Enough laws to deal with crime

THE EDITOR: So the Minister of National Security Martin Joseph has laid the responsibility for solving the nation’s crime problems squarely at the feet of the UNC. For nearly six years while the UNC was in office we were told that the party was the cause of all the nation’s problems, and that the PNM has all the answers. Now the UNC is out of office and the PNM is in power and we are still being told that the UNC holds the key to solving the major issues that are troubling this land. Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t the country already have enough laws against kidnapping, banditry and rape? How in heavens name will passing more laws make these activities even more of a crime. We already have seen where the courts have the power to deny accused kidnappers bail. What again do we want?

To me anything more will be putting way too much power into the hands of the police and the DPP at a time when many citizens have doubts about their objectivity and fairness. Can the Minister tell me how the existing legislation prevents the government from providing the police with better training, more equipment and improving its crime detection ratios? As recently as June 6, 2004 the San Fernando police did not have a vehicle to investigate a case of assault where a man was being seriously battered. Do we need new legislation to solve that problem? I have to agree with Mr Panday on this issue. In the light of the failure of the government to seriously address the issue of constitutional reform Mr Panday has no choice but to continue to pursue his policy on non-cooperation.

RONALD SAMMY
Palmiste