The tour is over

It is rare that such cooperation is seen in public affairs. But desperate times clearly call for desperate remedies.

The entire nation has been shocked by the developments in Enterprise which spiralled into a nightmare of epic proportions over the last few weeks.

Enterprise has long been a hot spot, but the carnage in recent days has effectively robbed all its residents of the right to live in peace.

Friday’s walkabout, by Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon, MP Fazal Karim and Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodan, however, was a moment when all hands were on deck. This is the type of solidarity needed to comfort residents and the nation at large and to send a clear signal to criminal elements.

Yet, the exercise, as welcome as it was, has to be more than just a public relations exercise. It should set the tone for an agreement on policies and strategies going forward — involving both Government and Opposition- held constituencies.

More definitive interventions may also be required which do not involve the legislative realm.

Critics of Friday’s exercise are, however, right to point out that it should not have been made to look like a negotiation with criminal elements. The law and order must be enforced to the fullest extent. The police must take seriously any mention of illegal activity — whether involving guns, drugs, corrupt policemen or killer drones! — and investigate them.

We also have to stop endlessly boasting about knowing who the culprits are and not taking action. That said, if persons claim to have pertinent information then the police must listen and weigh this information accordingly.

Adequate resources have to be given to officers to handle all tips.

The public too should cease and desist from wasting police time by sending them on wild goose chases.

We have repeatedly written about the breaches of fundamental rights of the people of Enterprise.

They have not been able to live in a safe environment for some time now.

The police and the residents should be allowed to wrest control of the community.

We note elements within Enterprise have said crooked police officers have played a part in the break-down of order. If persons have information to substantiate such reports, this should be taken to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), the Parliament’s Committee on National Security, the National Security Council and the Police Service.

The reform of the PCA should be dealt with as a matter of urgency, not only because it is pertinent to these recent concerns, but because the problem of a perception of rabid police corruption is endemic. For too long our society has accepted, as the normal state of affairs, the idea that the police service is compromised.

This damages the reputation of the hard-working women and men of the service and hinders the ability of the good apples to do their job.

The time has also come for a comprehensive overall of our firearms legislation. It is time guns are properly tracked. Also of concern is the role of social media in spreading gang propaganda.

This is an area that can be tackled by a bolstered cyber- crime policy.

The tour is over. It is time for action, moving together.