Crime does not discriminate

Whether or not one has been affected directly, each person is likely to be familiar with friends, relatives and neighbours who have suffered the effects of the violence and loss, and the deep sense of anger and injustice that tends to follow.

An unfortunate fallout from the all too pervasive nature of crime in our society is that our senses appear to have become somewhat dulled and crime is essentially treated as just another topic of the day – very much like the weather report.

Nonetheless, the TT Chamber has observed that ever so often, a particularly heinous act of criminality causes us to pause for a while longer… and think.

One such incident was Father Clyde Harvey’s harrowing encounter last week Monday with bandits, who tied him up, robbed him and even threatened to kidnap him.

A well-known priest, Father Harvey has worked tirelessly in communities throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad, and his is a voice which represents the voiceless in our society. Yet ironically, it seemed as if the very community that he served, had now turned against him through his young assailants.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition publicly condemned the attack.

Some people, however, challenged the attention to the case, questioning what appeared to be greater value being placed on some lives over others. What about the many families who have lost their loved ones and have suffered untold pain, they asked? Who is clamoring for justice on their behalf? Who is condemning the criminals for the reprehensible acts against the average citizen? To a large extent, there is merit to these concerns.

Yet another perspective was that Father Harvey was singled out for special mention because of what he stands for as a religious leader and a respected public figure.

And this is where we seem to have lost our way. We are experiencing a total breakdown in respect for those in authority – from teachers to principals, police officers, religious leaders and so many others. The average citizen is now left with a deeply unsettling feeling, upon realising that even the icons and elders among us will not go unscathed by crime.

Crime does not discriminate; it is no respecter of boundaries, social status or income levels. Sadly, its crippling effects can lead to anyone of us becoming a victim and a subsequent statistic.

Having arrived at this juncture, where does that now leave us? We at the TT Chamber renew our repeated calls for the Acting Commissioner of Police to take firm and immediate action to address the spiraling crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago. It is the holder of that office, along with law enforcement in its entirety, who must be held accountable for the present abysmal state of affairs.

By the same token, while the police remain at the frontline in fighting crime, some responsibility also extends to every institution – be it government, the opposition, the judiciary, civil society and every one of us as individuals in this country. Serious work is required to stem the devastating effects of crime. Non-violence can begin with each of us and extend to our circles of influence. After all, no amount of eff ort is too great to bring about peace and positivity within our society.