Rights infringed

Yet for the residents of Enterprise, Chaguanas, these provisions seem to ring hollow given a series of trends and developments in their neighbourhood.

Surely the residents want to have peace in their space.

But firstly, criminal gangs have taken root in the area, subverting the values of a democratic society founded on the rule of law and on the processes that govern our civic system. Secondly, in the wake of murders and acts of criminal violence, further disruption has taken root in the form of fiery protests.

After the murder of a local figure, residents on Friday began blocking access to John Street and surrounding roads with burning debris. Some fired flares and ignited firecrackers, creating a gridlock. Their motive has been described as outrage over the murder of 60-year-old Sylvan Alexis. The outcome of their actions, however, was more indiscriminate in its effect.

The fact is all residents of Enterprise have legal and moral rights. And members of the community have a right to occupy their homes and surroundings in peace. Yet, obstacle after obstacle is being placed in their way.

They are subject to lawlessness, wrought in one form or the other by gangs and criminals.

From all indications, the gangs are known to the authorities. Officials of the Ministry of National Security have been able to disclose the existence of a number of them to the country. In the case of Enterprise, it seems to be an open secret who the leaders of these gangs are or have been. Yet, to what use is this information being put? We can assume it is being put to some use by law enforcement authorities. But incidents like Friday’s make us question if enough is being done, or if the current efforts are working as they should.

Sadly, the Enterprise area seems to be on the boil yet again.

Just two weeks ago, on March 11, two men, Terrance “Boomy” Patrick and Christian Mohammed were shot while liming at the corner of John and School Streets. A man and a woman were also shot.

Last July, Selwyn “Robocop” Alexis was killed, along with a customer at his car wash. Various motivations have been ascribed to the perpetrators of that incident and incidents since. But criminal charges have been slow to be filed in court, despite several arrests. There must be some significance to the fact that this is the third member of the Alexis family including “Robocop” himself to have been annihilated in a hail of bullets.

With all of this going on, residents have been traumatized.

Though a temporary police post was installed, there have been calls from the Member of Parliament for the area Fazal Karim to have a permanent police station constructed.

“A police station will do a lot to comfort local people, compared to just the temporary police post,” Karim said on Friday night.

He also urged more joint police/ army patrols in the area.

Yet, a police station cannot be built overnight. Such an undertaking requires a procurement process as well as a careful design and construction period.

Furthermore, the presence of a police station alone, sadly, is no longer a deterrent to criminals.

While it may comfort residents, getting a handle on the crime situation nationally is what is required.

Otherwise, the crime will simply move from pillar to post, requiring new police stations here, there and everywhere.

Whatever action is taken, it is clear the residents are suffering.

The State has to approach this matter as seriously and urgently as required, mindful of the profound nature of the problem.