PM’s lack of statesmanship

THE EDITOR: Up till now I have comfortably dismissed the Opposition’s cries of Trinidad turning into a police state as mere exaggeration. I fear that I can no longer do so. Three recent incidents have led to this change of heart: (1) Prime Minister Manning’s behaviour in Parliament during the Police Reform Bills debate. I was startled by his complete lack of statesmanship or regard for the dignity of his office as leader of the country. Not even president Bush has ever dared to expose himself in such a hysterical manner. (Indeed he could not do so because the American media would rip him apart.) I was embarrassed and deeply disturbed by the behaviour of my Prime Minister. If he could disrespect the Parliament in this way, and by extension the people of Trinidad and Tobago, who he and the other members represent, then I fear that I cannot invest any confidence whatsoever in his regard for my civil liberties.

(2) Minister Fitzgerald Hind’s comments to the effect that the head of the Second Division of the Police should not have revealed publicly that the Israeli bullet proof vests were faulty. He went on to state that if the Police Reform Bills were passed, there was an amendment in there that would have made such revelation punishable by law. This sent a chill down my spine. In a true democracy citizens have a right to know these things, the police have a right — nay a duty to criticise themselves. The Government must be able to admit its mistakes and accept public and internal criticism. Minister Hinds’ comments make it clear to me that the Police Reform Bills were indeed a means through which the Government would have sought to control the Police Service.

It also makes it clear that he and his Government do not understand the true nature of civil liberties, democracy and freedom of speech. (3) Minister Hazel Manning’s revelation that her Ministry has investigated and is keeping a list — before this a secret list — of teachers who are absent from school because of industrial action. This is pure intimidation! Indeed, I am shocked that there is not even any pretence at disguising it. There is no room for such Stalinist tactics in a real democracy, so why is it happening here? I do not know what we are moving towards, but I feel very worried about it.

My fear is compounded by the inaction of the Trinidadian media who have shirked their responsibility to the people and indeed to democracy itself and have chosen to look the other way. We talk about First World status by 20/20, yet in no developed country would such democratic abuse by a Government be tolerated by any free press. I end with a plea to the press to pluck their necks out of the sand and hold up the politicians to the democratic standards to which we must make them accountable. Whatever happens in the future, you are responsible.

Marianne Moises
Maraval