In defence of Martin Joseph

THE EDITOR: I have taken it upon myself to come to the defence of the Honourable Minister of National Security in a time when everyone has been castigating and maligning the gentleman about the current state of crime that is engaging our beloved country at this time. Some of the comments have found a measure of justification as it relates to the overall picture, but let us not forget that the current crime wave is a sad reminder of the immoral and dishonest legacy of other past government. Recent comments from the Leader of the Opposition relative to the Gillian Lucky and Fuad Khan imbroglio are testament to this.

The Honourable Minister of National Security is the most committed man I have come to know, when it relates to his family and his job. He came from humble beginnings in Nelson Street, Port-of-Sain and currently resides in St James where people who associate with him will tell you that whilst he exudes a serious demeanour, he is very down to earth and will engage in a cricket game amongst other relaxing pastimes. The Leader of Opposition and UNC are justifiably concerned about the presence of Minister Martin Joseph’s continued impact on the politics of Trinidad and Tobago, for it was this same minister who gave up his safe seat in St Ann’s East as Parliamentary Representative in the last general election to team up with Franklin Khan in Mayaro to beat the previously unbeatable Gypsy, thereby ensuring a majority victory for the PNM to form the Government.

His skill as a strategic and analytical planner, his efficient management and dedication to a worthy cause can be surpassed by very few. Martin Joseph is constantly thinking up new and positive solutions to the current problems in his ministry and the society as a whole. No other minister of National Security before him as provided the amount of resources available to the police and protective services. He has shown that he is not sidetracked by the negativity and remains focused on the monumental task ahead. All he needs is the cooperation of each and every one of us to get us through this morass that was left behind. He needs our prayers and we need to stand solidly behind him and our Government to bring Trinidad and Tobago to the safe and beautiful country that we can be proud of.

Keep the faith.
W STEPHEN
St James