Minister Joseph’s authority

National Security Minister Martin Joseph is proving to be less effective than his predecessor. Mr Joseph, like Mr Chin Lee, had no background in National Security but, as a leading member of the PNM party, the hope was that he would have the political and managerial experience to draw on others’ expertise and to fill key positions. When he was appointed in November 2003, Mr Joseph was reticent about his own skills. His modesty has since proven to be amply justified. The statistical fact is that, under Mr Joseph’s 16-month tenure, crime has exploded. Not only that, but the attitude of the police officers themselves seems to have taken a turn for the worse.

Complaints of police brutality have increased, as has the number of questionable woundings and killings by officers. And, to cap it off, the Commissioner of Police appears to have absolved himself of all responsibility for fighting crime. What has been Mr Joseph’s response to this steady degeneration? At first, absolutely nothing. Always a behind-the-scenes man as PNM party chairman, he seemed content to use the same approach in what is now the most crucial ministerial portfolio. This gave rise to the perception that, behind the scenes, Mr Joseph was doing little or nothing. And, when he did emerge, it was to spout reassuring rhetoric that flew in the face of reality. His bland quietude, rather than reflecting competence, seemed to indicate a hollow man.

Oddly enough, the straw that broke the public’s back was not another murder, but the People’s Mall fire. Harangued by journalists at last Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Mr Joseph finally displayed some real emotion. And that emotion wasn’t regret or sorrow or empathy — no, it was anger at being held responsible for the nation’s security. “We have a way we like to blame and point fingers,” he said, adding, “The buck stops with me. But if you are giving me accountability, then give me the authority to take action.”

Mr Joseph’s logic is fascinating. The buck does stop with him, but he isn’t really accountable because, although he is National Security Minister, he doesn’t wield any real authority. And what is his definition of authority? To fire people without any judicial review or obstacles of that sort. But if Mr Joseph doesn’t have the authority to do what he needs to, what is the purpose of his portfolio? And, if the safeguards to political interference were removed and crime still wasn’t contained, would Mr Joseph resign then? Mr Joseph need not ask his PR people to craft a response to these questions. Everyone already knows the answers.