Anti-Terrorism Bill not a deterrent

THE EDITOR: The Trinidad and Tobago Government has embarked on the introduction of the Anti-Terrorism Bill after much heated debate regarding its content and the extent to which it infringes upon the fundamental human rights that we have fought for and are still fighting for. In the wake of public indignation, the PNM Government is following through with the Bill’s introduction and has shown the public that our constitutional rights mean absolutely nothing to them.

My question, of course rhetorical in nature, focuses on who or what is involved in the process of drawing up Bills. Have they not reviewed other countries’ literature on the anti-terrorism legislation and concluded that the Bill should take into consideration many of the human rights that we have enjoyed on a daily basis? The UK, introducing their anti-terrorism, crime and security act, had it thrown out by the Lords of Appeal since it calls into question the existence of our liberties and freedoms. Our entitlement to freedom, justice and security is not only being eroded by the terrorists that the Act addresses, but also the system of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

A brief scan of the daily newspapers would prove the inability of the PNM Government to effectively curb the rising crime situation. The members of Parliament in the Opposition have seen what we the public have seen — that the anti-terrorism legislation is not only encouraging the abuse of police and judicial powers but it also seems to threaten the stability of Trinidad and Tobago’s institutions, both politically and otherwise. I appeal to the people of Trinidad and Tobago to not let the PNM be the rogue element that cuts away at our fundamental rights.

D HAYNES
San Fernando