Senior Political Reporter
The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) has again called for bipartisan dialogue between the Government and Opposition to tackle the rampant crime plaguing T&T.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers says if there was a need to make adjustments to the Constitution to improve the workings of the T&T Police Service (TTPS), it should be done with urgency.
Both groups, representing large, medium and small businesses, spoke yesterday after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s media briefing on national security issues.
The TTCIC expressed deep concern over the escalating lawlessness gripping T&T, saying, “It has sparked alarm within the business community and wider society. “Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, we commend the Honourable Prime Minister for his awareness of the urgent need to address this pressing issue.
“Now, more than ever, collaboration between the Government and the relevant stakeholders is imperative to establish effective measures that can curb the dangerous levels of crime. While the process for recruiting a Commissioner of Police may be prolonged, we remain optimistic that alternative solutions can be explored utilising existing security forces.”
The chamber added: “Furthermore, the assurance of continued co-operation with the United States on security matters, as highlighted by the Prime Minister, underscores the international dimensions of crime that must be addressed in our operations.
“In the interest of our nation’s safety and well-being, the chamber calls for bipartisan dialogue between the Government and Opposition to tackle the rampant crime plaguing our country. Politics should not impede our shared vision of securing a better future for T&T and its citizens.”
The TTCIC said it stands prepared to lend support to the State and security agencies in any way possible.
“We are actively engaging in efforts to find viable solutions and are eager to collaborate with the Government on broader initiatives. It is imperative that we recognise the impact of crime on the entire citizenry and work collectively to find sustainable solutions as we seek to safeguard the future of our beloved nation.”
Regional chambers
seek action
Vivek Charran, chairman of the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers, said yesterday, “The Prime Minister provided some uncomfortable and worrying information about the police service, which he holds as factual based on the 2017 police manpower audit report ... he paints a picture of an immense and vitally important institution that’s burdened with corruption, indiscipline and supported by outdated and tedious legislation that doesn’t allow the TTPS to evolve to meet the clear and present danger of criminals who are themselves becoming more formidable.
“What he hasn’t said is the conditions the police have to labour under—where vehicles haven’t been fixed until it’s done through a private sector initiative by business chambers. Or that many stations aren’t supplied with basic requirements, yet we expect the police to work longer and harder at greater risk to their lives.”
Charran added, “Their wages settlement is in an unsatisfactory place, which is why they threatened not to work for Carnival. There also seems to be a disconnect between factions and the Police Commissioner, as highlighted by the recent promotions drama. So, what is the state of morale within the police service? Are they happy with their leadership? What is the prevailing culture within the TTPS? And the effect on recruits?
“To his credit, the Prime Minister noted the current situation is one borne of many years and governing administrations, and the only way to deal with this is through constitutional reform, which requires, he says, all 41 Members of Parliament to support. Yet we must say that when the nation asked for bilateral talks, it descended into political drama and nothing came of it.”
According to the businessman, “If the way forward is to make adjustments to the Constitution which could improve TTPS’ workings then it should be done post-haste.”
He questioned why the call for constitutional reform now when the report was done in 2017. He also questioned the decision to wait until we’re in a crisis, “when the nation isn’t happy with and is frustrated by the leadership in the TTPS and the National Security Ministry.”
Charran said, “The PM has pinpointed the TTPS’ faults and weaknesses and proposed a way to deal with certain aspects decisively if there’s co-operation across the floor. But he also needs to audit the role and performance of the National Security Ministry because contrary to what he has said, there is a feeling of hopelessness and what was said at the press conference doesn’t make it better.
“There’s fear amongst the elderly, businesses and communities. The time for action is now and the leadership of our key institutions, however well-intentioned and hard-working, must be graded on performance. The nation has decided that means less dead bodies in the streets, less home invasions and criminals behind bars.”
Some other business leaders said they did not see the PM’s media conference or were overseas.
We need answers from PolSC on CoP applications—Ragoonath
Political analyst Dr Bishnu Ragoonath, commenting on yesterday’s media briefing, said: “I’m still unclear if the Police Service Commission has started the process of inviting applications or are they waiting for a vacancy. I haven’t heard of any announcement that the PSC is accepting applications.
“The PM has talked of the process, but he too has not said if the applications are being accepted. This still leaves the question, who initiates the process? Is the PSC waiting for the vacancy before advertising? We need answers from the PSC because the PM is not saying.”