Government and police must protect all citizens

But his calls for a "lock down" of certain communities in the country is foolish and I believe, constitutionally flawed. If the Government attempted to impose this lock down, then you would have many people crying foul and saying that their constitutional right of freedom of movement is being infringed upon. And I believe they would be right. What I think could pass constitutional muster, would be for the Government to impose, let’s say a 10 pm to 5.30 am curfew on people (minors) under the age of 21. Only people with legitimate reasons (as defined by the Government) such as medical emergencies, work, etc, for being out during those hours would be exempted. This curfew would apply to everyone in this age group, all over the country, and not just in some areas, since much of the crimes seem to be committed by males within this age group.

It is true that it will affect the liberties of those who just like to "lime" and hangout as a "Trini ting." But I feel it would be a useful tool in getting a grip on crime without infringing on the rights of everyone else. It should be tried for maybe a one year period and then evaluated statistically to see how effective it is and if it should be continued and for how long.

This curfew would authorise the police to stop and search all (males and female) who are in breach of the curfew; issue citations and hold those who do not have a legitimate reason for being outdoors after the curfew time. I believe that this would appeal to more citizens than the proposed "lock down of certain areas."

But the measure that Mr Ishmael and Mr James Aboud are supporting, to lock down Goodwood Park and other western peninsula areas of Trinidad smacks of apartheid-style discrimination, where "outside strangers" to these areas are considered "persona non-grata" and would not be welcomed. Their movements would be monitored and "suspicious activities" reported to the police. I don’t think this is the way to go, where you create these "safe havens" and let the rest of the country be damned. The Government, through the police service should be providing the same level of protection to all citizens with no special treatment to residents of Goodwood Park, Westmoorings and other wealthy areas. What about the people of Belmont, Gonzales, East Dry River, Laventille, San Juan, Chaguanas, San Fernando, Erin, Valencia, La Brea, Toco, Maloney, Arima, Point Fortin and the like? Don’t the residents of these and other crime invested areas of the country deserve the same police protection as our wealthy friends living in their enclaves? I think they do!

So, I urge the Government and the police service to not fall victim to the pressures put on them by these "special interests groups" to do something "special" for them while all others have to fend for themselves and "deal with" the crimes they face daily. The crime fighting strategies of the Government need to cover all citizens, not just a select few.

KELVIN C JAMES, Sr
Port-of-Spain