What about DNA ID Act?

THE EDITOR: One has to admire the PNM’s ability to effectively use spin-doctoring and soundbites in its publicity campaigns. So effective are they, that they succeed in convincing the public that three pieces of legislation and an amendment to another would solve our crime problem.  Even more amazing is the ability to place all blame at the feet of the Opposition for “holding the country to ransom”. From letters to the editor to call-in programmes, it seems as if everyone has taken bait and truly believes that the Opposition is the last stumbling block to an Utopian nation. But the public is being wilfully misled where it comes to anti-crime legislation. If the government was serious about fighting crime, it would seek first to ensure that existing legislation is implemented. 

Take the DNA Identification Act of 2000.  Here is a revolutionary piece of legislation that allows for DNA samples to be collected from crime scenes, victims of crime and suspected criminals, to be produced in a court of law as evidence of innocence or guilt. To date, this important piece of legislation has not been implemented. Other pieces of legislation have been shirked off, such as the Integrity in Public Life Act, and any law that ensures more transparency in Government affairs. If Government were not so busy making excuses and blaming the Opposition, it would be repairing Police Stations, so that ceilings would not be collapsing on occupying police officers.

If they were serious, they would be looking at implementing other supporting measures to curb or detect crime.  One letter writer reminded us of the use of surveillance cameras, as has been implemented with some success in the downtown Port-of-Spain area. Where are all the other ideas?  Do you mean to say that our Government had only one plan to deal with crime, and that is to deny bail to accused kidnappers and to give the Commissioner of Police some additional management capabilities? Isn’t there something, somewhere in that Vision 2020 that makes mention of dealing with crime?  Suspicion is fast growing into confirmation that this Government simply has no idea how to deal with crime, is unable or unwilling or both. But for good measure, let’s just blame the Opposition, “irrelevant” as they may be.

WAYNE JAGGERNAUTH
United Kingdom