Business leaders aiming at the wrong target

THE EDITOR: It was good to see our business leaders coming together to issue an ultimatum to all 36 Parliamentarians. Bravo! Now, let me register my disappointment in these very business leaders for doing the very same thing they chastise the Opposition for — playing politics with crime. For far too long these so-called business chambers have been less than vocal on a matter that had reared its ugly head since the current administration took charge of the nation’s affairs in 2001. These seemingly intelligent people simply do not get it. All the legislation in the world will not solve our crime problem, and asking the Opposition to support the Police Bills shows that they, just as the Government are clueless.

There is nothing preventing the Government from providing the necessary resources to the Police, whether it be handguns, bullet-proof vests, cars, or better facilities. There is also nothing preventing the Government from implementing critical legislation that has been left to languish, particularly the DNA Identification Act. But if they want legislation, then for goodness sake, understand what the legislation is all about. The Police Bills do nothing about providing resources for the Police. That and that alone is the duty of the Minister of National Security and his fellow Ministers. The Bills do nothing about cleaning up the ghost-gangs in the URP, which fuels the gang wars in Port-of-Spain. Those matters are the sole responsibility of Government.

So they want all 36 Parliamentarians to sit down, have a cup of tea and come up with solutions. It does not work like that, and I am surprised that they would suggest this. Parliament’s main purpose is to legislate — ie make laws. It is the Government, or more specifically Cabinet that decides policy and allocation of resources, and they do not require any support from the Opposition for this. There are only two occasions requiring support from the Opposition. The first is to enact changes to our Constitution, and the second is to consult on matters of national importance. As far as I am aware from reports in the daily newspapers, the Leader of the Opposition has been calling on the Prime Minister to consult on the issue of crime. To date, the Prime Minister it appears has not acceded to this request. It is also on public record the Opposition’s views on crime and the causes for its increase under this administration.

The Chambers, despite their good intentions have totally misunderstood our system of governance by seeking to assign blame to the Opposition for a crime situation which the Minister of National Security deemed “not so bad.” They are aiming their guns at the wrong target. Instead they must re-evaluate their position and insist that the Government get its act together or get out! I am somewhat annoyed that it has taken this long for the Chambers of commerce to say enough is enough. For most citizens, it was more than enough from the very first kidnapping and murder. If one is to be convinced that the Chambers means business (no pun intended), I suggest they follow through on their threat and “up the ante.”

WAYNE JAGGERNAUTH
Couva