The escalating criminal invasions of homes and business places, accompanied by the frightening murder rate (now over 165), have sent citizens into a paralysing state of fear.
So much so that revived calls for the death penalty exemplify widespread public desperation. Businessmen make repeated calls for guns.
They have spoken out, seeking a balance between the vicious criminals, policing and politics. After Chaguanas businessman Rishard Ali was killed last week, Mr Baldath Maharaj, president of Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said: "Given what’s happening throughout the country with home invasions, especially in Chaguanas and environs, which may go unreported because persons are not injured or killed, it’s a major concern for the chamber.”
He added: “We are calling on the TT Police Service to step up patrols and operations.”
Now while many invasions occur in Central Trinidad, the related question is: Where are these vicious invaders coming from? Vigilant policing should discover and act accordingly. Former Chaguanas Chamber president Richie Sookhai, said: “You never know where these criminals will attack next week.”
Middle-class Valsayn, Arima, Trincity, Aranguez and San Fernando are under siege. Valsayn Watch Group leaders Dr Neil Gosine and Dr Varma Deyalsingh have compiled a disturbing list of home invasion victims – in broad daylight too. Arima Business Association president Christian Rampersad declared: “While criminals are on apparent warpath against citizens, the hangman is the best way to send a message.”
However, like the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, businessman Peter George said such “death penalty” pleadings merely reveal public desperation and instead the “roots of crime” should be tackled.
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“Roots of crime?” That’s a never-ending story. Sorry folks, but crime in whatever form or degree is here to stay – inherent in a society like ours. Realistically, it’s more a matter of having transparent crime management, significant crime reduction, effective prevention, high-level detection, expeditious trials and accountability.
Every year, the TT Chamber calls for action against crime. Last November, it warned: "Criminals are now proceeding with increasing brazenness, often armed with the most sophisticated weapons and lack of fear.” Marauding home invasions and brazen murders have gotten worse without relief.
The indomitable pastor Dr Clive Dottin felt that while “criminals believe they are winning the battle,” our leaders “should form a united front in terms of the Government, church, national security institutions and the Opposition.” A useful proposal that has been repeatedly made – since 1977. In fact, such a proposal should be structured alongside the strategic development of deeply-rooted community policing programmes.
Community infrastructure has broken down. There are no more urban villages to “raise a child.” Street signs missing and ignored, congested street-side garages, lines of ru
