Express January 8 2013 r2
ALL MUST PLAY A ROLE IN REDUCING CRIME
The Chamber has, over several years, whether through private consultations, or
as part of our annual National Budget recommendations, continued to seek to
promote crime-reducing strategies to our national leadership. Some of the
measures we have suggested to Government have included a programme for
Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders, Youth Programmes and improved
crime management tools and addition of necessary modern day technologies
used elsewhere as a routine part of crime reduction management to bring our law
enforcement into the 21st century. Perhaps the coming year may see some of
these and similarly good suggestions that have come from other stakeholders
implemented, in order to realise the Police’s commitment to reduce the homicide
rate and increase detection.
We have on many occasions called for development a holistic National Crime
Plan, with consultation from the relevant stakeholders, in order to
comprehensively deal with runaway serious crime in this country.
While it has been recently announced that 2013 saw a 28% decrease in serious
reported crime – such crimes are now at the lowest in 29 years – the number of
murders stood at 405 persons. However one looks at it, this alarming, not just for
the escalation in numbers but in shocking and heinous acts that accompanied the
killings such as the incidents of beheadings. The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of
Industry and Commerce concurs with the victims of crime and the general public
who have expressed fear and frustration over the current situation.
Citizens of T&T deserve to feel safe in our communities, schools, places of work
and homes. But a safer, crime-free T&T starts with each of us. We strongly believe
that obedience to, and enforcement of laws, no matter how small or great will
make a dent in crime. We encourage each of us all to ask ourselves ‘What can I
do’ to create the environment that will bring our country back to a state of
honesty, safety and trust.’
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Express January 8 2013 r2
However, we recognise that we cannot continue to believe that only by the
Government implementing more measures, or that adding more laws, will there
be a significant, long-term reduction in all types of crime. Criminal activity,
whether classified as serious crimes, white collar crimes, or blue collar crimes, can
only be stamped out by a national effort.
On all levels, whether Government, businesses, institutions or individually, there
is a need for improved governance, transparency and accountability. The
importance of transparency is an issue that cannot be overemphasised, as a
deficiency of it not only widens the lack of trust among the public, business and
government, but also diminishes the sense of confidence our young people have
in their leaders.
The leaders of our institutions, business and political or otherwise, serve as role
models to our youth, and it is unacceptable for those in charge to be seen as
above the law or unaccountable for their actions. Crime is not just about murders
or assaults – bribery, fraud, and tax evasion are also crimes. When the
Government does not implement transparent procurement legislation, this aids in
perpetuating corruption. Similarly, Constitutional reform which allows our elected
leaders to be accountable for their performance is long overdue. These are things
that must be addressed at all levels in order to start the cultural shift to one of
accountability and transparency in all that we do.
The fight against crime is for each of us. To quote philosopher, Edmund Burke:
“Evil can only triumph if good people do nothing. Action is required”.
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