"A legislative framework that is not legislation is not going to solve the crime situation."

UWI political scientist Dr Bishnu Ragoonath drew this conclusion in a phone conversation with Newsday on Friday.

His comments followed the Prime Minister's address on challenges and disagreements in organising crime talks with the opposition, during a press conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's last Monday.

Dr Rowley said the government was willing to hold discussions outside Parliament if the opposition were open to it. However, he voiced scepticism about the Opposition's commitment, suggesting political motivation might hinder progress.

Ragoonath said, “The PM has made it clear he's not going to allow the Opposition to make demands on his government in terms of who could attend.”

He suggested the government should focus on talks with the public, criticising the approach taken and emphasising the importance of consultation and dialogue with the citizenry.

[caption id="attachment_1047308" align="alignnone" width="925"] Jamil Keller -[/caption]

He believes the government's focus on legislation as a means to fight crime is selling the country short.

He applauded a proposal by the PM in January for a national consultation on crime, emphasising that a consultation would allow people affected by or close to crime to voice their positions and offer possible solutions.

Ragoonath criticised the PM's decision to have Caricom consultations instead, saying that it left the public out of the process. Ragoonath shared examples of students in his classes who had valuable insights into crime and solutions based on their personal experiences, highlighting the need for the government to listen to the voices of the people.

He expressed disappointment in the PM's leadership, saying, "Yes, he's PM, but he's no leader, because a leader listens to his followers, listens to his people and thereupon makes decisions."

On the PM's not wanting former commissioner of police Gary Griffith to be part of the crime talks, Ragoonath said, "Even if Gary Griffith has a suggestion, does that mean that it should not be considered at all? Isn't he a citizen and should he not be given the opportunity to be heard?"

Ragoonath concluded, "The criminal elements know the government does not have a plan. Legislation does not solve crime, and the criminals know that, so they could pass as much legislation as they want.

[caption id="attachment_1047309" align="alignnone" width="916"] Delores Jarrette -[/caption]

"Over the last weekend, the Police Commissioner, Erla Harewood-Christopher, boasted that they rounded up gang leaders.

"What came of that? Absolutely nothing.

"We have gang legislation in place, but the only thing we could have charged them with is loitering."

On Thursday, Newsday took to the streets of Port of Spain to get the public's reaction.

La Neisha Vane from Maraval said she believed the government and opposition were not serious about fighting crime.

"If they would make an effort, we might have seen some