Can’t tell police from thief

There are many issues facing the country that need to be objectively addressed and one of those issues is the fight against crime. Reluctant as I may be, I am in support of Government’s decision to bring crime fighters from Britain to our country. It is not the only option, but considering all the existing circumstances of today, including a Government that seems to be opposed to the principle of consultation before implementation, it may turn out to be the better decision among all the other blimping ones. Nevertheless, the problem the imported police would have to contend with is our culture.

The reality we face is ordinary people are afraid of the police and see them as the enemy and we have reached the stage where we cannot tell who is police from who is thief. When there is a road block, their mannerism is that of thugs with Government authority to harass. Training police offers to fight crime, without an input of psychology, human and public relations, will never get rid of the present adversary relationship between the police and the public. A good relationship with the public is vital to the apprehension of criminals.

However, civil society must not close its eyes to the stark reality that the decision to recruit foreigners will add to the evidence of the great need to check our foundation that was laid after we gained our Independence that we, as a people did not struggle for, but voluntarily given to us by the British for various reasons, which the constraints of space will not allow for details. In the relay race towards Independence, the Colonial baton was passed to the PNM, in the name of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, but after 44 years, we are till running with the baton on a 2020 track bent on making the full circle back to colonialism with a new face.

Civil society need to forget party politics and face reality because we can bring people from England, America and elsewhere, but nothing will drastically change unless we the people, (through our representatives in Parliament, non Governmental organisations, the church, trade unions and selected social workers) sit together to reform this troubled society beginning with pertinent constitutional changes based on our need for lasting social harmony.

Talk is cheap, but deep thought is scarce. We are now extending the “blame game” by blaming some “evil spirit” for what we as a people have created and tolerated over the years. You cannot plant bitter cassava and expect to reap sweet potatoes.

It is within all of us to erase the elements of the old foundation and put in its place a new one, where we all can willingly embrace a new vision of the people of Trinidad and Tobago on a level playing field. Let us do it for the safety and future of our children. It is the only way out.