents. A safe environment which is befitting for human co-existence is an ideal description of Canada. Our ability to attract and/or facilitate investments, tourists and other international initiatives will be diminished. The issue of crime is a social ill which should be of concern to each and every one.

We keep hearing that the “government is not doing anything” but is the government responsible for how an individual is socialised, “fall-outs” from the system, irresponsible parents and deviant chidlren? These are just a few of the issues which contribute to criminal activities. If the government expends energy and resources towards addressing these issues, then their fundamental role of “macro and strategic planning” so as to ensure a sustainable Trinidad and Tobago, will be an exercise in futility. Having said this, we still need to be cognisant of the fact, that the government has a responsibility to implement the necessary measures to effectively address the social ills. We need to think before we act — and collectively we can all contribute to a better Trinidad and Tobago.

S RATTAN
Port-of-Sapin