Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Concerned Citizens for a Better San Fernando, a non-governmental organisation, held a motorcade yesterday calling on citizens to unite against crime.
Through the speakers blaring from music trucks as they drove through the streets of San Fernando and environs, members of the group beseeched residents to stand up against crime.
In an interview at Naparima College Grounds in San Fernando, where the motorcade culminated with a rally, spokesman Pundit Rudranath Maharaj said they intend to prepare a document after the event which will be sent to three key office holders.
“We are looking to send a document to the Honourable Prime Minister, to the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, and, most importantly, to the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for some short-term tangible measures that can be put in place and lead to the desired effect that we wish to see.”
A participant waves a national flag during the motorcade along Rushworth Street, San Fernando, yesterday.
RISHI RAGOONATH
Maharaj said those measures would include a properly resourced Police Service and other arms of the protective services and the removal of political interference.
Urging people to speak out, he said, “It is all about the red, white, and black. Our country that we love so dearly, our country that is in crisis. Our country is crying out for effective leadership and policies to deal with this scourge once and for all.”
He said that a loud and clear message will be sent to officeholders. “We are fed up. We are tired of the talk and the rhetoric. We are tired of politicising crime. You need to come together, and you need to listen to your citizens, and you need to take firm, decisive action now.”
Maharaj is hopeful that their message will resonate with citizens, including victims of crime. “That you are not standing alone,” he added.
