FOLLOWING the brazen, horrific murders from Gonzales to the Port of Spain hospital, a worried Dr Rowley declared last Tuesday: “The government is ready to discuss this and similar initiatives with our parliamentary colleagues, if only they will see it as their job too.”
In other circumstances, this would have sounded quite statesmanlike, even providing some hope to a population filled with fear.
However, the Government and Opposition had walked that beaten path last year. Nothing came of it partly because each side showed obstinacy by clinging on to superficial conditions which derailed the main purpose. The public saw that attempt and its regrettable failure as a pappyshow.
To come now with the same proposal, especially with no clear workable conditions, according to one talk-show host, appears to be just a “political mamaguy.”
However, I have no doubt, given the crime situation, the PM means well this time.
But political perception now supersedes promises. So both UNC deputy leader Dr Roodal Moonilal and United Patriots’ leader Rushton Paray not unexpectedly, harshly rebuffed Dr Rowley’s offer. Perhaps the government thought there was an outside chance that Paray’s United Patriot would have accepted the offer.
Dr Moonilal bluntly said: “At this 99th hour, when the arrogance and incompetence of Rowley, Young and Hinds have plunged our nation into utter chaos, the people are stringent in the call for general elections…No amount of talking to Rowley can bring hope and security.”
Obviously, the Opposition, energised by its numerous public “anti-crime talks,” is smelling election blood.
Paray declared: “Dr Rowley’s call for collaboration remains disingenuous. As Prime Minister, he bears the responsibility of fostering an environment conducive to consensus building and accommodation.”
He then diplomatically opened a window: “I am confident that the leader of the Opposition will engage in dialogue when there are genuine signals of collaboration and respect.”
Ah, that word “respect” again.
Sometimes I wonder who really advises the government on crime and national security.
The Strategic Services Agency (SSA) is in serious trouble. The detection of murders suffers a dismally low 12-15 per cent rate, the Police Service Commission (PSC) is itself handicapped, the parliamentary system of political accountability is nakedly ineffective, while all this and more remain without remedial proposals. Do the politicians like it so?
Newspaper letter-writer Jeremy Jones alleged last week: “These politicians and their colleagues on both sides – have an active interest in sustaining and perpetuating the lawlessness and lack of accountability that exists at all levels within this government and all previous administrations. It is these circumstances that enable the nepotism, tyranny and corruption that pervade life in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Look, while crime continues on its unchecked rampage, overwhelming a stressed-out police service, the majority of people still yearn for a better, peaceful, well-governed
