Situation handled well

While the police were prompt when the first dustbin bomb went off on July 11, their subsequent actions were non-productive and even clumsy. They were equally prompt on Friday evening, and efficiently cordoned off the area and quickly made some arrests. They were also able to keep relative order, although traffic jams in St James and on Wrightson Road quickly developed. Most importantly, though, the fact that the bomber or bombers shifted to St. James, and planted the device several days later than in previous months, could suggest that the heightened alertness of security forces over the past week may have had some effect.

Even more praiseworthy was the response of the health officials, who were quickly on the scene and got the 14 injured persons to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment. These persons got prompt attention, and three persons were warded at once. Luckily, no one was killed or gravely injured by the low-intensity device.

The politicians also seem to have learned a lesson from the previous incidents. National Security Minister Martin Joseph arrived on the scene within the hour and, this time around, did not wait for the Information Division to open before making a statement to citizens through the media. It is true that he could only give vague promises that action would be taken, but in such times it is important that persons in authority show that they are concerned. Police Commissioner Trevor Paul was also on the scene and able to supply some basic facts about what had happened and what action the police were taking in the aftermath. Health Minister John Rahael was also on the ball, getting to the PoSGH in short order and obtaining information about the number of persons injured and the extent of their injuries to pass on to the media.

We must also single out the electronic media for kudos, as they were able to provide early footage of the scene.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who after the first bombing incident had waited three days before making any comment, also made himself available to the media that very night. More than any of the other officials, he went out on a limb, declaring he had "great optimism" that some solid leads would come out of the arrests the police had made. However, Mr Manning still has not learnt some lessons, as demonstrated by him repeating the canard that bombs are not new to Trinidad and Tobago since many were thrown in 1980.

Apparently, the Prime Minister refuses to accept that a Molotov cocktail, which is made by putting kerosene in a glass bottle and stuffing the neck with a rag, is not in the same class as even a low-intensity bomb.

We are, however, glad that Mr Manning has made a statement he can be held to. He must now be even more motivated to ensure that the security forces make headway on this matter since, if the arrests do not pan out and if another bomb goes off next month, he will surely be taken to task by the general populace.

But that is part of the job of the Prime Minister, and we hope Mr Manning’s optimism does not turn out to be misplaced.