Friday, March 8 2013

THE EDITOR: This coming Easter 2013 will be like no other in the history of Laventille. The present Minister of National Security is carded to launch his most comprehensive attack on “recalcitrant persons” living in Laventille. What could not be achieved with a State of Emergency will be won by using heavy artillery and more ground troops than never before. Like one man one vote, it will be one police officer or one soldier per alleged bandit.

Since being elevated to this position, Minister Warner has found himself no more successful than previous security ministers and any further loss of face is not an option. It is anticipated that the hills may run red with the blood of troops and miscreants but such is expected when assessing collateral damage.

Obviously there can be no winners. Not this year. But come the general election of 2015 what transpires this Eastertide in Laventille will have a bearing on how the nation votes.

The Partnership Government will forever be remembered for this murder and mayhem in the Laventille hills. There appears to be no plan for holding captives as there has been no talk of prison accommodation. The reality must be faced that the “bad boys” are not going to stand up, just so, just so, and let the “good boys” mow them down. This is not a game or simple policing exercise. Everybody will not be going home for Crix and Milo at the ending of the evening.

If this will be the accepted method of crime control then it follows that this modus operandi will be used in all “hot spots.”

This Government persists in sending a message to the outside world that they lack experience in 21st century policing.

At this point in time, there exists no discernable policy and no advance planning. The economy remains flat and the country proceeds by trial and error.

When all is said and done, will Captain Hook (the National Security Minister) be made to walk the plank?

Lynette Joseph

via e-mail